About this guide: Murgado Lincoln of Chicago serves Lincoln shoppers throughout Chicago and the surrounding area from our location at 2501 N Elston Ave. This guide combines publicly available vehicle, recall, warranty, and reliability information with practical considerations for Chicago-area used-vehicle shoppers. Vehicle condition, warranty eligibility, recall status, and certification coverage should always be confirmed for the specific VIN before purchase.

If you're shopping for a used Lincoln Aviator in Chicago, model year can be an important part of the decision. The earliest vehicles from the current Aviator generation - particularly the 2020 and 2021 model years - have accumulated more documented owner complaints, recalls, and reliability concerns than several later versions. Newer Aviators have benefited from subsequent production, software, and feature updates, but model year alone cannot determine the condition or future reliability of an individual vehicle.

Lincoln's Certified Pre-Owned program can add another layer of protection, but it is important to understand that Lincoln currently uses two certification tiers: Signature and Select. Inspection requirements, vehicle eligibility, and warranty coverage differ between them. Always confirm which certification tier applies to the specific Aviator you're considering.

This guide covers the major differences across Aviator model years, the early-model concerns worth investigating, how Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned coverage works, how CPO differs from a standard used purchase, what is different about a used Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, and what Chicago's climate can mean for a pre-purchase inspection.

Lincoln Aviator Model Years: What Actually Changed

The current-generation Lincoln Aviator launched for the 2020 model year as a three-row midsize luxury SUV. Gas-powered versions use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations offered depending on model year and trim.

Lincoln also offered the Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrid from the 2020 through 2023 model years. The Grand Touring combined the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electrified powertrain. The plug-in-hybrid Aviator was discontinued after the 2023 model year and is not part of the newer Aviator lineup.

While the Aviator has remained within the same basic generation, Lincoln has made meaningful changes over the years through software updates, equipment revisions, production improvements, and a substantial refresh beginning with the 2025 model year. That means two Aviators that appear similar at first glance can have different technology, equipment, warranty status, recall history, and ownership histories.

Which Aviator Model Years Deserve the Strongest Consideration?

For shoppers trying to narrow the field, 2022 and newer Aviators are generally reasonable years to prioritize for further evaluation. The earliest 2020 and 2021 vehicles have a larger body of documented reliability concerns and recall activity, while later vehicles benefited from additional production experience and updates.

That does not mean every later Aviator will be trouble-free or every early Aviator should be avoided. Mileage, maintenance history, accident history, recall completion, prior repairs, trim, equipment, and the condition of the individual vehicle can matter as much as the model year itself.

Important: Reliability reporting describes patterns across groups of vehicles and does not predict the condition or future reliability of a specific Aviator. A vehicle-specific history report, recall check, inspection, and test drive remain important regardless of model year.

Aviator Years to Approach With Extra Care

The 2020 and 2021 model years deserve additional attention because early Aviators accumulated a larger number of documented concerns involving areas such as electronics, infotainment, cameras, climate-control operation, and powertrain behavior.

Lincoln Aviators have also been included in multiple safety recall campaigns over the life of the current generation. Recall populations can be defined by production dates, equipment, manufacturing records, and individual VIN rather than model year alone. For that reason, a statement that an entire model year either is or is not affected by a particular recall can be misleading.

Before purchasing any used Aviator, check the specific VIN through Lincoln and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and confirm whether any applicable safety recalls remain open. Recall repairs performed under an applicable safety recall are generally completed by an authorized dealer at no charge to the vehicle owner.

None of this means a 2020 or 2021 Aviator is automatically a poor purchase. A well-maintained example with documented service history, completed recalls, appropriate inspections, and suitable warranty coverage may still deserve consideration. The important difference is that the earlier model years justify greater vehicle-specific diligence.

What Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned Actually Covers

Lincoln currently offers two Certified Pre-Owned certification tiers - Signature and Select. They have different age, mileage, inspection, and warranty requirements, so shoppers should not assume that every Lincoln CPO Aviator receives identical coverage.

The distinction between the two tiers matters. A Signature-certified Aviator and a Select-certified Aviator do not necessarily have the same inspection requirements or warranty period.

For Signature vehicles, the 6-year/100,000-mile warranty period is measured from the vehicle's original Lincoln New-Vehicle Limited Warranty start date, not from the date the CPO buyer purchases the vehicle. The actual remaining coverage therefore depends on the individual vehicle's original warranty start date and mileage.

