Last updated: 2026-07-25

Lincoln Aviator

1 Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lincoln Aviator average of 64/100

The Lincoln Aviator years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 57/100. The best Lincoln Aviator year to buy is 2024 70/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator scores significantly below the model average of 64/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 57/100 due to electrical system (29) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 66/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Lincoln Aviator average of 64/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202057/100Mixed2999Electrical System (29)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has mixed reliability. There are 29 recalls and 99 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (15).

29 recalls99 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (15), Structure (7), Back Over Prevention (7), Steering (4)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Lincoln Aviator Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lincoln Aviator model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

54 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

POWER TRAIN

21 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION

17 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

STRUCTURE

15 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

ENGINE

12 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

Best Lincoln Aviator Year to Buy Instead

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator has good reliability. There are 16 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Engine (3), Back Over Prevention (3).

Score: 66/100 (Good)16 recalls21 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Lincoln Aviator year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lincoln Aviator Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2020–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lincoln Aviator years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Lincoln Aviator years: 2020 (score: 57/100). These model years score significantly below the Lincoln Aviator average of 64/100.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Aviator?
The best year for the Lincoln Aviator is 2024, with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 5 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lincoln Aviator have?
Across all years in our database, the Lincoln Aviator has a total of 116 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lincoln Aviator worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 70/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 64/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lincoln Aviator problems?
The most common Lincoln Aviator problems are electrical system (54 complaints), unknown or other (28 complaints), power train (21 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable long-term?
The Lincoln Aviator has an average reliability score of 64/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lincoln Aviator generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lincoln Aviator generation is the Second generation (U611) with an average score of 62/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Lincoln Aviator?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Lincoln Aviator is $807 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Lincoln Aviator a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Lincoln Aviator is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 8 recalls and 5 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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