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2003 Lincoln Aviator recalls and problems

The 2003 Lincoln Aviator has 1 safety recall and 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
111
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Lincoln Aviator recalls

Recall 02V-313: Power Train

Reported Nov 21, 2002 · 25 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the transmission shift cable can become dislodged from the shift cable bracket.

Risk: This could result resulting in incorrect gear indication.

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.

2003 Lincoln Aviator problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train57
Engine and Engine Cooling15
Structure15
Vehicle Speed Control11
Electrical System8
Visibility8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Tires7
Air Bags7
Suspension6
Steering5
Latches/Locks/Linkages3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 16
  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift — 4
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
  • Suspension › Rear — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Lincoln Aviator complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Nov 18, 2022
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 local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02T003000 (Tires). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were unknown.
Power Train · reported Jul 5, 2020
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 be adjusted to prevent the problem continue.. I paid $225 for the diagnostic inspection and in order the problem will be incurred more expense. I would like to ask what NHTSA can do to solve the issue. Thank you,
Power Train · reported Jul 15, 2019
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 same failure as listed in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Unknown or Other · at 80,000 miles · reported Aug 16, 2018
The button on the gear shift lever gets stuck. It may or may not be depressed at any given time. You must have your foot depressed on the brake to allow the car to be put it into gear. The brake sensor is working. After reading many complaints online of this identical problem it sounds like it may be the plastic rod in this assembly. Why plastic would be used is baffling. The cost of repair is around $1200.00 dollars. Unbelievable. One man said he has replaced this part 3 times. This is a widespread problem with ford in general. My car has 80,000 miles and has been kept in very good condition.…
Power Train · reported Oct 20, 2017
Transmission shifter cable is broken; intermittent problem moving geer and when moved, it may generate a violent jerk before moving. Multiple people have this problem. But NHTSA campaign number: 02v313000 is only covering a selected amount of vehicles. My vehicle was not included but the same problem.

Other Lincoln Aviator years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator: 02V-313 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lincoln Aviator?

Owners report power train problems most often (57 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.