2003 Lincoln Aviator Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 10%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, 10% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 2 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.
“My husband and I were driving our 2003 Lincoln Aviator when it basically stopped going and wouldn't change gear or speed up. (this is the second time it's gotten stuck in gear, the 1st time was when it was parked and wouldn't move but the gear shift moved freely). We got it back home and realized again the transmission shift cable had come dislodged. Lincoln had a recall on 25 vehicle regarding this problem, when I called I was told my vehicle wasn't one of them and wasn't included in the recall even thought I'm having the exact same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10553042, filed 2013-11, 89,000 miles“I was backing out of my driveway into the street. Once I was in the street, I put the car into drive and stepped on the gas. The car went the opposite direction- reverse. I double checked the gear shift ( in the center of the vehicle), it was d for drive. I made sure it was in the d, and stepped slowly on the gas, and it went into reverse. I tried to apply the brakes, but they didn't engage. I quickly stepped on the emergency brake, and that stopped the car. Fortunately, I was in a cul-de-sac with out other pedestrians or vehicles at the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535196, filed 2013-08, 130,000 miles“The brake pedal and accelerator pedal are too close together and there is a tendency for the foot to span the distance between brake pedal and accelerator pedal causing the vehicle to speed up when placed in gear forward or backwards, which can result in unavoidable accidents with persons, property or vehicles. The automatic adjuster for both pedals moves them in unison at the same distance from each other causing one to span the distance from one pedal to the other. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424662, filed 2011-09, 40,000 miles“The gas pedal on my 03 Lincoln Aviator comes loose. The first time it happened my gas pedal got stuck and I had to switch into neutral and physically lift it. I had the problem fix but it has come loose again. The mechanic said that Lincoln doesn't have the part and that this happens all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10352918, filed 2010-08“The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Aviator. While driving 2 MPH and braking to park, the vehicle suddenly surged forward. The vehicle struck another vehicle, and narrowly missed striking a second parked vehicle by inches. The vehicle is currently with the dealer and has not yet been diagnosed. The failure mileage was 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10226925, filed 2008-05, 64,000 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator
55 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsAir bags
7 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