2004 Lincoln Aviator
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Aviator › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Lincoln Aviator. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
81 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Wheels
My SUV misfires, slips in and out of gears, stalls at stop signs and lights, accelerates at stop lights. Occasionally when the ac IS turned on, there IS a very loud clunk sound.
- Air bags
Hit a guardrail on the parkway and only the passenger airbag deployed.
- Unknown or other
Backed up vehicle stopped shifted transmission to drive pressed accelerator vehicle rocketed backward because shift cable dislodged from attachment on transmission.
- Electrical system
Battery keeps getting drained, I have have had six new battery's within two years. Alternator has been replaced.
- Unknown or other
Shifter does not come out of park without trying many many times before it releases.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Power train
The vehicle down shift when turning into the first as it goes into second makes in awful noise. When I parked it and tried to start it and it was dead.the mechanic figure it had something to do with the starter he got under the vehicle to applied starter told me to start it and it did and it pinned…
The vehicle down shift when turning into the first as it goes into second makes in awful noise. When I parked it and tried to start it and it was dead.the mechanic figure it had something to do with the starter he got under the vehicle to applied starter told me to start it and it did and it pinned him under the vehicle.they later said the belt had popped. The vehicle had ben leaking a lite fluid they believed it to be the differential oil. Its a four wheel drive. I had it towed to bohn ford 6/5/17they are charging 350.00 to replace the belt.city st. Later park it at walmart parking lot where the people helped push the vehicle off the mechanic.the vehicle would roll back when put in drive.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. While operating the vehicle, the brake lights failed to illuminate. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wiring for the brake light switch was faulty. The contact indicated that the failure occurred on four separate occasions. The brake light…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. While operating the vehicle, the brake lights failed to illuminate. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wiring for the brake light switch was faulty. The contact indicated that the failure occurred on four separate occasions. The brake light switch was replaced and the failure was remedied.the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. Updated 08/29/17*lj *cn
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that when attempting to shift gears, the gear shifter seized. The contact also stated that the key was stuck in the ignition cylinder. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. While driving approximately 60 mph, the air bags deployed inadvertently. There was no crash involved. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they diagnosed that there was a crash detection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.
- Structure › Body
The back lift gate was crack with out accident, ford should recall. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
I was driving east on the 202 fwy in phoenix at a speed between 65-68 mph when I heard a loud bang and both side air curtains deployed. Time: 9:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 2015. *tr
- Power train
I tried to pull off at a very busy intersection and nothing. I came very close to getting into a crash. I am now told from the dealership that I need a new transmission and transfer case. I've taken very good care of my vehicle since I purchase my 2004 lincoln aviator lux with 80,000 miles on it…
I tried to pull off at a very busy intersection and nothing. I came very close to getting into a crash. I am now told from the dealership that I need a new transmission and transfer case. I've taken very good care of my vehicle since I purchase my 2004 lincoln aviator lux with 80,000 miles on it and always had it serviced at the dealership. I thought I was making a good decision when purchasing a lincoln. I'm a single parent and wanted a reliable vehicle. Worst decision I ever made!!! First it started with the gear shift getting stuck and needing replaced. Then I had to replace all coil packs. The air condition started making a funny noise when you turn it on but hasn't been fixed because the dealership can never get it to duplicate but happens to me all the time! Next both wheel hubs. The second one breaking on the interstate while in the middle of no where pennsylvania. Thankfully I noticed a weird noise and pulled over immediately because the tow truck driver (i had to wait on for 2 hours) said had I even drove 30 more feet I would have been in a possible fatal accident with both of my children in the car at 70 miles/hr. last week both control arms 3 days later leaves me stranded in traffic at a very busy intersection with the car behind me only coming inches from hitting me after I release the break and press the gas hear a loud noise and nothing happens! Did I mention this happened on my way to work! Again waited for 45 min for a tow truck. Now I have a estimated of $4850 to replace the transmission and transfer case. This vehicle has been a nightmare!!!!!!! I thankfully wasn't in any serious accident but came very close twice. I have no clue what I'm going to do now because I don't have the $4850 and if I did I think I would rather sue ford! Last but not least I still owe $6850 on my loan! This IS so unfair! *tr
- Power train · Unknown or other
Shifter would not go into park from reverse sometimes would not unlock from park position. Serious problem when your shifter shows in drive and you end up still going in reverse. Read other complaints from owners sounds like a defect which could cause serious injury or death. *js
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled as all of the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 102,000.
