2023 Lincoln Aviator
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, categorized and formatted as requested.
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator is a luxurious mid-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant, the Grand Touring, combines the 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total system output of 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Aviator’s spacious and well-appointed interior, smooth ride, and powerful engine. Common complaints often revolve around the complexity of the infotainment system, occasional electronic glitches, and fuel economy.
Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or component failure within the turbocharger.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ (depending on location and shop rates)
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Intrusion
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking into the engine oil. This can cause a milky appearance to the oil, white exhaust smoke, and potential engine damage due to reduced lubrication.
- Solution: Engine replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (Plug-in Hybrid)
- Coolant Intrusion
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking into the engine oil. This can cause a milky appearance to the oil, white exhaust smoke, and potential engine damage due to reduced lubrication.
- Solution: Engine replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting/Jerking
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or abrupt shifts, particularly between lower gears. May be more noticeable during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: Software recalibration of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (recalibration); $1,000 - $2,000+ (valve body replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, delayed engagement of gears, or complete loss of drive.
- Solution: Transmission replacement
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side, air compressor running excessively, “ride height” error messages on the instrument cluster. Can be caused by leaks in the air springs or failure of the air compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty air spring(s) or air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (per air spring); $1,000 - $2,000+ (air compressor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezing, becoming unresponsive, or crashing and restarting unexpectedly.
- Solution: Software update to the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update if under warranty); $500 - $1,500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
- Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not detecting objects, false alarms, or blind spot monitoring system failing to alert the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per sensor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system malfunctions.
- Solution: Battery replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Liftgate Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Liftgate failing to open or close properly, getting stuck midway, or emitting unusual noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the liftgate struts, motor, or sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close, getting stuck, or leaking.
- Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof tracks, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (lubrication); $300 - $1,000+ (motor or seal replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Electric seat failing to adjust in one or more directions.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat motor or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per seat motor)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, has potential issues owners should be aware of. Engine issues, like turbocharger failure and coolant intrusion, are concerning due to their potential severity and high repair costs. Transmission problems can range from relatively minor software glitches to more significant component failures. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system, are a common source of frustration. While some exterior and interior issues are less severe, they can still be costly to repair. Overall, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history and consider an extended warranty to mitigate the potential financial impact of these common problems.