CarRecallDB

2003 Lincoln Aviator recalls and problems

1 recall and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator.

1
recalls
111
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Lincoln Aviator recalls

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 02V313000 · reported November 21, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 25 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, the transmission shift cable can become dislodged from the shift cable bracket.
The risk
This could result resulting in incorrect gear indication.
The fix
Dealers will add a strap to the shift cable adjuster to prevent the shift cable from becoming dislodged. Ford has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 18, 2022 · Tires

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…

Jul 5, 2020 · 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…

Jun 6, 2020 · Power train

I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT IN THAT'S CONTROL ARM. THE TRANSFER CASE.

Sep 6, 2019 · Power train · 100,000 miles

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, [phone…

Jul 15, 2019 · 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…

Aviator model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 111150
2004 08121
2005 05130

Across all years, the 2003 Aviator has the most complaints (111). All Lincoln Aviator years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, the most recent reported on November 21, 2002 (Power train: automatic transmission). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (55 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (15).
How many 2003 Lincoln Aviator complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 111 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 18, 2022.