Owners have filed 168 complaints
about the 2003 Lincoln Aviator with NHTSA between 2003 and 2022.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 95
Against the median year of the Lincoln Aviator. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 54
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Lincoln Aviator
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
43.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
129.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1613.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1512.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2520.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1915.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2419.8%
150,000+ miles
65.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2003peak 12Nov 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Lincoln Aviator
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA09013Opened 18 Aug 2009Closed 12 Feb 2013POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mech...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
Recalls on the 2003 Lincoln Aviator
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003027385 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, both Daytime Running Lights will deactivate when either the right or left turn signal is activated. Correction: Dealer will replace the existing Aviator DRL (Daytime Running Light) module with the Explorer DRL module and rework appropriate wire harnesses. This will change the DRL system from a reduced voltage hi-beam lamp system to a fog lamp DRL system.
Recall 200222423 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission shifter cable may become dislodged from the shifter cable bracket resulting in incorrect gear indication, which can include the park position. Correction: Dealers will install a strap to the shifter cable adjuster to prevent the cable from dislodging from the bracket.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 142,000 milesPalm Coast, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LEFT HARM AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10808030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesRoyal Palm Beach, FL2 injured
AIR BAGS
TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10458701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSuperior, WI1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG STRUCK HIM IN THE REAR OF THE HEAD AND CAUSED SEVERE HEADACHES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR ATTORNEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10359053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesAnderson, SCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND BRAKING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NARROWLY MISSED STRIKING A SECOND PARKED VEHICLE BY INCHES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #10226925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesViolet Hill, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I WAS UNABLE TO STOP 2003 AVIATOR AND RAN INTO A BUILDING. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10196396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesNorth Datmouth, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THERE WERE NO FAILURES PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, WHERE HE SUSTAINED BACK AND HEAD TRAUMA. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 78000. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. *AK THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE DUSSALT AND ZATIR NUMBER 18005424529 TO OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT AND ALSO PROVIDED PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS INJURIES. UPDATE 05/10/07
NHTSA complaint #10185065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mount Laurel, NJ
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Hercules HTS-Terra-Trac, Tire Size 245/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire sidewall separated in the center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02T003000 (Tires). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11494063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Laurel, NJ
TIRES:SIDEWALL
The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Hercules HTS-Terra-Trac, Tire Size 245/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front tire sidewall separated in the center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02T003000 (Tires). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11494063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South SAN Francisco, CA
POWER TRAIN
A YEAR AGO NOTICED WHEN SHIFTING AND UP TO DATE MY SHIFTER GEAR INDICATOR NOT SHIFT TO CORRECT GEAR INDICATOR AND FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY, I BELIEVED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE MAY BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE SHIFT CABLE BRACKET. I TAKE MY TRUCK TO AN TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE SHIFT CABLE MUST BE ADJUSTED TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM CONTINUE.. I PAID $225 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION AND IN ORDER THE PROBLEM WILL BE INCURRED MORE EXPENSE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK WHAT NHTSA CAN DO TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. THANK YOU,
NHTSA complaint #11337554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
POWER TRAIN
I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT IN THAT'S CONTROL ARM. THE TRANSFER CASE.
NHTSA complaint #11327576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
WHEELS
I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT IN THAT'S CONTROL ARM. THE TRANSFER CASE.
NHTSA complaint #11327576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBoron, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER POSITION WAS NOT IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDICATOR DID NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT GEAR THAT WAS BEING UTILIZED. ANTELOPE VALLEY FORD (LOCATED AT 1155 AUTO MALL DR, LANCASTER, CA 93534, (888) 415-0959) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11253583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11231987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSisters, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER GETS STUCK. IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE DEPRESSED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR FOOT DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE PUT IT INTO GEAR. THE BRAKE SENSOR IS WORKING. AFTER READING MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE THE PLASTIC ROD IN THIS ASSEMBLY. WHY PLASTIC WOULD BE USED IS BAFFLING. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AROUND $1200.00 DOLLARS. UNBELIEVABLE. ONE MAN SAID HE HAS REPLACED THIS PART 3 TIMES. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH FORD IN GENERAL. MY CAR HAS 80,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN KEPT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. NOW THIS, ALONG WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR GOING OUT AS WELL. ANOTHER $4000-$600 DOLLAR FIX. QUITE UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS. I AM 60 AND CANNOT BE STUCK SOMEWHERE AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11120490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE IS BROKEN; INTERMITTENT PROBLEM MOVING GEER AND WHEN MOVED, IT MAY GENERATE A VIOLENT JERK BEFORE MOVING. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. BUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 IS ONLY COVERING A SELECTED AMOUNT OF VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BUT THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11035328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMerrimack, NH
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE HAS BEEN A UNPROVOKED CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE PANEL FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW (WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL), WE HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES UNTIL THE REAR WINDOW STARTED FLYING OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 30MPH. THE LATCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO WATER SEEPING INTO CRACK.
