Multiple loss of power, misfires, rough running and abnormal shifting. These events have put my family and I at risk as well as posing a significant risk to other drivers sharing the road due to the sudden loss of power while on the highway. Lincoln is dismissive and not taking this seriously. The problem continues and it is currently in the shop for the 4th time
Lincoln Aviator misfire problems
11 of the 499 owner complaints about the Lincoln Aviator describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 60,000
By model year
- 20251
- 20051
- 20046
- 20033
Often reported together
Check engine light 3Stalling 2Whining noise 1Won't shift 1Loss of power 1Jerking 1
What owners say
My SUV misfires, slips in and out of gears, stalls at stop signs and lights, accelerates at stop lights. Occasionally when the AC is turned on, there is a very loud clunk sound.
Engine began idling roughly, and eventually the engine warning light came on. The problem was diagnosed as a crack in the cylinder head for number 8 cylinder. Talking to lincoln mechanics and checking various discussion groups on the web showed that a large number of other lincoln aviators, and other vehicles with the same engine were experiencing this same failure. The rough idle can be alleviated by increasing the idle speed or taking the car out of gear while idling. Both of these actions are dangerous and can lead to accidents.
The vehicle began with problems that seemed related to the battery. It jerks when accelerating between 40 and 60 MPH. Problem codes keep changing and check engine light remains on. First codes indicated cam/crank shaft, then misfiring, then crankshaft, even after cam and crank shaft sensors were replaced. Jerking continues to worsen. Ford 'claims' the code was not in their system, initially. Problem seems to be causing many things at once to go bad: battery, compressor, fuel getting to engine, etc. Problems have occurred over several months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln aviator. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH, approaching a complete stop. While the brakes were engaged the vehicle accelerated toward the oncoming traffic. The brakes were applied repeatedly allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The contact was able to continue normal operation. The failure occurred on three different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three separate occasions for the identical failure and the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. Also, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two different occasions for the acceleration failure which there was no resolutions. In addition, there were intermittent failures with the engine misfiring and revving without warning. Also, the engine stalled when at a complete stop on numerous occasions; and a loud clunking noise would occur during the activation of the air conditioner. Recently, the anti-lock brake system warning light illuminated intermittently. The total repairs on the vehicle consisted of the cylinoid joints replacement; and an update of the computerized system software. The technician informed the contact that the transmission was defective. There had been no additional repairs performed on the vehicle at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 8,000.
The back hatch panel cracked was fixed , the steering not right some times its hard to steer. Main problem is cylinder coils going bad alot. Now #8 coil went bad and has been replaced 2times, and its still in the shop they cant find out why it keeps coming up #8 still misfiring .. They think its the head now. I understand lincoln has had so many problems with this that they have allowed a 10yr. Extended warranty on all the coils. Is this right ? I want lincoln to do something. I am so mad right now . I will never buy another lincoln. Help me.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lincoln aviator. The contact experienced a coil issue with her vehicle, in terms of misfiring. When she would accelerate, the vehicle hesitated. The dealer was initially unable to determine the cause of the failure, but after further diagnosis, discovered that two coils were defective. The coils were replaced, but the failure recurred after 30 miles. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer. The failure occurred a total of five times and the vehicle was taken to the dealer after each occurrence. They continued to replace the coils, which did not remedy the issue. The failure occurred at all speeds and the air conditioner would shut off simultaneously. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 80,200 and failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine misfire due to cylinder leakage. Ford recommends replace cylinder head with tsb 06-5-13 for 2003-2004 mustang, 1999-2004 navigator, 2003-2003 blackwood, 2003-2005 aviator, 2003-2004 marauder. Cylinder head replacement will be made if car is still under warranty
My 2003 lincoln aviator had a rough idle and was a little sluggish. With only 92,000 miles on a $45,000 car, this surprised me. This is a high performance engine. Upon accelerating to enter I-20 the vehicle almost died. Luckily ,there were no vehicles coming - had this been during rush hour it might not have been so lucky. I took the vehicle to city garage to have it checked out, and was told it had a major engine problem. The #8 cylinder had on 70 lbs of pressure, and the vehicle needed a valve job. I called lincoln customer service after find on this web site that mine was not the only aviator with this problem and with the exact same cylinder. I was told by lincoln to take it to the dealership where I paid another $100 to have it scoped again - only to be told by lincoln that they didn't intend to do anything about it. This appears to be another one of ford's major mistakes that they are not willing to take responsibility for until someone gets killed. People who own these vehicles do not expect them to die on acceleration, and it is just a matter of time before someone gets hurt. That - coupled with the fact that this is costing people who own these vehicles a good deal of money and ford's attitude was tough.
'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.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L 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.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Recall number 24V635000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.
Recall number 22V454000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Recall number 20V788000 · Recall details
Questions about the Lincoln Aviator misfire
Which Lincoln Aviator years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (6 complaints), 2003 (3 complaints) and 2005 (1 complaints).
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