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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-LINCOLN-AVIATORNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Lincoln
2021 Lincoln Aviator problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 38 owner complaints and 28 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 38 NHTSA owner complaints and 28 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 9 complaints, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.
0
Critical
28
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Aviator?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Reliability score 2.6/10 — below the segment average
28 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 4 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 98,000 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
visibility — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,000 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 60,000 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 28 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 2.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 Aviator· visibility
The driver-side front window regulator failed and was replaced on October 4, 2025. The passenger-side window regulator also failed and was removed and replaced on November 21, 2025. At the time each incident, the window would not raise using the car controls and remained stuck…
1.) Exhaust System Failure (Flex Pipe / Catalytic Converter) The vehicle’s exhaust system—specifically the flex pipe connected to the catalytic converter—cracked and malfunctioned. This component is available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, exhaust fumes…
The backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. The backup camera does not work again until I restart the vehicle. This has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.
The engine of my 2021 Lincoln Aviator with only 79,403 miles has failed, leaving myself and my family stranded on the side of a very busy interstate in another state far from home. There were absolutely no warnings given before the engine acted as if it had a significant loss of…
Had a problem with your 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 2.6 out of 10 based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Reliability score 2.6/10 — below the segment average; 28 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 9 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator a good used car to buy?
It scores 2.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 38 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 60,000 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 9 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 60,000 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln Aviator has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 38 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Lincoln/Aviator.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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