Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln Aviator model year (2020–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
27 recalls · 92 complaints
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 173
25 recalls · 30 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: BACK OVER PREVENTION
Problem score: 109
19 recalls · 37 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE
Problem score: 98
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
6 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 23
11 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: SEATS
Problem score: 41
Found the right year? Verify that specific Aviator with a free VIN report.
Lincoln Aviator — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 11 | 8 | 41 | Good |
| 2024 | 6 | 5 | 23 | Good |
| 2023 | 14 | 17 | 59 | Good |
| 2022 | 19 | 37 | 98 | Caution |
| 2021 | 25 | 30 | 109 | Caution |
| 2020 | 27 | 92 | 173 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lincoln Aviator Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Aviator models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2026 stands out with just 6 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Aviator should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Lincoln Aviator if possible. It has 27 recalls, 92 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. The overall problem score is 173 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Aviator to buy?+
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 2 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Aviator has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2025 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lincoln Aviator Research
Check a Specific Lincoln Aviator VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →