Three problems related to tailgate have been reported for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Lincoln Aviator based on all problems reported for the 2005 Aviator.
I noticed a crack on the back panel of my tailgate. There was no accident or incident and since then I have noticed at least 3 other cars in my small town with the same defect. I have written to Ford and gotten no response. From what I have seen on the internet, this is not an isolated problem. I feel that Ford/Lincoln should recall the affected models of car (including Ford explorers) and make these repairs. The mechanism that keeps my tailgate window closed and locked is also broken and I think it is directly related to the crack in the tailgate. This compromises our safety in the car by making the car unable to be locked properly. Someone could easily get into the car from the tailgate and steal anything in the car, steal the car itself, and pose an immediate threat to our personal safety.
2005 Lincoln Aviator has crack in rear applique panel. This crack occurred with no accident just appeared after a frost. This problem was relayed to Ford? Lincoln home office but nothing was done to repair the problem by Ford. The leak will destroy the inside panel and will eventually rot the back tailgate.
A 6 inch crack developed at rear center tailgate body panel made out of plastic below the rear window. There had been reports that the rear window could fall out and internal tailgate components could be damaged due to water entry from the crack. This appears to be a common problem from my research.