Lincoln Aviator VIN Number Check

Decode a Lincoln Aviator VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix5LM

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Lincoln Aviator

About the Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln has sold the Aviator in the US since the 2003 model year, and there have been two generations. The UN152 came first (2003–2005), and the U611 took over for 2020–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 52 vehicle recall campaigns and 521 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the U611. Its 2020 and 2022 model years alone account for 178 of them, with owners bringing up electrical system most often and rear camera / back-over prevention after that. EPA rates the UN152 at 13–14 mpg combined, while the U611, whose lineup includes a plug-in hybrid, gets 19–23 mpg, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2003–2026

GenerationsUN152 · U611

NHTSA recall campaigns52

Owner complaints521 at NHTSA

Lincoln Aviator photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Lincoln Aviator generations

Two generations since the 2003 model year. The U611 (2020–2026) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (51).

2 / 2

U611

2020–20262nd generation

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

20032010201520202025

2020–2026· Generation 2 of 2

U611 · 2nd generation

PlatformFord CD6

EPA combined mpg19–23

NHTSA recalls51

Engines (EPA)

3.0 L 6-cyl (turbo) · 2020–2026
3.0 L 6-cyl (turbo, plug-in hybrid) · 2020–2023

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, RWD
automatic (2020–2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (87)Rear camera / back-over prevention (38)Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (36)6 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 278 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · U6115LM5J7XC?LG······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve, built in Chicago, Illinois

Check an Aviator VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Aviator model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 52 campaigns on file for Aviator model years 2003–2026, and the 2020 shows up in more of them than any other year (30), ahead of the 2021 (28). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Lincoln Aviator owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2020 and 2003 hold 229 of the 521 complaints, or 44%. Tap any bar or generation.

521NHTSA complaints, 2003–2026

21mention a crash

4mention a fire

18injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearU611: 278 complaints · most for the 2020 (118)

Top complaint areas · U611

Mentions in 278 complaints, 2020–2026.

Electrical system87

Rear camera / back-over prevention38

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)36

Engine and cooling35

Forward collision avoidance32

Structure and body23

Crashes 11Fires 3Injuries 6

2020–2026 (U611)

NHTSA data summary

The 2020 is the outlier. On its own it has 118 of the U611’s 278 complaints (42%), more than any other Aviator model year, and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (87 mentions), then rear camera / back-over prevention (38).

What Aviator owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2020–present (2nd generation)

The 2020 draws by far the most complaints, and CarComplaints reports are few after that. NHTSA owners of the 2020 most often describe a center screen that goes black, loss of the rearview camera image and rough or erratic transmission shifts. CarComplaints lists loud engine noise under light acceleration, early tire wear and engine leaks for 2020, and heater, seat base and radio screen problems for 2022. Recalls cover rearview and 360 degree camera video on 2020–2024 models, rear lower control arm bolts on some 2020 models that may break and high voltage battery cells on 2020–2022 plug in hybrids. [1] [2] [3]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the camera recalls.
Ask whether the center screen or camera module has been replaced.
On the drive, use reverse several times to confirm the camera image appears every time, feel for rough shifts at low speed and listen for engine noise under light throttle.
Check for oil or coolant leaks.

Sources (3) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Aviator complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Plug-in Aviator versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

521complaints, 2003–2026

21mention a crash

4mention a fire

18injuries reported

Most complaints: 2020 (118), 2003 (111), 2004 (81)

2020 · 118 complaints

Crashes 2 · fires 1 · injuries 0

Electrical system45

Power train26

Unknown or other25

Back over prevention18

Service brakes12

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Aviator CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 25 Aviator versions for model years 2003–2026 (gas and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 209 g/mi, for the 2023 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

UN1522003–2005

13–14 mpg · CO₂ 635–684 g/mi

U6112020–2026

19–23 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 56 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 209–466 g/mi

Model year2025

21combined MPG

425CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$3,200EPA yearly fuel cost

5/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

4/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV50 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 50Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: RWD · Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo — 21 MPG · 425 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Aviator vs BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2020–2026. NHTSA lists 51 recall campaigns for the Aviator, against 33 for the BMW X5 and 51 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Pick a range to compare.

Lincoln AviatorU611

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 51
NHTSA owner complaints: 278
EPA combined mpg: 19–23
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.0 L
Also listed: turbo, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 87
Rear camera / back-over prevention 38
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 36

BMW X5

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 33
NHTSA owner complaints: 557
EPA combined mpg: 15–25
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 4.4 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 143
Brakes 141
Engine and cooling 119

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Model years 2020–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 51
NHTSA owner complaints: 407
EPA combined mpg: 16–24
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 4.0 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid, supercharged, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 125
Electrical system 104
Forward collision avoidance 57

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Lincoln Aviator VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Aviator

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Beige Lincoln Aviator (second generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Aviator carries its VIN at the base of the driver's side windshield, on the door jamb sticker, and on a B-pillar label. Engine bay stamp and a cargo area sticker complete the identifier set. Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrid adds a battery system label. The 2020-present Aviator is a second-generation model completely different from the original 2003-2005 Aviator, the VIN will confirm which generation is being sold. The U611 generation starts with the 2020 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (L for 2020) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Lincoln Aviator VIN questions

Which Lincoln Aviator model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2020 leads with 118, ahead of the 2003 (111) and 2004 (81). Those first two alone make up 44% of the 521 Aviator complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Lincoln Aviator had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 52 vehicle campaigns for model years 2003–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, U611 leads with 51. Then come the UN152 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Lincoln Aviator recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 19V-859, 20V-693, 21V-534, 23V-626, 25V-349 and 22V-088. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Aviator generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the UN152 is 2003–2005 and the U611 2020–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (L is 2020).

What fuel economy does the Lincoln Aviator get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2020–2026 U611 at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (56 MPGe on gas and electricity), up from 13–14 mpg for the 2003–2005 UN152 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Lincoln Aviator compare with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE on recalls?

For 2020–2026 models the Aviator has 51 NHTSA recall campaigns. The BMW X5 has 33, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 51. Complaints run 278, 557 and 407 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Lincoln Aviator have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Aviator 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, RWD and 4WD, get that score.

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