Lincoln Aviator

aviatorbuyer

Thanks for your input; however, my husband called about it today and it sold on Monday. It was being sold by a private owner, so there was no warranty. It's probably for the best anyway...payment free for awhile longer. Thanks again...Kim

akirby

Probably for the better anyway. The warranty I was referring to is the factory warranty and it doesn't matter how it's sold - the factory warranty is good for 4 yrs/50K miles from the original purchase - period.

nvbanker

If you're going to buy the Aviator, which by the way, I absolutely LOVE, get an 04 or newer. The 03s, as akirby states, were pretty awful. My buddy had an 03, had most of the problems akirby had, except the head issue. He traded it on an 05, and has had zero issues with this one....

pre4420

Just wondering what year yours was. I'm new here. Looking at a '04 Avaitor. Looks sharp! But I don't want a sharp looking lemon sitting in my drive. Currently have a '93 V6 Camry XLE with less than 85,000. Had it since new. Did have to replace motor. Overheated and cracked the head. Before, I had a '86 Chevy Nova for 7 years. So, you see, I tend to keep mine long term. Is this a long-term vehicle?

Appreciate any comments.

akirby

Mine was an 03. As nvbanker said, the 04 and 05 models may be a lot better.

pre4420

So, do you still have your '03? If so, what other problems, if any did/do you have since replacing the head? ">

akirby

Yep, still have it. Considering trading it next year. Warranty will be good through November. Just got the rear hatch release fixed a few months ago. No problems right now except the reverse sensor which has always been finicky. I'm ready for a crossover with better fuel mileage and better ride. The aviator seat also hurts my right leg after about 2 hours no matter what I do (yes, I take out my wallet).

pre4420

Pretty much made up my mind to pass on it. Everything that I have read does not indicate that this would be a good vehicle to have long-term. CarFinder shows about 20 (03's-05's) within a hundred mile radius of me. I have not pulled any CarFax records, but with the VIN it does show a record number for each vehicle. Seems most have a 5, 7, or 9. One even shows a 14! That just has to be a lemon, it says it has 10,000 miles. Seems to be a grove! Think that I will find something with a few less whistles and a little more reliablity. I am a hundred miles from the one I found, and can't see having to make a 200 mile round trip on a regular bases.

heyjewel

Yep, way to go Lincoln. Another low-quality thrown-together-to-get-something-on-the-showroom-floor-vehicle scares another potential customer away. WAY FORWARD!

I know a couple of Lincoln lovers who had several Lincolns, then got an Aviator and wished they could turn back time. One of them actually found his Aviator had a drivetrain installed that was meant for an Explorer. Found this out the hard way when nothing would work right. Can u imagine that? Engine/tranny and AWD hardware from a different vehicle. Unbelievable.

I had an Aviator as a loaner once in the winter and I thought my right foot was going to be burnt to a crisp. On auto, the heater vent pours hot air right onto your gas pedal foot. Cant move it anywhere either.

The good side - not all Lincolns suck like the Aviator apparently does. I loved the idea of it when it came out, went to buy one but ended up with a Navigator instead when the Aviator was really too small for what I needed. Feel like I dodged a bullet cause the Nav has been an A+ vehicle.

Maybe you should consider a used Nav? They're much bigger, more powerful, ride better, handle just about as well and are much more reliable. Avoid power running board as they are the lone trouble spot that I've heard of.

pre4420

The Nav. is really more vehicle than I want/need. Usually, it's just me, but wanted something for those family outings.

Really wish that they would have paid more attention to engineering details.

nvbanker

Well, again, the 05 has been flawless for my buddy. I would consider one - after checking it out, of course, You can get the dealer to run an Oasis on it to see how often it's been in the dealer and for what - if only for oil changes, chances are it's fine.

bones302

So I stumbled across this site a couple of weeks ago and am scared out of my mind with all the head/valve issues I have been reading on the higher mileage Aviators. I have a 2004 Aviator (built April '04) with 30k on it and am afraid that I am going to have to replace my head(s) in 20 or 30 thousand miles.

So my question is: Are there any Aviator owners with over
50 thousand or so miles on the clock who HAVEN'T experienced any of these head or valve issues?

-thanks,
Frank

akirby

Ours went around 25K. It's not a high mileage thing.

mw3000

hello, i have 44,000 miles on mine and i have no problems on it since i bought it, last dec. with 22,000. the person who traded it in did complain about a rear axle whine (i never noticed it). and a shifter problem (fixed at dealership). I found an old invoice in Glovebox. Some people have complained about the tire pressure sensors, but mine were put on 22inch rims and no problems. i have only one gripe, not 4x4.

mw3000

:P just wanted to let you know, mine is a 2 wheel drive, and it did very well in snow untill the sun went down and ice happened. but i was trying to go uphill, the roads were closed to only chains, 4x4. the chains i bought did not fit so i returned to a town and stayed at a red cross shelter for the night. but all in all it did good.

nvbanker

The Explorers, Mountaineers and Aviators that come with 2WD configuration are actually amazing in snow and ice. The locking differential, and traction control make them nearly as effective as a 4x4.

k10wilson

to akirby - Question - has Ford acknowledged that they have a cyl head problem w/the 4.6l's engines?