- Structure
As I was exiting a store and walking toward my vehicle, I noticed what looked like a black streak on the back of my liftgate. when I was closer, I saw that it was a crack in the back of the lift gate on the right side of the emblem of the vehicle from the bottom of the back window to the bottom…
As I was exiting a store and walking toward my vehicle, I noticed what looked like a black streak on the back of my liftgate. when I was closer, I saw that it was a crack in the back of the lift gate on the right side of the emblem of the vehicle from the bottom of the back window to the bottom of the lift gate. this crack was not there when I parked the vehicle to enter the grocery store because I had to walk around the back of the vehicle to make my way into the store and always look at the back end to make sure that I had pulled in far enough for others to pass. at first, I thought that someone had backed into my vehicle but there were no other marks, dents, scuffs, etc. I was curious to find out what would have caused this and found that this same crack has occurred to many other owners of lincoln aviators and well as ford explorers and mercury mountaineers. further research has indicated that this fracture was, in fact, a design flaw that was not addressed at the time of manufacture. so disappointed. *tr
- Structure › Body
Why washing SUV noticed a stress crack on my rear lift gate. Believe this to be a manufacturer defect. I noticed this crack on other lincoln/ford suv's. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
I purchased this vehicle as a certified used vehicle. It had an extended warranty. Once it expired I've experienced every single complaint people have stated online about this vehicle. As of today (12/02/13) it still has only 74,000 miles on it and the latest problem IS the transmission needs to be…
I purchased this vehicle as a certified used vehicle. It had an extended warranty. Once it expired I've experienced every single complaint people have stated online about this vehicle. As of today (12/02/13) it still has only 74,000 miles on it and the latest problem IS the transmission needs to be replaced but they don't know why. I am a stay at home mom and wear-and-tear on it IS very minimal (grocery shopping, to and from school, etc.). I have never had so many problems on a "so called" luxury vehicle before! I've had bad coils in cylinders 3, 4, 5 (twice), and 7 replaced under lincoln's recall. The tailgate panel cracked (just like all the other people who own this vehicle and the mountaineers have complained about), but they won't fix it. In addition, a white plastic piece fell out of the top half of the tailgate and now it will not close anymore therefore I can no longer take it through car washes. The bracket for the sun visor on my passenger side completely deteriorated and caused the visor to suddenly dangle from the roof of my car while driving. Now, I cannot flip it up and it causes a blind spot. There IS also something faulty with the brake light switch which drains my battery on a regular basis and I have to have my jumped. The brake light switch has been replaced 3 times now because it IS has shorted out. To complicate matters, every time I take the car to the dealership for these repairs, they insist on doing a "diagnostics check" and every time they want to charge a fee for this service. Every time the price IS different...some times its $50, sometimes its $100. This vehicle IS a lemon and I will never buy a ford/lincoln/mercury again. *tr
- Engine
The cars check engine light came on in 4-20-07 just over 50,000 miles. We were told by ford two cylinder heads7 &8 had issues and would require a $5900.00 o.h. They did offer us $1500.00 towards the engine. We learned latter, ford had a inter-office bulletin about this problem as did all-data. Now…
The cars check engine light came on in 4-20-07 just over 50,000 miles. We were told by ford two cylinder heads7 &8 had issues and would require a $5900.00 o.h. They did offer us $1500.00 towards the engine. We learned latter, ford had a inter-office bulletin about this problem as did all-data. Now at 126,00 we will have to have the engine overhauled. Ford should be mandated to cover the full cost of these repairs. They have known about this issue since 2004. *tr
- Engine · Power train
1 year after purchase at 52,000 -replaced coils (recalled) , brake switch, cost just to lead and find issues after full service maintenance, $1500. 2 yrs in, transmission due to thing that IS attached and looks like a brain plate to the transmission, (sms pack)still owing plus now, upcoming on…
1 year after purchase at 52,000 -replaced coils (recalled) , brake switch, cost just to lead and find issues after full service maintenance, $1500. 2 yrs in, transmission due to thing that IS attached and looks like a brain plate to the transmission, (sms pack)still owing plus now, upcoming on latest transmission/computer/ at 84,000 :( s car has taken me completely upside down and in the hole owing $12,000 + $3000 for newest repair. Just got car back and now it feels like there IS a potential small delay and wants to jump in the middle of traffic which I just experienced yesterday. why IS this car still on the road and not recalled. The problems go on and on and on. I emailed ford and was basically told to take the car into their dealership where I can be robbed even further. Sad!! These are only a small fraction of links that are out there due to lincoln having known issues. I spoke with a car salesman this last week and he has a 2005 aviator and just replaced the whole transmission at 92,000 miles. http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2004/lincoln/ls/power_train/problem.aspx http://www.automotiveforums.com/t936173-possible_solution_for_the_common_lincoln_ls_trans_problems.html http://vin.centralclearinghouse.com/central/vin.nsf/0/22bff5be198030b78825777d002f814d http://repairpal.com/shift-lever-stuck-in-drive- *tr
- Power train · Steering
I had just gotten onto the highway,at about 40 mph the rear wheels started to skip and jerk also there was a loud cluck from under the front....the mechanic found the transfer case was damaged due to cheap ford parts..... *tr
- Electrical system · Steering · Suspension
I purchased my truck used in december 2011 and it has been nothing but constant problems. first, the door locks would randomly engage/disengage on their own. or if button pushed nothing at all would happen. While the heater works, it emits a death rattle before blowing air. My ac doesn't work at…
I purchased my truck used in december 2011 and it has been nothing but constant problems. first, the door locks would randomly engage/disengage on their own. or if button pushed nothing at all would happen. While the heater works, it emits a death rattle before blowing air. My ac doesn't work at all and was told that I would need to replace the compressor. the most dangerous and expensive repair has been replacing the front differential mounting and wheel baring. I was told that it was only mounted on one side and was leaking and this was a common problem with this model car. The mechanic was actually able to shake my wheels with his bare hands. The front end stuff actually dropped from under the vehicle as I as driving. Luckily I was able to safely pull over and had to be towed on a flat bed because the front end was so damaged. repair costs $1400. and I was advised that it would probably happen again! Prior to this I also had to replace the wheel bearing and ball joints. ford does not stand by their product! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
