2022 Lincoln Aviator Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.7

Ranked #14 in 

Midsize SUV
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$51,780 - $88,230
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  • HM

    Hector M. Armaiz M.D.

    26/06/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    The worst SUV I've ever bought. 9 times to the dealer for engine problems in 2 years. I will not buy it again. Crazy to get off it.

    Source: edmunds

2022 Lincoln Aviator SUV Problems, Complaints, Issues, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

17

Recalls

1

Investigations

40

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 6, 2024

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator ranks 13th in our class of SUVs. It is a potent offering that combines practicality with utility and manages to make its place with its refined driving dynamics. While it does ace the tests in several aspects, Aviator’s reliability quotient is its only downside. Nonetheless, we feel that Lincoln’s capabilities are fair enough to target a market that hosts the likes of the Volvo XC60, the Audi Q7, and the Cadillac XT6. It is affordably priced and at just around $53,000, it is the most accessible option in the segment.

The 2022 Aviator changes are minimal and concerned with its options and packages. However, a carryover model does help the SUV to uphold its safety standards. It scores a 5-star rating in the NHTSA tests and is packed to the hilt with advanced driver-assistance features. Though the SUV has had its fair share of problems, Lincoln’s proactive nature to introduce abundant recalls helps resolve most issues. So, is the 2022 Aviator a dependable proposition or does it succumb to the pressure created by its competitors? Let’s find out.

2022 Lincoln Aviator User Complaints and Problems

Despite having an average J.D. Power rating of 75 points in reliability and quality, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator and even its previous iterations deliver class-competing performances. In the latest model year, the midsize SUV has had only 4 complaints, which are similar to the 2021 Lincoln Aviator issues. However, since the 2022 model continues to be a part of the second generation, it is important to take into account all the common problems of the SUV, ever since its introduction, and understand their implications on the ownership experience.

Electric System Complaints

  • Improper functioning rearview camera: The most common Lincoln Aviator electric problem is concerned with the rearview camera of the SUV. While most buyers have reported the camera to display a blue image on the screen, others have reported the image to flicker. In both cases, the electric fault hinders rearward visibility, increasing the chance of a crash. To deal with the problem, Lincoln has started two recalls 21V735000 and 21V223000, both of which resolve the issue through a software update.
  • Bright infotainment screen: In 2020 MY, buyers of the Lincoln Aviator have reported the infotainment screen to be invariably bright, which affects the driver’s visibility. The screen fails to adapt to the surrounding environment and as a result, it forms glares in the driver’s vision.
  • Problems with temperature display: Noted in the 2021 model year, buyers of the Lincoln Aviator have reported the inability of the central screen to display the temperature and air-conditioning settings. This happens primarily when the Apple CarPlay functionality is in use or when toggling through screens. While no official solution has yet been provided, a software update for the infotainment system can help deal with the issue.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Shaky transmission unit: The Lincoln Aviator transmission problems are rather uncommon and have not been noted in all iterations of the SUV. However, in cases where they have occurred, buyers have reported an unusual delay in the shifting between gears and shuddering of the vehicle when moving into a higher gear. Though no cause is yet known for the issue, the problem is yet to be replicated in the 2022 Aviator.
  • Stalling of engine: In a one-off case in the 2022 Aviator, a buyer has reported the SUV to lose its power and display a “Stop safely now” message. While the issue is all-new, its recurrence is limited and we believe that the brand will be able to deal with it quickly and efficiently.
  • Improper functioning of the braking system: Yet another known mechanical complaint of the Aviator SUV is concerned with its braking system. Buyers have found the SUV to not respond to the braking inputs, despite the pedal being depressed. While it most commonly happens when the vehicle is shifted from “Drive” to “Reverse”, a faulty braking system can increase the chance of the vehicle rolling away, which can lead to a crash.

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator’s dependability is top-notch. However, each of its rivals has delivered better standard performances. While we feel Volvo’s reliability quotient can never be questioned, even the 2022 Cadillac XT6 proves to be an ace-performer.

Category

Number of Complaints

Structure

2

Visibility

3

Wheels

1

Miscellaneous

8

2022 Lincoln Aviator Recalls

Compared to the Lincoln Aviator issues, the SUV’s recalls list is blown out of proportion. For around 40 complaints, the Aviator has been called back 14 times. The most recent recall has been started on 16th February 2022, which is concerned with the fuel system of the SUV, However, since the 2022 Aviator is still in its second generation, it is best to scavenge through all the recalls of the SUV to make the best decision.

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

1.

16th Feb 2022

22V088000

Fuel filler tube may detach

In the event of a crash, the fuel filler tube might possibly detach. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.

2.

10th Nov 2021

21V870000

Incorrect components in rear suspension module

Due to a labeling error, incorrect components might have been installed in the rear suspension module, which can affect the vehicle’s performance. 20 units of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have been covered under the recall.