NHTSA complaint #11010322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMerrimack, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE HAS BEEN A UNPROVOKED CRACK IN THE LIFT GATE PANEL FOR A COUPLE YEARS NOW (WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL), WE HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES UNTIL THE REAR WINDOW STARTED FLYING OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 30MPH. THE LATCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO WATER SEEPING INTO CRACK.
NHTSA complaint #11010322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE A LINCOLN AVIATOR 2003, IT HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT DOESN'T SHIFT GEARS WHEN IT'S SUPPOSED TOO. THOS HAPPENS WHEN I PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR. IS ANYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #11001530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
STRUCTURE:BODY
THERE IS A CRACK BELOW MY BACK WINDOW THAT CAUSES LOTS OF AIR TO COME IN AND ALSO LOTS OF WATER LEAKS AND WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO WORK WITH ME TO GET THIS REPAIRED IT GETS VERY COLD IN THERE WITH ALL THE COLD AIR THAT COMES IN WITH MY SMALL CHILDREN HOPEFULLY SOMETHING CAN BE DONE FOR THE AMOUNT THAT WE PAID ON THIS VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #10949957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,231 milesRock, MI
POWER TRAIN
SHIFTER KNOB ON 03 AVIATOR BROKE OFF. THE SHIFTER WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE, HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND BRACE THE TIRES FROM ROLLING ON AN INCLINE. WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR WITH ME. SCARY!!!!!! THE PROBLEM IS A PLASTIC PIECE BROKE IN THE SHIFTER COLUMN. HAS YET TO BE FIXED. QUOTED $900 TO FIX. ALSO THE LIFTGATE CRACKED AT THE LINCOLN EMBLEM WITCH I WAS TOLD THAT IT HOLDS THE GLASS IN PLACE AND IT SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT WHEN IT CRACKED, SHOOK ME UP. THIS IS A FORD/LINCOLN FAILURE ON A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE HATCH IS NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE COMPLETELY BECAUSE OF WHERE THE CRACK IS LOCATED. THE CRACK IS LOCATED NEAR THE LINCOLN EMBLEM. WHAT IF WATER CAUSE A ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM WATER GETTING INTO THE CLOSING MECHANISM, STILL WAITING FOR A RECALL ON THIS. QUOTED $500 TO FIX 107,231 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10915223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,231 milesRock, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
SHIFTER KNOB ON 03 AVIATOR BROKE OFF. THE SHIFTER WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE, HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND BRACE THE TIRES FROM ROLLING ON AN INCLINE. WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR WITH ME. SCARY!!!!!! THE PROBLEM IS A PLASTIC PIECE BROKE IN THE SHIFTER COLUMN. HAS YET TO BE FIXED. QUOTED $900 TO FIX. ALSO THE LIFTGATE CRACKED AT THE LINCOLN EMBLEM WITCH I WAS TOLD THAT IT HOLDS THE GLASS IN PLACE AND IT SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT WHEN IT CRACKED, SHOOK ME UP. THIS IS A FORD/LINCOLN FAILURE ON A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE HATCH IS NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE COMPLETELY BECAUSE OF WHERE THE CRACK IS LOCATED. THE CRACK IS LOCATED NEAR THE LINCOLN EMBLEM. WHAT IF WATER CAUSE A ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM WATER GETTING INTO THE CLOSING MECHANISM, STILL WAITING FOR A RECALL ON THIS. QUOTED $500 TO FIX 107,231 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10915223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
POWER TRAIN
ON MY 2003 AVIATOR THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH AND MY CAR ALARM GOES OFF. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS YEAR 2016. MY BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE IN TWO DAYS. SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. WAS SUMMONED OVER THE INTERCOM IN A DEPARTMENT STORE AND AT WORK SAYING THAT A LINCOLN SUV'S ALARM WAS GOING OFF AND THAT THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. I KNEW IT WAS MINE. I HIT THE ALARM BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB WHICH CUT OFF THE ALARM FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON WHICH MAKES MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH QUICKLY AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE GLARE OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BEING ON. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT, STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. IT ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT OVER THE YEARS, I'VE HAD SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION, HAD TO REPLACE 2 WHEEL BEARINGS, THERE'S A CRACK NEAR THE EMBLEM ON THE LIFTGATE, THE STEREO MAKES LOUD POPPING SOUNDS IN THE BACK WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT, SOMETIMES CAN'T GET OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK! I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I COMPLAINED TO THE FORD COMPANY SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THERE WERE ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES, AND ALSO MY WATER PUMP WENT BAD. THEIR REPLY WAS: "WE'RE SORRY TO HEAR THAT, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO ONE OF OUR DEALERS FOR GREAT SERVICE REPAIR". I THINK I BOUGHT A LEMON!! TOO MANY THINGS GOING WRONG WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND STILL HAVE LOW MILES!! MY WINDSHIELD SPRAYER CONTROL ON THE LEFT SIDE ON THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THAT ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10826028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON MY 2003 AVIATOR THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH AND MY CAR ALARM GOES OFF. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS YEAR 2016. MY BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE IN TWO DAYS. SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. WAS SUMMONED OVER THE INTERCOM IN A DEPARTMENT STORE AND AT WORK SAYING THAT A LINCOLN SUV'S ALARM WAS GOING OFF AND THAT THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. I KNEW IT WAS MINE. I HIT THE ALARM BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB WHICH CUT OFF THE ALARM FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON WHICH MAKES MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH QUICKLY AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE GLARE OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BEING ON. