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Lincoln · Mid-Size SUV · 2020–2025 Custom Search

Lincoln Aviator CD6

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Engine Overview

The Lincoln Aviator CD6 is available with 2 engine variants — from 305 to 500 hp.

3.0L EcoBoost V6 · Petrol· 400 PS
2020 2025

The 3.0L TT V6 in the Aviator is a more heavily cooled variant of the Cyclone block with reinforced main bearings. Pre-May 2020 builds had a 10R60 A-clutch snap ring issue — resolved by summer 2020. Recall 24S55 for brittle Silchrome intake valves covers June–October 2021 build dates. The PHEV Grand Touring pairs the V6 with a 47-kWh battery pack and a rear electric axle.

  • !! Recall 24S55: Brittle Intake Valves (Silchrome Lite)

    Over-hardened Silchrome Lite intake valves can fracture and cause catastrophic engine failure. Affects Aviator 2021–2022 built June–October 2021. Ford recall 24S55 — engine replacement at no cost.

    Symptoms: Engine misfires, power loss, loud knocking, possible complete engine failure.
    0–0 $
    Ad Ford Recall 24S55 Intake ValveIntake Valve Silchrome 3.0L EcoBoost Aviator Recall
  • !! Recall 21S34: AC Compressor Wire Harness Fire Risk

    The AC compressor pulley can cut through wire harness insulation and cause a vehicle fire. Affects ~41,000 Aviators (2020–2021, 3.0L gas). Free repair at dealer.

    Symptoms: Burning smell from engine bay, warning lights, visible scorching on wire harness.
    0–0 $
    Ad Ford Recall 21S34 Wire HarnessLincoln Aviator Wire Harness Fire Recall
  • !! Cam Phaser Noise at Cold Start from 80,000 km

    The 3.0L EcoBoost in the Aviator can develop cam phaser rattle at cold startup. Less severe than in the 3.5L Navigator, but worth monitoring.

    Symptoms: Brief rattling immediately after a cold start, disappears once oil reaches operating temperature.
    600–2,000 $
    Ad Cam Phaser 3.0 EcoBoost AviatorVariable Cam Timing Actuator Ford 3.0L V6

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Grand Touring · Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid· 494 PS
2020 2025

The 3.0L TT V6 in the Aviator is a more heavily cooled variant of the Cyclone block with reinforced main bearings. Pre-May 2020 builds had a 10R60 A-clutch snap ring issue — resolved by summer 2020. Recall 24S55 for brittle Silchrome intake valves covers June–October 2021 build dates. The PHEV Grand Touring pairs the V6 with a 47-kWh battery pack and a rear electric axle.

  • !! Recall 24S55: Brittle Intake Valves (Silchrome Lite)

    Over-hardened Silchrome Lite intake valves can fracture and cause catastrophic engine failure. Affects Aviator 2021–2022 built June–October 2021. Ford recall 24S55 — engine replacement at no cost.

    Symptoms: Engine misfires, power loss, loud knocking, possible complete engine failure.
    0–0 $
    Ad Ford Recall 24S55 Intake ValveIntake Valve Silchrome 3.0L EcoBoost Aviator Recall
  • !! Recall 21S34: AC Compressor Wire Harness Fire Risk

    The AC compressor pulley can cut through wire harness insulation and cause a vehicle fire. Affects ~41,000 Aviators (2020–2021, 3.0L gas). Free repair at dealer.

    Symptoms: Burning smell from engine bay, warning lights, visible scorching on wire harness.
    0–0 $
    Ad Ford Recall 21S34 Wire HarnessLincoln Aviator Wire Harness Fire Recall
  • !! Cam Phaser Noise at Cold Start from 80,000 km

    The 3.0L EcoBoost in the Aviator can develop cam phaser rattle at cold startup. Less severe than in the 3.5L Navigator, but worth monitoring.

    Symptoms: Brief rattling immediately after a cold start, disappears once oil reaches operating temperature.
    600–2,000 $
    Ad Cam Phaser 3.0 EcoBoost AviatorVariable Cam Timing Actuator Ford 3.0L V6

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖10R60 Transmission: Snap Ring Dislodges – Clutch Damage

In pre-May 2020 builds, the A-clutch snap ring in the 10R60 can dislodge and destroy the clutch pack. Repair cost: clutch set to $5,000, full transmission to $11,000. Fixed by build changes from summer 2020.

Symptoms: Hard lurch on 7-6 downshift, vehicle lunges, transmission fault message.
from 30,000 km
Ad 10R60 A-Clutch Snap Ring AviatorLincoln Aviator 10R60 Transmission Repair10R60 Clutch Pack Replacement
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
192 complaints · 2020–2025
  1. 01 Electrical
    61
  2. 02 Other
    39
  3. 03 Backup Camera/Sensors
    28 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Powertrain
    23
  5. 05 Body Structure
    22

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (61 complaints)
⚠ Other (39 complaints)
⚠ Backup Camera/Sensors (28 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Lincoln Aviator CD6 (2020–2025) — 5 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Body.

Aviator (BQWA, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Recall 24S55: Brittle Intake Valves (Silchrome Lite), Recall 21S34: AC Compressor Wire Harness Fire Risk, Cam Phaser Noise at Cold Start. Power: 400 PS.

Aviator (BQWA, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Recall 24S55: Brittle Intake Valves (Silchrome Lite), Recall 21S34: AC Compressor Wire Harness Fire Risk, Cam Phaser Noise at Cold Start. Power: 494 PS.

What to watch out for with the Lincoln Aviator? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Lincoln Aviator CD6 have? +
The Lincoln Aviator CD6 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Lincoln Aviator CD6? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6).
Which Lincoln Aviator CD6 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lincoln Aviator CD6 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Grand Touring PHEV pairs the 400-hp V6 with a rear electric axle for 494 hp combined. Electric-only launch is smooth and brisk; the V6 joining in adds another dimension. For mostly local driving, the EV range often means the engine barely wakes up.
Is the Lincoln Aviator CD6 worth buying used? +
The Lincoln Aviator CD6 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Lincoln Aviator CD6? +
The Lincoln Aviator CD6 is available with engine variants from 305 to 500 hp. Petrol: BQWA (3.0L EcoBoost V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee