Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Lincoln Aviator problems

Owners filed 42 complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator with NHTSA between Mar 2022 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (12).

Complaints
42
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system12
  2. Engine6
  3. Structure5
  4. Visibility/wiper5
  5. Seats4
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Power train4
  8. Visibility3
  9. Vehicle speed control3
  10. Fuel/propulsion system3
  11. Back over prevention3
  12. Fuel system, gasoline2
  13. Suspension2
  14. Exterior lighting2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20224
20238
20243
202513
202614

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

12 reports2 related recalls
“The Driver Seat Module (DSM) is known to develop software glitches across the 2020–2024 Aviator/Corsair/Explorer platform, causing the seat to not move to the correct programmed memory position . Lincoln’s fix (per Special Service Message 51406, issued for Corsair but describing the same shared module) is a dealer reprogram of the DSM software. However, this did nothing to improve the problem. •Symptoms include complete loss of seat adjustment where switches do nothing and the seat is stuck in place, memory functions failing to recall saved positions, intermittent operation with clicking noises but no movement, and the easy entry/exit function drifting out of correct position over time. Additionally, the drivers seat bladders and actuators engage without driver input and the seat controls on the touchscreen, increase and decrease bladder input and motor control beyond the selected settings. This often HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Seats, Unknown or otherODI 11764001

Engine

6 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11741858

Structure

5 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the panoramic sunroof gasket deteriorated with chunks of the gasket missing. The contact inspect the gasket and became aware that the part was damaged by the elements. The contact was concerned that the gasket would allow water to leak into the vehicle. A dealer inspection appointment was scheduled. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Visibility, StructureODI 11774161

Visibility/wiper

5 reports
“I have a Lincoln Aviator 2021 that has had at least 6 recalls. I love Lincoln’s but this is ridiculous. I have 3 open right now with no remedy available. The first notice came to me March 2026. I haul grandkids a lot, my vehicle needs the recalls fixed so my vehicle is safe. Can anything be done about this?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Seats, Service brakes, Visibility/wiperODI 11768999

Seats

4 reports1 fire2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the seat folding switch on the third-row seat failed to function as intended. The seat was stuck in the down position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2025SeatsODI 11690747

Service brakes

4 reports
“I have been having issues with my breaks sticking when applied. To the point that it’s completely stopping my car and i need to use my foot to release the brake from behind. I have had the dealership look at this issue and they can’t seem to find the problem. They also broke my car and claimed they did not feel the sticking. I’ve had the dealership look at my vehicle twice for this issue. It is a safety risk with children in my vehicle. Also everyone i lock my vehicle. My alarm is going off saying someone is opening the door on my Lincoln app. Additionally, every time i start my car it says the passenger door is open, when it’s not. The sync Bluetooth constantly connects and disconnects or if i plug my phone i to the charger for CarPlay it does not work. This biggest problem is my brakes sticking. Like i said when i am braking gradually they are sticking to the floor and not releasing. Thai doesn’t always happen but it has happen a lot recently. I need this fixed!!!!! Multiple recalls that are not available as well”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11751230
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.