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT, STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. IT ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT OVER THE YEARS, I'VE HAD SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION, HAD TO REPLACE 2 WHEEL BEARINGS, THERE'S A CRACK NEAR THE EMBLEM ON THE LIFTGATE, THE STEREO MAKES LOUD POPPING SOUNDS IN THE BACK WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT, SOMETIMES CAN'T GET OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK! I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I COMPLAINED TO THE FORD COMPANY SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THERE WERE ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES, AND ALSO MY WATER PUMP WENT BAD. THEIR REPLY WAS: "WE'RE SORRY TO HEAR THAT, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO ONE OF OUR DEALERS FOR GREAT SERVICE REPAIR". I THINK I BOUGHT A LEMON!! TOO MANY THINGS GOING WRONG WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND STILL HAVE LOW MILES!! MY WINDSHIELD SPRAYER CONTROL ON THE LEFT SIDE ON THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THAT ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10826028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ON MY 2003 AVIATOR THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH AND MY CAR ALARM GOES OFF. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS YEAR 2016. MY BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE IN TWO DAYS. SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. WAS SUMMONED OVER THE INTERCOM IN A DEPARTMENT STORE AND AT WORK SAYING THAT A LINCOLN SUV'S ALARM WAS GOING OFF AND THAT THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. I KNEW IT WAS MINE. I HIT THE ALARM BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB WHICH CUT OFF THE ALARM FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON WHICH MAKES MY INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH QUICKLY AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE GLARE OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BEING ON. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT, STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. IT ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT OVER THE YEARS, I'VE HAD SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION, HAD TO REPLACE 2 WHEEL BEARINGS, THERE'S A CRACK NEAR THE EMBLEM ON THE LIFTGATE, THE STEREO MAKES LOUD POPPING SOUNDS IN THE BACK WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT, SOMETIMES CAN'T GET OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK! I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I COMPLAINED TO THE FORD COMPANY SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THERE WERE ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES, AND ALSO MY WATER PUMP WENT BAD. THEIR REPLY WAS: "WE'RE SORRY TO HEAR THAT, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO ONE OF OUR DEALERS FOR GREAT SERVICE REPAIR". I THINK I BOUGHT A LEMON!! TOO MANY THINGS GOING WRONG WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND STILL HAVE LOW MILES!! MY WINDSHIELD SPRAYER CONTROL ON THE LEFT SIDE ON THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THAT ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10826028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,732 milesNEW Orlrans, LA
POWER TRAIN
TAKATA RECALL WHEN I PARK IN MY DRIVE WAY MY CAR WON'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK I HAVE TO HAVE IT PUSHED AN ROCKED BACK AN FORTH TO GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT AN IT WON'T LET ME DRIVE IT IN DRIVE GEAR I CAN ONLY DRIVE IT IN 3RD GEAR IT HAS THIS JURK WHEN I STOP TO PARK IT CONSTANTLY GETTING STUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10808053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesPalm Coast, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LEFT HARM AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10808030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMillington, TN
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10775940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,300 milesGray, GA
AIR BAGS
I WAS LEAVING MY RESIDENCE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHICH SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT. UPON RECOVERING FROM THE INITIAL SHOCK, I OBSERVED THE SIDE WINDOW/CURTAIN AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE HADN'T BEEN HIT OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE TO CALM MY SON AND WE RETURNED TO THE HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10758828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMaylene, AL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR. WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V313000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10733847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesWilmington, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
CRACKS IN REAR HATCH PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #10654291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesNorth Chesterfield, VA
POWER TRAIN
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2003 LINCOLN AVIATOR WHEN IT BASICALLY STOPPED GOING AND WOULDN'T CHANGE GEAR OR SPEED UP. (THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S GOTTEN STUCK IN GEAR, THE 1ST TIME WAS WHEN IT WAS PARKED AND WOULDN'T MOVE BUT THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED FREELY). WE GOT IT BACK HOME AND REALIZED AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE HAD COME DISLODGED. LINCOLN HAD A RECALL ON 25 VEHICLE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, WHEN I CALLED I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WASN'T ONE OF THEM AND WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGHT I'M HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ONE HERE ONE TIME BEFORE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THIS IS CRAZY. I COULD'VE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BEHIND THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10553042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.