Is the 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR reliable?

The 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR has 56 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (6 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR?

Yes, there are 27 recall(s): SUSPENSION:REAR, ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, STEERING, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, SEAT BELTS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, STRUCTURE:BODY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, SEAT BELTS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR?

The 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR is approximately $2,231/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Lincoln AVIATOR

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR has 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 56. The most common issue is electrical problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: the backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. the backup camera does not work again until i restart the vehicle. this has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.. There are 27 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 4 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

10 complaints

18%

• The backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. The backup camera does not work again until I restart the vehicle. This has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.
• Three times, battery was dead -- twice within 24 hours of bringing the car home from the dealer. We only drive the car home from the dealer, then the next day the battery is dead again. The dealer said they replaced the battery and fixed an electrical recall, and they said they checked for electri
• UNKNOWN ON several occasions the vehicle would just shut off. Another occasion while getting on the freeway I pressed the accelerator pedal and the car pumped the brakes,there was no one in front of me or on side of me upon entering the freeway. Another incident I was in the fast lane on the freew

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. The backup camera does not work again until I restart the vehicle. This has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (27)

SUSPENSION:REAR10/11/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Lincoln AVIATOR

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,231

Full coverage / month

$186

Liability only / year

$688

vs US avg

+33%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2231

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln AVIATOR Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2021 AVIATOR, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 56 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: The backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. The backup camera does not work again until I restart the vehicle. This has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: Vehicle has 5400 miles and has catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle towed to dealership and diagnosed engine seized needs complete engine replacement
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The backup camera and 360 degree camera periodically malfunction and display a blue image. The backup camera does not work again until I restart the vehicle. This has happened both on a roadway while parallel parking and in a parking garage.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: Powertrain malfunctioning. The vehicle has had multiple neutral out (not reacting) when the accelerator is applied. Occurring in the middle of an intersection 3 times. Stuck in the middle of the intersection has resulted in two (2) cases of almost being hit by an oncoming vehicle. Pulling into traf
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 27 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)