My lincoln aviator started making a horrible noise in the rear of the vehicle on the morning of september 4, 2011. my wife took the aviator to the aaa car care center to find and repair the issue. the aaa certified technician placed the aviator on the lift and discovered the entire differential…
My lincoln aviator started making a horrible noise in the rear of the vehicle on the morning of september 4, 2011. my wife took the aviator to the aaa car care center to find and repair the issue. the aaa certified technician placed the aviator on the lift and discovered the entire differential unit was hanging freely and literally swinging under the vehicle. after further inspection, the welding that holds the mount to which the differential until IS bolted, broke from the frame. this issue of a differential mount weld breaking free has never been seen by the aaa certified technician or the aaa service manager with over 30 years of experience. furthermore, the mount was only welded on one side (side closest to the rear of the vehicle). I visited the local lincoln dealership and explained the issue with my aviator?s differential mount only being welded on one side and asked to see an aviator or explorer that would have the same differential mounting system. this lincoln dealership had an explorer up on the lift and showed me that the differential mount on all aviators and explorers do indeed have the differential mount welded on both sides to the frame. the potential damage from the differential unit falling off the vehicle and the drive shaft becoming dislodged IS exceedingly high and could pose a fatal scenario. I am asking for lincoln to investigate this potentially fatal error of only having one weld seam holding the differential unit mount to the frame and inspect for any further damages as a result, in addition to inspecting for other areas of faulty craftsmanship. this manufacturing defect IS in no way the error of the consumer or driving behavior. this issue points directly to the craftsmanship and integrity of the weld and quality control of lincoln. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed while trying to shift into reverse. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal and tried to change gears but the vehicle would not respond. She then attempted to remove the key from the ignition…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed while trying to shift into reverse. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal and tried to change gears but the vehicle would not respond. She then attempted to remove the key from the ignition but the key could not be removed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and the contact was advised that the gear shift assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 80,291.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln navigator. The contact stated that the air suspension system dropped the vehicle down upon starting. As a result, the vehicle would bounce and drive low to the ground. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the air suspension system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Seats
The lever (an "l" shaped lever) on the middle seat IS defective. While pressing down on the lever, the lever swung over and hit my thumb with such force that it fractured my thumb. It appears that the coil/spring action in the seat IS defective and dangerous. updated 11/25/11 *bf updated 11/30/11 *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure…
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10028736Ford: some vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. Oil separation appears to be and IS often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
- 10021944Extended warranty coverage on ignition coil assemblies.
- 10019912Engine misfire with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) pewee, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, p0308, and p0316.
- 10019384Low tire indicator on - TPMS system sensor wake up.
- 10019379Malfunction indicator lamp on with pcm diagnostic trouble code p0463 and/or ic diagnostic trouble code b1201 - fuel gauge drops to empty or slow to update after refueling.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10018064Noise from rear wheel hub bearings.
- 10017929Battery drained condition.
- 10017902Low speed steering shudder during low-speed turning maneuvers.
- 10017898Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004.
- 10017892Rear axle noise repair.
- 10017876Driver window initialization procedure. Driver window will not travel all the way down, or may bounce back when reaching it's upper travel limit.
- 10016832Backglass difficult to close and an intermittent door ajar lamp.
- 10014668Axle seal leaks.
- 10014664Front seat(s) slight movement when accelerating and/or decelerating.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013322Popping or quavering from radio on the am band.
- 10013306Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5R55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid additive. Supplement #1. Supplement #2. Supplement #3.
- 10013303Rear power window(s) inoperative.
- 10013121Front axle tube leak.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10012959Axle whine howl service with individual parts instead of an axle assembly.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10012952Driveline 1ST order vibration/boom/drone.
- 10012947Maf diagnostic service tip - vehicles equipped with egr system module (esm).
- 10011342No crank/no start condition when vehicle temperature IS below freezing (32f/0c).
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10010746Speed control inoperative or not holding the set speed. Oasis. Various models including 2005 explorer, sport trac, mountaineer and aviator.
- 10010732Rear axle noise. Oasis. Various models including 2005 explorer, mountaineer and aviator.
- 10010731Multiple vehicles - fuel level indication concerns - service tip. Various models including 2005 super duty f-series, excursion, expedition, explorer, mountaineer and aviator.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008994Axle seal leaks. Leaks from rear halfshaft axle seal. Service tips.
- 10008991Steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially during low speed parking maneuvers.
- 10008597Contact st louis assembly plant/st louis vicinity only.
- 10008546Liftgate glass applique damaged/cracked. Service procedure.
- 10008289Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) module configuration - service tip.
Every Lincoln Aviator model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.