Just found out that my '04 needs a cyl hd after only 54k miles. Really disappointed - the last 25 yrs hav seen me in a Ford product, usually put over 200k on each - plugs and oil - only issues - now at 54k a $ 4000. repair bill?

Reall disappointed w/this Ford product?

How many others out there w/same problem?

akirby

I haven't seen anything where Ford has acknowledged the problem other than maybe a TSB. I heard the previous gen mustang Cobras used the same DOHC heads and had basically the same problem.

akirby

But since you're only 4K out of warranty you need to ask for Lincoln to cover the repair or, worst case, get an After Warranty Adjustment to offset some of the cost. This is normally at the dealer's discretion - hopefully you have a good one.

nvbanker

Lincoln has stepped up for me on after warranty adjustments before, on a similar problem - my Continental blew a head gasket just over the time warranty, and they covered it completely. For a loyal Ford customer, they should give you no problem.... Talk to the Service Manager.

stever

I'm in a rather cynical mood today, but aren't you sort of in the biz? That may have helped...

My old Caravan also blew a head gasket out of warranty, but the dealer really couldn't say much since two other head gasket repairs had been done under warranty.

mw3000

mw3000

6 months ago the aviator became all sluggish with rpms low. took it to the dealer and one of my ignition coils went bad. is this common to anyone else.

nvbanker

IT happens.....fairly common, but after 60,000 miles or so.

a_low

What is the brand for the amplifier in the Lincoln Aviator. I have the soundsystem with the navigation all hooked up to one amplifier. The amplifier blew out, and I need to replace it. The Dealer wants 600 to replace it. All the would give me is the ford part number 3C5Z 18B849-AA, I cannot find that part number anywhere.

Thx
-Alow

adame

I have Aviator'04 4x2.Has anybody ever had any problem with the shifter that moves forward when it is put into park?
Thanks.

bcn08

bad compression...bad cylinder???

anyone else had these problems??

would they be covered under warrenty??

akirby

Did you get the notice on the extended warranty to cover the ignition coils?

rinard

I recently received a letter from Ford saying they will fix ignition coil problems on the aviator and that they are extending the warranty on these to 120k miles. I already had one replaced and they are in the process of reimbursing me. My 03 Aviator has been problem after problem! Currently ABS light comes on after sharp turns or abrupt stops...The evaporator started leaking on me and it's sitting in the shop right now for a two day job that's gonna cost well over a grand. Summer in Houston with no a/c, thanks Ford.

mongo1

Greetings all and may this find you well. Would there be anyone out there that would know what tuner pack would be needed to activate my Sirius radio. Vehicle is a 2004 Aviator with the 6 CD Audiophile. Radio supposedly is set up with the antenna already built in, but needs some sort of tuner module to activate. Lincoln is asking $400.00 to install. I believe the ALP-1 might work, but I am not certain. Anybody out there with this experience would most certainly be appreciated if they could throw light on this. Thank you in advance.
Will D.

surgeon2

Hello all I stumbled across this site after searching for info about Aviators. I have done alot of research and decided that I want the Aviator the most or a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited after that. I think its pretty hard to compare a jeep to the lincoln but I have driven a jeep and yet to drive the aviator. The aviator appeals to me more because its bigger more luxurious and just fits my style. But after reading alot of comments about how the aviators seem to have alot of problems I am kind of worried now. Can anyone help me with my decision in still considering an Aviator or should I just stay away from them? Thanks for the help.

akirby

I'm sure the Jeeps have their own problems. I'd say if you really like the Aviator and can get a good deal on one then it's probably worth the risk. Chances are most problems have already been fixed. CPO with a warranty would obviously be safer.

We're getting ready to trade our 03 for a MKX for better handling and fuel mileage (plus the MKX uses regular instead of the Aviator's premium). Plus the seats hurt my right leg after a couple of hours (had the same problem with the Expedition so it's not a flaw in the seats). It still looks good and drives good on the highway.

surgeon2

Thanks for the quick response. Yea I figured that any vehicle is going to have its share of problems. I have found a couple really really good deals but they only have about a year left on there warranties and I want it longer than that. I have read about what the aviators get mpg wise but how many miles do you get for a full tank usually? I think if I find one in good condition with a warranty I might pull the trigger. Thanks again.

akirby

You can always extend the factory warranty if you want as long as you do it before the factory warranty ends. We get 14 around town and 19 highway - a little higher if traffic is good. And that's for the 2wd model. Not sure how far that is on a tank since I don't normally fill it up (wife's vehicle).

jeyhoe

One major difference is that the Jeep GC will have a real 4WD system, while the Aviator has AWD which is not as capable. Probably not a big deal unless you get a lotof snow or are going to do much off roading. Aviator not so good for that.

surgeon2

I live in NOVA and we do not get a ton of snow but there are times when we can get quite a bit and I hope the Aviator can handle a good bit when I need it, anyone driven theres in a couple inches of snow or more??

jeyhoe

Where's NOVA?

