2003 Lincoln Aviator: check engine light

5 of the 111 complaints about the 2003 Lincoln Aviator describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 5%
typical mileage: 79,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2023
1
2021
1
2005
1
2004
6
2003
5

What owners say

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 92,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised that the cylinder head in the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000. Updated 8/23/12 *cn also, the ignition coils needed to be replaced. Updated 09/05/12

Filed Jun 11, 2012 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Dec 21, 2011 · Engine · 105,000 miles · AL

Solenoids going out on the transmission as well as the belts that hold the transmission in place. Dealer stated that this is a known problem for 2 years and that ford will not recall the product. The engine light came on during the drive and the engine has trouble shifting into gear going up a hill. Their is a leak around the oil filter which cause the overdrive light to come on durin the drive. The leak is on the 0 ring bolted onto the engine and that part including the filter and antifreeze needs to be added to the car. The car lost 3 quarts of oil and had to be replaced by the driver in order to take it to the dealer for repair. The dealer admitted this is a manufacturers defect but will not replace these parts for no charge.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Engine · 79,000 miles · NY

I own a 2003 lincoln aviator with 85,000 miles on it . It is a 48,000 dollar vehicle and I am less than satisfied with the way its held up . The vehicle sees synthetic oil changes every 3,000 miles . At around 79,000 the engine died on while driving on a hilly country road with my family in the car . I was able to muscle the car over to the side of the road with no power steering and limited brakes we ended up in a corn field , however there was no damage to the vehicle there was a verry unhappy farmer . The vehicle then started up and ran but was running rough with a check engine light . Brought to the dealer and was told its a common problem and needed a valve job somewhere to the tune of 5,000 dollars . I am one of at least 350 other complaints of the same problem online and would greatly appreciate it being looked into further . This vehicle has been babied since day 1 and I loved it untill now and its a shame . Along with the low compression the vehicle also developed an obnoxious knock and tick. I dont appreciate the vehicle as I did before oh and as for ford , they want nothing to do with it .

Filed May 26, 2006 · Transmission · 48,033 miles · PA

'03 aviator, since purchase felt something wasn't right with the car's transmission. Car seemed to hesitate shifting into next gear I.e. Staying in gear too long. Also at times during startup car can be extremely loud, making transmission issue more pronounced. Concerns mentioned during routine maintenance appointments but was always told the car was functioning normal. Winter '06 car began to idle very rough during stops and in neutral/park. 3/3/06 car serviced for rough idle -garage found ssm 17478 which said the PCM needed to be reprogrammed. Car still wasn't running smoothly. 4/3/06 car back in garage for major engine problem. #8 cylinder head was replaced. I expressed my concerns and was told that this could have been causing some of the issues I was complaining about. Was also told they had multiple '03 aviators come in with the same major engine problem. Of course car still did not feel right. 5/8/06 and only 2,000 miles to go on my warranty the transmission finally went. Pulled out from a red light when car wouldn't shift and bucked into next gear. Engine light and transmission light went on and overdrive off light was flashing. Transmission solenoid replaced along with many other parts. Needless to say the car's been driven 2 or 3 times since we've picked it up from the garage and it is still not right. Car is going back into the garage for shifting problem and excessive loud engine noise during startup that doesn't dissipate. Transmission problem is huge safety concern. Had cars behind me beeping and flashing their lights at me because I couldn't accelerate the car fast enough. With computers in cars makes me wonder where the voice of the consumer has gone. Felt as though my concerns didn't matter because the computer didn't register anything wrong. Now with only miles from my warranty ending I'm faced with all these major problems occurring with my car.