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EnginePart report

2021 Lincoln Aviator Engine Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
15%of 40 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, 15% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“The engine of my 2021 Lincoln Aviator with only 79,403 miles has failed, leaving myself and my family stranded on the side of a very busy interstate in another state far from home. There were absolutely no warnings given before the engine acted as if it had a significant loss of power. Shortly afterwards, very heavy and foul-smelling smoke started coming out of the tail pipe. Had the vehicle transported to a local shop to my home. The car will start and immediately start smoking and running like crap. When you put it in gear it will barely move on it's own power.”

NHTSA complaint #11554373, filed 2023-11

“In regards to my brand new 2021 Lincoln Aviator Reserve (4181 miles): 2.23.22- Driving home on a very narrow, winding road when my car unexpectedly started to vibrate/shake. There were no alerts and no warning lights that came on. Fortunately, I was coming up on one of the very few turnouts available. As I started to pull over the car completely shut off (completely died). Luckily, I made it off of the road or I would have been stuck in the middle of the road on a blind corner as the car would not restart. It just kept displaying Full Accessory Power Active but would not do anything. …”

NHTSA complaint #11457309, filed 2022-03

“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 traffic from a stop sign and losing the accelerator another time resulting in traffic breaking hard to avoid an accident. …”

NHTSA complaint #11519252, filed 2023-04

“The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start, the vehicle was , the hood was raised, the contact went back to the vehicle to try to start, the vehicle would not turn over with clicking in the engine. the vehicle began to smoke with very thick white smoke, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle of the drivers side front seat. The battery was disconnected and a manual latch was discovered on the drivers side door. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11741858, filed 2026-06, 60,000 miles

“1.) Exhaust System Failure (Flex Pipe / Catalytic Converter) The vehicle’s exhaust system—specifically the flex pipe connected to the catalytic converter—cracked and malfunctioned. This component is available for inspection upon request. As a result of the failure, exhaust fumes entered the cabin, creating a significant safety risk due to potential exposure to carbon monoxide. Prior to the failure, I noticed a persistent rattling noise at low speeds and while the vehicle was idling. …”

NHTSA complaint #11702357, filed 2025-12

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025211%
2023417%
2022613%
2021615%
202076%
200512%
200456%
200322%

Other parts of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Electrical system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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