If a couple inches once in a while is all, I dont think I'd worry about it. Others with more knowledge will hopefully chime in. I recall one msg where someone has a 2WD Aviator with traction control and they claimed good handling in snow. AWD can only be better.

The Aviators, while beautiful and capable vehicles, have had their share of problems. Get all the maintenance records if u can. I would buy a Ford extended warrantee as well. Best.

surgeon2

Northern Virgina, I am about a half an hour outside of DC. Yea I am worried about there share of problems, I am going to check one out tomorrow from a ford dealership, its an 04 with 40 thousand miles with navigation and they want a little over 21 for it.and of course they said they will work the warrantee into my payments. Any idea how much an extended warranty would cost?? Thanks again for you constant help.

akirby

Typically they're $1500 - $2000 depending on what's covered and the deductible. Normally I don't advocate them but I might make an exception in this case.

scootertrash

only accept a real Ford warranty- not an aftermarket one.
Here's where I buy mine- no one can touch their prices: Ford Warranty Link

jd1017

I bought my '03 Aviator new and it has been wonderful. I've had no troubles with it at all. (only negative is the gas mileage, 12 -14 avg...ouch, and a crack on the lift gate, fixed by dealer) I'm very disapointed this model was discontinued, hate the look of the new Nav and MKX or whatever they call it, it's no Lexus. I pick up my new Escalade next week, very sharp and hopefully the've worked out the electronics. Hate to leave Lincoln (20+ years)but they seem to be leaving nice design and styling at the curb. Good luck

topeagle

I have an '03 Aviator with 22k; received recall notice on coil (mine had just started to miss). Dealer replaced coil last Wednesday and now it is worse than before. Do they use original replacement or a coil that has been modified to fix the problem? Does anyone know if they will continue to replace coils on the same vehicle?
I have had good service from my dealer, including the rear whine fix but I never get any warranty repair papers for any of their work! When I complete the 'survey' calls I inform them of the absence of warranty repair paperwork. Hey, one of you guys might require proof of recall work when you purchase my ride! Any input?

topeagle

I posted last week about my '03 Aviator with 22k that appears to misfire and I thought it was related to the coil problem. But the mechanic told me each cylinder has a coil? They have tested it twice and found no problems with the coils. If that is the case,I would expect to loose rpms or horsepower but this misfire is more like the older coils when they heat up and engine cuts out for a second or two and worsens with time. My problem seems to be mainly within the first 10-15 minutes after start-up and on a level surface at about 40-42 mph but not accelerating. It seems to shift fine when accelerating and going through its normal shifting sequence. Maybe the OD is hesitating locking in? It didn't do this when new. The condition seems to be getting worse. I have another appointment this week and they are going to keep the car. I didn't see any postings similar to this. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your time and expertise.

topeagle

Thought I would respond to myself since no one else did. The root cause of the hesitation/misfire was two bad coils. Just turned 20k (not 22k). Didn't show up on bench testing so after the 2nd visit, dealer took it for a test drive. N/C since covered under the recall notice. FYI.

carlover20

I am in High School and looking for my first car to get me through college and then some. I have been researching about it and it is a very good car except for the reliability. But i figure most of the problems have been fixed and since it is based on the Ford Explorer it with be easy to fix. i have found one for $15,000 with 60,000 miles on it. All suggestions are welcome.

akirby

For $15K you could get a brand new Focus coupe. Cheap to insure, much better gas mileage and a 5/60 powertrain warranty.

tidester

Thanks for the question - and the answer!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

carlover20

I need AWD and I want an SUV.

pedro13

I am hearing a rattling noise from the back latch (tailgate). Is there a TSB out on this? I have the nav system and a 6 disc and can't seem to eject any of the cds loaded in the changer. I checked the owners manual and it only tells you how to load it. I have tried pressing the eject button and then the eject button and the disc I want out, and a bunch of other things also. Nothing seems to work. Need some assistance.

Thanks

julesmari_2001

I just got my 03 avitor a month ago but didnt get to drive it that much til recently due to vacation. I started nticing that it has a whine coming from the drivers side rear wheel every time i press the gas a little. I read in someones earlier posting that its the differential with the wrong factory lubricant on it? how do i get that fixed, what is the right kind? can i fix it myself? Help!