2021 Lincoln Aviator: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Lincoln Aviator: 28 recalls, 40 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
28 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #20V726000 · 2020 · 690 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering knuckles May have been manufactured improperly.
Why it matters: The improperly manufactured knuckle May fracture, reducing steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front knuckle, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2020.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V788000 · 2020 · 1,405 vehicles
What's wrong: The right hand motor mount fasteners May have been incorrectly tightened, and May loosen over time.
Why it matters: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration May cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V223000 · 2021 · 34,952 vehicles
What's wrong: The image processing module May be unable to provide video feed to the display, which could result in a loss of the backup camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the image processing module software with the latest level, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021.
Visibility (wipers, glass), Electrical Vehicle recall #21V534000 · 2021 · 33,298 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l gasoline engines. The wire harness May not be secured properly, possibly contacting the air conditioning (a/c) compressor pulley, and resulting in damage to electrical wires, or the a/c compressor drive belt.
Why it matters: Damaged electrical wires May short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and a/c compressor belt for damage, replacing them as necessary, and install a tie strap to secure the wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V652000 · 2021 · 592 vehicles
What's wrong: The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "side impact protection".
Why it matters: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V735000 · 2021 · 228,297 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V870000 · 2021 · 20 vehicles
What's wrong: Incorrect rear suspension module components May have been installed due to a labeling error.
Why it matters: A rear suspension module with incorrect components May affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #22V953000 · 2022 · 101,001 vehicles
What's wrong: When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system May activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V022000 · 2023 · 382,759 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V342000 · 2023 · 442,973 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V598000 · 2023 · 177,402 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, May not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd quarter…
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V626000 · 2023 · 2,954 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l phev engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells May result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Why it matters: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (becm) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #24V368000 · 2024 · 109,283 vehicles
What's wrong: The accessory protocol image module (apim) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.
Why it matters: A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (apim), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 23, 2024.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V635000 · 2024 · 90,736 vehicles
What's wrong: 7l or 3.0l nano ecoboost engine. The engine intake valves May break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Why it matters: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025.
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V852000 · 2024 · 27,678 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag warning label May be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants May have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners May call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #25V093000 · 2025 · 240,510 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions May be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles May have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V159000 · 2025 · 49,399 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Electrical Vehicle recall #25V349000 · 2025 · 8 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l phev engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23v626. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells May result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Why it matters: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the battery energy control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #25V338000 · 2025 · 4,442 vehicles
What's wrong: When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system May activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #25V407000 · 2025 · 132,914 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear door window bars and c-pillar trim May have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: Detached trim May cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace c-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025.
Seats Vehicle recall #25V393000 · 2025 · 304,662 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error May cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image May remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse May distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V455000 · 2025 · 850,318 vehicles
What's wrong: The low-pressure fuel pump May fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #26V117000 · 2026 · 604,533 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor May fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Why it matters: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V123000 · 2026 · 889,950 vehicles
What's wrong: The image on the center display May flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V159000 · 2026 · 561 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions May be improperly secured.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V402000 · 2026 · 741,195 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission park pawl May engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Why it matters: Park system damage May result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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,…
Seats Vehicle recall #26V451000 · 2026 · 387,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are door / lock issues (5), electrical failure (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Engine (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2), won't start (2).
- Other / unknown (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), electrical failure (2).
- Visibility/Wiper (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 40 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 11 Aviator model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 44). Complaints peaked in 2025 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (109 complaints, 30 recalls), 2022 (45 complaints, 21 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 28 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Lincoln Aviator problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (12), engine (6), other / unknown (6).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lincoln Aviator get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S10)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Lincoln Aviator repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.