2021 Lincoln Aviator Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.9

Ranked #8 in 

Midsize SUV
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$51,570 - $88,985
Starting Price 

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  • L

    LincolnLemon

    22/06/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... dealer can't fix it. Both front windows rattle, been back 3 times and they can't fix it. In for service the last 8 days. When I start the car, sounds like the exhaust is loose and there is a rattle. Found out today it's the VCT selenoids ( I don't even know what they are) Motor has to come out to replace them. NoticedRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • P

    Pete

    15/02/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    I purchased a 2021 Feb 18, 2021. It has approximately 8900 miles on it. Feb 5, 2022, driving on the freeway at 70 mph when all of a sudden, I pressed on the gas and the engine just revved. I started to coast at 60 mph when the car went BAM. It shifted to first gear at 60 mph. I tried getting over on the sideRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • M

    Mansour

    31/01/2023

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    I bought a brand new Aviator 2021 and faced some technical problems in Fuel Gauge, Rear Camera, software and rubber!! Yes , it is a comfortable car, but it is not reliable!! Plus the local dealer in UAE has no experience to solve allRead More

    Source: edmunds

2021 Lincoln Aviator SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

23

Recalls

1

Investigations

26

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 6, 2024

Introduced as 2020 MY and built on a trusted platform that it shares with the Ford Explorer, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator,continues to be a buyer’s delight. It resonates with luxury and pragmatism and fills the void in the brand’s lineup to compete against seasoned rivals like the Audi Q7, the Volvo XC90, and the Cadillac XT6. However, against each of these contemporaries, the 2021 Aviator’s unblemished performance in sections of reliability and quality allows it to stand out. While it has just 4 complaints listed to its name, the SUV has been called back a whopping 7 times by the brand. Let us have a closer look at the problems and recalls of the Aviator, to understand its true performance potential, and find out whether it is as dependable as it seems on paper.

2021 Lincoln Aviator User Complaints and Problems

Electric System Complaints

  • Improper functioning of the rearview camera: As the only complaint in the list of the Lincoln Aviator electrical problems, the malfunctioning of the rearview camera is a known cause. Complainants have reported the backup camera to display a blurry or no image when in operation. While it has been noted only once in 2021 MY, buyers of the debut iteration have also recorded a similar issue.
  • Issues with the temperature display: Listed on unofficial forums, buyers of the SUV have reported the inability of the infotainment system to display the temperature settings, when the air conditioning unit is in use. In most cases, it is noted that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator wireless Apple CarPlay functionality interferes with the normal working of the system, causing the problem to reoccur.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Engine Failure: Amongst the reported mechanical issues, three buyers of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have reported a failure of the SUV’s engine. In all the cases, complainants have recorded the vehicle shuddering excessively, before stalling unexpectedly. When an inspection was conducted, an engine replacement was deemed as the only possible solution by the brand.

2021 Lincoln Aviator Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

10th Nov 2021

21V870000

Incorrect components in the rear suspension module

Due to a labeling error, incorrect components might have been installed in the rear suspension module.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the incorrect components, free of cost.

2.

22nd Sept 2021

21V735000

Malfunctioning rearview camera

Due to a failure of the video output, the rearview camera might not display an image.

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of cost.

3.

23rd Aug 2021

21V652000

Compromised performance of side airbags

Due to the possible detachment of the weld studs, the side airbags might not deploy as intended in case of a crash.

Dealers will replace the side airbag assemblies, free of charge.

4.

15th July 2021

21V534000

Unsecured wire harness

The wire harness might not be properly secured, which can result in damage to the electrical wires, increasing the chance of fire.

If the wire harness belt is found to be damaged, dealers will replace the component, free of cost.

5.

30th Mar 2021

21V223000

Loss of image from rearview camera

Due to an error in the Image Processing Module, the rearview camera might not display an image.

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of cost.

6.

17th Dec 2020

20V788000

Loose motor mount fasteners

Due to improper tightening, the right motor mount fasteners may loosen over time.

Dealers will remove and replace the motor fasteners, free of cost.

7.

20th Nov 2020

20V726000

Fractured front knuckles

Due to an error in manufacturing, the front knuckles might get damaged over time.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the front knuckles, free of cost.

Should you buy a 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator issues are restricted and do not have a widespread impact. As a result, the SUV proves to be an instant superstar. It is dependable, trustworthy, and structurally sound, which allows the vehicle to rank highly in our list of reliable midsize SUVs. Additionally, it is opulent and spacious, which makes it a perfect family hauler as well. So, if you plan on buying the 2021 Aviator, chances are that you would not regret your decision.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 1, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690747

Components: 220000 SEATS

NHTSA ID Number:
11690747

Incident Date:
October 1, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J6WC1MG

Consumer Location:
JACKSONVILLE, FL

Summary
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the seat folding switch on the third-row...

August 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11683995

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11683995

Incident Date:
August 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY2MN

Consumer Location:
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI

Summary
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV lift gate safety stop does not function properly. It will come closing down...

August 28, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11683805

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11683805

Incident Date:
August 28, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY2MN

Consumer Location:
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI

Summary
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator grand touring PHEV has on 3 separate occasions randomly gone into brick mod...

July 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11675141

Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NHTSA ID Number:
11675141

Incident Date:
July 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7WC0MG

Consumer Location:
BASTROP, TX

Summary
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while 5 MPH and depressing the accelerat...

July 14, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11673256

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11673256

Incident Date:
July 14, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7XC4MG

Consumer Location:
OTTAWA, KS

Summary
Trim piece on back drivers side window has fallen off while driving down the highway.

75/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

82/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

73/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

79/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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