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2005 Lincoln Aviator problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Lincoln Aviator is body and structure, typically around 71,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Aviator model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
51
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
13mpg

The worst 2005 Lincoln Aviator problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    28
  • Transmission
    12
  • Airbags
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Vehicle Rollaway AllegationsOpened August 18, 2009, closed February 12, 2013

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.

EA09013

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator 29

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 29 bulletins for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator

2005 Lincoln Aviator fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.6L 8‑cylRWD111713
4.6L 8‑cyl4WD111613

What 2005 Lincoln Aviator owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 5, 2020 · Suspension · 142,600 miles · GA

I was driving on a highway 55 MPH when passenger rear toe link failed and I lost control of vehicle. I was able to pull over without crashing. Vehicle was repaired at garage nearby.

Filed Jul 10, 2020 · Body · CA

A 6 inch crack developed at rear center tailgate body panel made out of plastic below the rear window. There had been reports that the rear window could fall out and internal tailgate components could be damaged due to water entry from the crack. This appears to be a common problem from my research.

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Airbags · 180,000 miles · MI · 1 injury

Driver side air bag deployed with no impact of any kind. Car was started and air bag deployed.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Body · 66,300 miles · MD

Rear plastic litigate applique broke off hitting a passenger car's windshield. The windshield cracked. This the third piece failure. The lincoln was traveling west on the dulles greenway.

Filed Oct 17, 2016 · Body · 133,400 miles · NY

While parked at the gas station getting ready to pump gas the rear window exploded, glass shattered everywhere, left hinge cracked and frame around liftgate bend and curled up. My rear liftgate has the same cracked as previously reported. I replaced the entire liftgate in 2011 & on the new liftgate the same crack came back

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Body, Engine · MN

I have the same cracking problem with the back gate which resulted in the breaking of hinges. Also a known defect in using defective parts in the engine such as timing chain cassettes and tensioner. Ford knew about the problem and issued an technical bulletin on it but never fixed the problem. The mechanic told me he repaired this very frequently for this engine

Filed Jul 21, 2015 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · PA

Owner of 2005 lincoln aviator. I was not able to get the gear shift out of park. I had the aviator towed to a family member's automotive garage and was told that I will need to have the entire gear shift replaced. Upon doing some research, it seems that this is a very common problem in this year, make, and model. I have read endless testimonies from other vehicle owners with the exact dispute. The part and labor will cost me approximately $1100.00 at my family's garage, one can only guess the dollar amount will double at the local dealership. My car is driveable, however, when in park, I will have to put my emergency brake on. I was also informed that the gear shift, if bumped, may move out of park even without the key in the ignition. I am appalled that ford/lincoln motor company has not taken responsibility of the defected mechanism. It is unacceptable and raises many questions on how important vehicle safety is to ford/lincoln motor company, not to mention a total inconvenience financially! This is my fourth vehicle from ford/lincoln motor company and I highly doubt I will purchase another based on the company's lack in addressing the matter. I am a mother of one child and now do not feel secure driving a vehicle that I once felt very protected in.

Filed Feb 24, 2015 · Body · 36,000 miles · FL

When purchased used 2 yrs old [xxx], I noticed a crack in the middle of the liftgate. I have owned this vehicle for almost 7yrs and have taken very good care of it, but I now have 3 cracks in the liftgate. It seems to be very thin across the bottom of the back window and every time you open and close the window, it puts stress across the bottom of it. This should be a recall because there are a lot of other owners with the same problem and obviously this is a defect!! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr updated 4/19/2016

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Body · 110,000 miles · NY

I noticed a crack on the back panel of my tailgate. There was no accident or incident and since then I have noticed at least 3 other cars in my small town with the same defect. I have written to ford and gotten no response. From what I have seen on the internet, this is not an isolated problem. I feel that ford/lincoln should recall the affected models of car (including ford explorers) and make these repairs. The mechanism that keeps my tailgate window closed and locked is also broken and I think it is directly related to the crack in the tailgate. This compromises our safety in the car by making the car unable to be locked properly. Someone could easily get into the car from the tailgate and steal anything in the car, steal the car itself, and pose an immediate threat to our personal safety.

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Airbags · 88,000 miles · SC

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 lincoln aviator. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag deployed independently onto her face. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. Djr

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Questions about the 2005 Lincoln Aviator

Is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator reliable?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 2005 Lincoln Aviator, close to a typical Aviator model year.

What is the 2005 Lincoln Aviator year score?

The 2005 Lincoln Aviator scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lincoln Aviator: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Lincoln Aviator?

Body and structure, with 28 complaints, typically around 71,500 miles. Next is transmission (12).

How many recalls does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Lincoln Aviator have the most body problems?

The Lincoln Aviator model years with the most body complaints are 2005 (28 complaints), 2003 (15 complaints) and 2004 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Lincoln Aviator get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator range from 13 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 11 city and 17 highway.

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