Six problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator based on all problems reported for the 2003 Aviator.
The shifter knob on my 2003 Lincoln Aviator broke off. The shifter was locked in place in drive and you are unable to shift into any other gear except the gear you're in. It seems that a very cheap plastic piece broke under the shifter knob and the dealer quoted me $1200 dollars to replace the entire shifter assembly. I have checked online and seen that this is a very-very common problem among owners. There is no recall for this issue, but this is surely a severe safety issue. I am not sure how many complaints it takes but this is a horrible safety issue. Also, this vehicle has a whole array of front and rear differential issues along with a severe clunking noise when the vehicle is 1st put into reverse, drive or downshifts after acceleration.
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.
Consumer stated rear end differential produced a loud grinding noise. The dealers was unable to repair the part.
Love my '03 Lincoln Aviator except for the same annoying noise coming from the rear end as complaint number 10045568. Currently on my second rear axle assembly. Noise returned at 1200-1500 miles, and was so loud my 76 year old mother asked what the whining noise was. Lincoln needs to correct problem, and this machine will be perfect.
Our 2003 Lincoln Aviator started a rear end whine or drone within the first 1000 miles. The dealer has twice put in a new differential but the noise is back. The dealer now will not attempt another repair and has put us off until 12/10/03. We seem to have no one to voice a complaint to. The dealer gets one more chance under SC lemon law and is stalling. This problem has been noticed in Ford explorers and Lincoln mountaineers too.
2003 Lincoln Aviator has a howling rear end noise that starts at around 30 m. P. H. , Lincoln service advisor states that Ford is aware of the problem and it is an engineering defect that they are working on resolving. The defect is the engineering of the differential. If this was to fail completely the vehicle would loose control. We continue to call to find out when they will have resolution and are told no solution but that the engineers are working on it.