Last updated: 2026-07-25
2021 Lincoln Aviator Reliability Report
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 28 recalls and 38 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
28
Complaints
38
Complaint Rate
18.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ENGINE (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the Second generation (U611).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2025.
- 2nd generation Aviator (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: Second generation (U611) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the Second generation (U611).
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
At 62/100, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 2 of the Second generation (U611).
Owners log 38 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (9). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Lincoln Aviator, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Lincoln Aviator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (9 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (4 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Lincoln Aviator With
2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Audi Q7
Reliability: 59/100
2021 Lexus RX
Reliability: 86/100
2021 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 28 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Recall Overview
28
recalls on record
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 28 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
18.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Lincoln Aviator Recall Details
28 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Consequence
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Consequence
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Showing 10 of 28 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator? Check its history first
Every 2021 Lincoln Aviator has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.1%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–18 city / 24–26 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
23 MPG
Running cost: $3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator PHEV AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
Test infotainment system for freezing or failure to boot
Check for engine vibrations or unusual noises
Inspect backup camera functionality for blue or distorted screen
Verify window regulator operation on all windows
Test lift gate safety stop function
Check for water leaks from sunroof or door trim
Examine heated seats for signs of burns or overheating
2021 Lincoln Aviator Common Problems by Component
38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator commonly report issues related to the electrical system, with symptoms including unexpected braking, vehicle shutdowns, and battery failures. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle braking on its own, sometimes accompanied by dashboard messages about reduced power, and instances where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, posing a risk of loss of control. Several reports involve problems with the vehicle not starting and battery-related issues, even after dealer interventions. Additionally, issues with the camera systems and malfunctioning lift gates are noted, with one report mentioning injuries from the lift gate malfunction. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 35,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for accidents due to unexpected vehicle behavior and visibility challenges.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator report several power train issues, with common problems including the vehicle rolling backwards when parked on an incline and the powertrain malfunctioning during driving. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle entering a "brick" mode, rendering it unresponsive and difficult to tow due to the electric parking brake not disengaging. Additionally, some owners experience a loss of acceleration, particularly in intersections or while using cruise control, with sudden shifts to lower gears causing abrupt deceleration. These issues are reported across varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 11,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near collisions and concerns about potential fires from charging issues in plug-in hybrid models.
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Complaints frequently mention catastrophic engine failure, often requiring complete engine replacement, with some vehicles experiencing these issues as early as 4,181 miles and others around 79,403 miles. Typical symptoms include loss of power, heavy smoke from the exhaust, vibrations, and engines seizing without warning. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe being stranded on busy roads or experiencing engine shutdowns while driving, which could lead to potential accidents. Additionally, one report highlights an exhaust system failure leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing a risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator report several issues related to the hybrid system and exhaust odor. Multiple complaints describe high voltage battery warnings appearing when the electric battery shows zero miles while idling, with messages to pull over safely and the vehicle entering auxiliary mode. Additionally, some owners experience a persistent sulphur-like exhaust smell, which is noticeable inside and outside the vehicle, and has been reported to dealerships without resolution. Another issue involves the rearview camera image not being addressed despite recall notices. These problems have been ongoing for over two years, with no specific mileage range mentioned, and could impact the vehicle’s usability and comfort.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator frequently report issues with the rear-view camera, particularly while reversing. Common symptoms include the camera flickering, displaying distorted images, or failing to show an image altogether, with some owners experiencing a blue screen instead. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from 17,000 to 50,000 miles. The complaints suggest that parts for recall repairs are not readily available, leading to extended delays in resolving the problem. Safety concerns are evident, as the inability to see behind the vehicle while reversing could increase the risk of accidents.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator report issues related to visibility, specifically involving the sunroof and door trim. One common problem is water entering the vehicle through the sunroof after rain, attributed to clogged drain tubes, with symptoms recurring even after initial repairs. Another issue involves the driver's side rear door trim detaching while driving, although this was not resolved in the reported case. These problems are noted at approximately 60,000 miles. While no crashes or safety incidents are reported, potential water damage and the door trim detachment could be concerning for prospective buyers.
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator report issues related to the fuel system, primarily involving stalling and acceleration problems. One owner describes the vehicle stalling at high speeds (70-75 MPH) with the check engine light illuminating, leading to the vehicle failing to restart, while another owner notes a lack of response from the accelerator pedal at low speeds (5 MPH), with a "Shift to Park" message displayed. These issues occur at approximately 67,000 and 130,000 miles, respectively. Safety implications include potential loss of power while driving, which may pose a risk of stalling in traffic. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported fuel system problems and verify if recall repairs have been addressed.
SEATS (2 complaints)
SEATS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator report issues with the vehicle's seats, specifically involving the third-row seat folding switch and heated seat functionality. One complaint describes the third-row seat unable to return to an upright position due to a malfunctioning folding switch, with the mileage at the time of failure unknown. Another complaint involves the heated seats causing a burn hole in the seat and damage to clothing, indicating a potential defect in the seat heating mechanism. This incident includes a safety implication due to the risk of burns, but no mileage information is provided. These issues highlight potential concerns for prospective buyers, especially regarding the functionality and safety of seat features.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners report two main structural issues with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. One complaint describes a trim piece on the back driver's side window falling off while driving at highway speeds, which could potentially pose a safety risk if debris hits other vehicles. Another issue involves snow and ice accumulating in the wheel wells due to the material used, which owners describe as a felt-like texture. This accumulation can impede steering and turning in snowy conditions, particularly noted by an owner living in Colorado. There are no specific mileage ranges mentioned, but the problems are associated with driving in snow and highway conditions.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedI was completely stopped in traffic a car failed to reduce speed and slammed into the back of my car. My neck whipped forward no air bags deployed.
When Do 2021 Lincoln Aviator Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Aviator year is 2024 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (68/100) and 2023 (66/100).
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
The worst Lincoln Aviator year is 2020 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to electrical system (29) issues.
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Aviator reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have?
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lincoln Aviator.
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