2003 Lincoln Aviator Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,682miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, 5% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,682 miles.
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.
“Power steering rack has failed after only 4,500 miles, AC seat failed, door jam clearance between driver's door and rear door, whistling noise at 60 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10030289, filed 2003-07, 4,500 miles“2003 Lincoln Aviator has been in shop 12 times , 4 for whine in rear end. Rear end replaced twice & still whines . Last time they told me this was normal and could not be repaired. This Aviator has 17,000 miles . I tired of the whine and trips to dealer , I do not was this Aviator or a new Aviator... I demand full refund.”
NHTSA complaint #10063621, filed 2004-03“The contact stated a whining noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving 55 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the sales/service dealer for repairs. The right rear axle and pinion were replaced as well as the c b shaft assembly and gear and pinion locking pin. This was the third time the rear end was replaced in a two year period. The manufacturer was notified and a technician was sent to inspect the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173643, filed 2006-11, 16,864 miles“Multiple failures in 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Difficulty turning , starting, jerk in steering wheel, vibration in tires, gear changer loose and ect. The consumer purchased the vehicle with 18 inch rims but ford requires 17 inch rims to be legal (oem) equipment. The consumer felt that this was maliciously dishonest sale of an automobile. …”
NHTSA complaint #10101993, filed 2004-11“Consumer states that dealer put aftermarket rims tires on vehicle. The vehicle experienced the following; difficulty turning the vehicle, heater bubbling making noises, difficulty starting the vehicle, jerking in the steering wheel, noise in the steering, noise in the heating/vent bubbling, pulsating in the steering wheel, vibration of the tires, the tire monitoring system had to be cut off reconnected and adjusted, the passenger front windows rattled, motor made loud noises when the vehicle accelerated, front end noises, rear hatch rattled and would shake, the wheels squealed and rubbed…”
NHTSA complaint #10094370, filed 2004-09Related service bulletins
- 10017902Apr 1, 2005Low speed steering shudder during low-speed turning maneuvers.
Steering: 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 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 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 29, 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