2003 Lincoln Aviator Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, 6% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was leaving my residence on a neighborhood street, when I heard a loud noise which sound like a gunshot. Upon recovering from the initial shock, I observed the side window/curtain air bags had deployed. The vehicle hadn't been hit or involved in an accident. I had to stop the vehicle to calm my son and we returned to the house.”
NHTSA complaint #10758828, filed 2015-08, 127,300 miles“While driving down the freeway in our 2003 Lincoln Aviator, the two side curtain airbags deployed. The vehicle was brought to the nearest dealer and there was no visible damage to the front, sides, or rear of the vehicle that would explain the airbag deploying for no reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10346735, filed 2010-08, 62,000 miles“Tlthe contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front driver and passenger side air bags unexpectedly deployed without impact to the vehicle. The contact and a passenger seated in the front passenger seat sustained minor injuries to the head and neck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was currently being diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10458701, filed 2012-05, 168,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the air bags inadvertently deployed without warning. As a result, the contact sustained neck, left harm and chest injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10808030, filed 2015-12, 142,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the air bag deployed independently while the vehicle was sitting idle in park. The contact stated that the air bag struck him in the rear of the head and caused severe headaches. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that their attorney would contact him at a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10359053, filed 2010-10, 125,000 milesAir bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator
55 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology