NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
12 reportsClear category filter86,000 miles · Jul 21, 2015
Power Train
OWNER OF 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD THE AVIATOR TOWED TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S AUTOMOTIVE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT REPLACED. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. I HAVE READ…
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OWNER OF 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD THE AVIATOR TOWED TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S AUTOMOTIVE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT REPLACED. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. I HAVE READ ENDLESS TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS WITH THE EXACT DISPUTE. THE PART AND LABOR WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $1100.00 AT MY FAMILY'S GARAGE, ONE CAN ONLY GUESS THE DOLLAR AMOUNT WILL DOUBLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. MY CAR IS DRIVEABLE, HOWEVER, WHEN IN PARK, I WILL HAVE TO PUT MY EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT, IF BUMPED, MAY MOVE OUT OF PARK EVEN WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I AM APPALLED THAT FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEFECTED MECHANISM. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND RAISES MANY QUESTIONS ON HOW IMPORTANT VEHICLE SAFETY IS TO FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY, NOT TO MENTION A TOTAL INCONVENIENCE FINANCIALLY! THIS IS MY FOURTH VEHICLE FROM FORD/LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY AND I HIGHLY DOUBT I WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER BASED ON THE COMPANY'S LACK IN ADDRESSING THE MATTER. I AM A MOTHER OF ONE CHILD AND NOW DO NOT FEEL SECURE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT I ONCE FELT VERY PROTECTED IN.
NHTSA ODI #10735385
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2014
Power Train
THE PLASTIC GEAR SHIFT UNLOCK LEVER, WHICH IS INSIDE OF A METAL HOUSING UNDERNEATH THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB BROKE OFF. IT IS A VERY POOR DESIGN AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD, BECAUSE ONE CANNOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT WITHOUT THE RELEASE BEING RAISED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10609166
92,000 miles · May 27, 2014
Power Train
THE GEAR KNOB ON MY 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GET STUCK IN REVERSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A POOR DESIGN BY FORD. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, SEVERAL LINCOLN AVIATOR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10594186
83,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Power TrainWheels
LEFTSIDE REAR AXLE STARTING COMING OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE MOVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566368
78,000 miles · Jul 28, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT IT OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT IT OUT OF PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MLEAGES WERE 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #10415508
72,000 miles · Jun 20, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10407611
70,453 miles · Nov 3, 2010
Power Train
BOTH BACK WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ALMOST LOST BACK WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. CAR DEVELOPS DEATH WOBBLE AND LOOKS LIKE YOUR DRUNK DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10363886
85,000 miles · Oct 26, 2010
Power Train
SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN DRIVE IN OUR GARAGE. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER OUT OF DRIVE TO PARK OR ANY OTHER GEAR. WE WERE ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ENGINE OFF BUT THE KEY REMAINED LODGED IN THE COLUMN. THIS OCCURRED ON A 2005 AVIATOR AS WAS DISCUSSED IN ANOTHER REPORT IN THE DATABASE. THE DEALER HAS QUOTED A $950 REPAIR C…
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SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN DRIVE IN OUR GARAGE. WE WERE NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER OUT OF DRIVE TO PARK OR ANY OTHER GEAR. WE WERE ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ENGINE OFF BUT THE KEY REMAINED LODGED IN THE COLUMN. THIS OCCURRED ON A 2005 AVIATOR AS WAS DISCUSSED IN ANOTHER REPORT IN THE DATABASE. THE DEALER HAS QUOTED A $950 REPAIR CHARGE. NO COVERAGE BY FORD/LINCOLN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10362559
56,000 miles · Jul 27, 2010
Power TrainSuspension
I HAVE A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR AND THE SHIFTER, TRANSMISSION,AND BALL JOINTS, DRIVE SHAFT ALL FELL APART AT 56,000 MILES MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE DRIVE SHAFT CAME LOOSE ALMOST CAUSING US TO BE REAR ENDED BY A 18 WHEELER SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS HAVI…
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I HAVE A 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR AND THE SHIFTER, TRANSMISSION,AND BALL JOINTS, DRIVE SHAFT ALL FELL APART AT 56,000 MILES MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE DRIVE SHAFT CAME LOOSE ALMOST CAUSING US TO BE REAR ENDED BY A 18 WHEELER SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS HAVING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345732
74,000 miles · Jul 17, 2010
Power TrainStructureTraction Control System
TRANSMISSION SHIFT PROBLEMS= WE WHERE OK WHEN TRUCK WAS ON GARAGE AND JUST USE IT AS WEEKENDS,BUT EVERYTHING CHANGE WHEN WE STARED TO USE IT ON DAILY BASICS TRANSMISSION BEGIN TO SLIP AND NOW LATELY BEGIN TO PULL AND BACK AND FORWARD AND O/D SENSOR LIGHT UP AND AFRAID THE REAR SHIFT GO OFF ANY MINUTE... AND ADD UP THE REAR PANE…
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TRANSMISSION SHIFT PROBLEMS= WE WHERE OK WHEN TRUCK WAS ON GARAGE AND JUST USE IT AS WEEKENDS,BUT EVERYTHING CHANGE WHEN WE STARED TO USE IT ON DAILY BASICS TRANSMISSION BEGIN TO SLIP AND NOW LATELY BEGIN TO PULL AND BACK AND FORWARD AND O/D SENSOR LIGHT UP AND AFRAID THE REAR SHIFT GO OFF ANY MINUTE... AND ADD UP THE REAR PANEL JUST BROKE FOR THE 2TH TIME... IT BEGINS TO MAKE FUNNY NOISE ON REAR AXLE,I VERY DISAPPOINTED AFTER PAID CLOSED TO 20,000 DOLLARS I WANT TO RETURN IT TO DEALER BUT NOBODY WANTS TO TAKE CHARGE. NO FIRE OR PROPERTY DAMAGE BUT I NOT WAITING TO HAPPEN TO ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343719
NHTSA investigations
1EA09013 · Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
Opened Aug 18, 2009 · Closed Feb 12, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift; Steering; Steering:column; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
Steering:column
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
Steering
This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.The highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the Automatic Transmission Parking System, was 4.4/100K.The next-highest failure rate was for the BSI System, at 3.4/100K.For all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.For additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for EA09-013. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
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