3.

22nd Sept 2021

21V735000

Malfunctioning Rearview camera

Due to a possible error in the software, the rearview camera might not display any image, due to the failure of the video output.

4.

23rd Aug 2021

21V652000

Improper deployment of the side airbag

The side airbag weld studs might separate at the time of a crash, resulting in the improper deployment of the airbags. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.

5.

15th July 2021

21V534000

Improperly secured wire harness

The wire harness might come in contact with the A/C compressor pulley, resulting in damage to the electric wires, which can lead to a fire. 33,298 units of 2020 and 2021 Aviator have been affected by the recall.

6.

30th Mar 2021

21V223000

Malfunctioning Rearview camera

Due to an error in the image processing module, the video feed to the display might be lost, resulting in the improper functioning of the rearview camera. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws.

7.

10th Mar 2021

21V154000

Rear lower control arm bolts may break

The bolts that connect the rear lower control arm to the wheel knuckles might fracture due to improper heat treatment.

8.

15th Jan 2021

21V014000

Contamination of washer fluid

Due to the contamination of the washer fluid with brake fluid, the windshield might not be cleared properly, affecting visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

9.

17th Dec 2020

20V788000

Loosened motor mount fasteners

Due to improper tightening, motor mount fasteners might loosen over time, increasing the risk of the engine stalling.

10.

20th Nov 2020

20V726000

Front knuckles might damage

Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the front knuckles might rupture when the vehicle is in operation, increasing the risk of a crash.

11.

10th Nov 2021

20V693000

Fractured driveshaft

In the SUVs equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0 or 3.3L engine, the driveshaft might fracture along the weld seam. As a result, the driver might lose control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

12.

21st Aug 2020

20V497000

Side airbag may be loose in the seatback

The side airbag or the seatback components’ attachment might not have been properly tightened, which can affect the deployment of the airbag, increasing the risk of a crash.

13.

4th Dec 2019

19V859000

Possible fuel leak

Due to the intertwining of the vapor and plastic fuel lines, there is a possibility of a fuel leak.

14.

28th Aug 2019

19V633000

Reduced seatback strength

Due to a missing component, the rear seatbacks with manual reclining functionality might not be properly tightened.

15.

5th Aug 2019

19V575000

Vehicle in factory mode

Due to the vehicle being in factory mode, it fails to display all warning lights and messages, which is hazardous and a safety concern.

Compared to the Lincoln Aviator, all three SUVs deliver equal or better performance. While most rivals have no recalls to their names, it is only the 2022 Audi Q7 that has been called back once by the brand for the improper functioning of its rearview camera.

Component Affected

2022

2021

2020

Safety

0

1

1

Exterior

0

0

1

Electric

0

4

3

Interior

0

0

1

Drive System

0

2

3

Fuel System

1

0

1

Engine

0

0

1

Which Lincoln Aviator model year should you avoid?

The Lincoln Aviator made a comeback into the market after a hiatus of 15 years as the 2020 MY. So, there are only three iterations for the buyers to choose from. Amongst these, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the one to avoid. The debut iteration of the second generation has 31 complaints and 11 recalls to its name, which is incredibly high for any vehicle.

Should you buy a used Lincoln Aviator?

Absolutely! The Lincoln Aviator easily manages to coalesce a cavernous build with an ergonomic setup, and as a result, it promises to be a user-friendly vehicle. It is a true family hauler and despite its average reliability scores, we find it to be dependable. Its problem list seems contained, especially in the latest model years, and it also manages to score impressively in the safety tests. So, both a new or used Aviator has ample value to provide and can be a great inclusion to your garage.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 2, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11690950

Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NHTSA ID Number:
11690950

Incident Date:
October 2, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7WC4NG

Consumer Location:
PLANT CITY, FL

Summary
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V4...

September 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688306

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11688306

Incident Date:
September 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY5NN

Consumer Location:
OXFORD, CT

Summary
My Aviator was parked with trunk open to load groceries from shopping cart. Must have stepped under bumpe...

September 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688314

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11688314

Incident Date:
September 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY5NN

Consumer Location:
OXFORD, CT

Summary
Reference my NHTSA complaint # 11681607 dtd 8/19/25 regarding the problem with Autosense wipers that I've...

August 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11681596

Components: 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11681596

Incident Date:
August 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY5NN

Consumer Location:
OXFORD, CT

Summary
Despite multiple backup camera recalls & fixes, the backup camera blurs visibility & engages the backup c...

August 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11681607

Components: 130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11681607

Incident Date:
August 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LMYJ8XY5NN

Consumer Location:
OXFORD, CT

Summary
The AUTOSENSE wiper function has been erratic & not working properly since my Aviator was a yr old (2022)...

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