Select certification uses a different structure, with its 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty beginning from the CPO purchase date.

Before purchasing a CPO Aviator, ask which certification tier applies and request the specific warranty start date, remaining term, mileage limitations, exclusions, and other applicable program terms for that vehicle.

CPO vs. Standard Used vs. New: Which Makes Sense for an Aviator?

The right choice depends on how much inspection history, warranty protection, and vehicle-specific documentation you want with the purchase.

A standard used Aviator may make sense if you've found a specific vehicle with a documented history and you're comfortable arranging appropriate pre-purchase due diligence. Depending on the vehicle, some original factory warranty coverage may still remain, but this should be confirmed by VIN.

Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned may make sense if you value a manufacturer-defined inspection process, eligibility requirements, a vehicle history report, and additional limited-warranty protection. Remember that the exact inspection and warranty terms depend on whether the vehicle is certified under the Signature or Select tier.

A new Aviator may make sense if you want the latest version of the vehicle, full applicable new-vehicle warranty coverage from the beginning of ownership, and the ability to select from currently available trims, colors, and equipment.

None of the three categories guarantees future reliability. The most important step is to evaluate the condition, history, warranty status, and recall status of the actual vehicle being considered.

Aviator Grand Touring PHEV: What's Different for Used and CPO Buyers?

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrid was offered for the 2020 through 2023 model years. It combined the Aviator's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electrified powertrain and high-voltage battery system.

Because Grand Touring models contain additional high-voltage and hybrid-specific components, buyers should evaluate more than the same mechanical and electronic systems they would inspect on a conventional gas-powered Aviator.

Lincoln provides separate warranty coverage for certain components unique to hybrid and electric vehicles, including the original high-voltage battery. Lincoln states that this coverage generally lasts 8 years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle's Warranty Start Date, whichever occurs first, subject to the applicable warranty terms and exclusions.

That hybrid-component coverage is separate from the Lincoln CPO Comprehensive Limited Warranty. The remaining coverage on a particular 2020-2023 Grand Touring therefore depends on its original warranty start date, mileage, applicable warranty terms, and vehicle history.

Before purchasing a used or CPO Grand Touring, ask the retailer to verify the remaining hybrid-component warranty coverage for the specific VIN. Buyers should also consider charging-system operation, high-voltage system diagnostics, service history, software updates, and overall hybrid-system condition as part of the vehicle evaluation.

Why Chicago Buyers Should Pay Extra Attention to the Inspection Checklist

A used Aviator that has spent several years in the Chicago area may have experienced environmental and road conditions that deserve extra attention during an inspection. These considerations apply regardless of model year or certification status.

Undercarriage and corrosion

Winter road treatment can expose vehicles to salt and other deicing materials. On any used SUV that has spent multiple winters in the region, inspect the underbody, suspension components, brake-related hardware, fasteners, and exposed connectors for corrosion or deterioration.

Cold-weather battery performance

Low temperatures can affect conventional 12-volt battery performance and can temporarily reduce the available electric range and charging performance of plug-in hybrid vehicles. On a Grand Touring PHEV, ask about both the 12-volt battery and the high-voltage hybrid system.

Tires, wheels, alignment, and suspension

Freeze-thaw cycles and damaged road surfaces can contribute to tire, wheel, alignment, and suspension wear. Uneven tire wear, steering vibration, wheel damage, or repeated alignment work may justify closer inspection before purchase.

Recall and software history

Used luxury vehicles increasingly depend on software-controlled systems. Ask whether applicable recalls, service campaigns, and software updates have been completed and verify recall status using the vehicle's VIN rather than relying only on model year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lincoln Aviator years should used buyers consider first?

Buyers may want to begin by comparing 2022 and newer Aviators because the earliest 2020 and 2021 vehicles have accumulated more documented reliability concerns and recall activity. However, the condition and history of the individual vehicle remain more important than model year alone.

Should I avoid a 2020 or 2021 Lincoln Aviator?

Not automatically. Those model years deserve additional due diligence because they have a larger body of documented early-production concerns. A vehicle with a strong maintenance history, completed applicable recalls, satisfactory inspection results, and appropriate warranty protection may still be worth considering.

Does every Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned Aviator get a 200-point inspection?

No. Lincoln currently uses two certification tiers. Signature vehicles receive a 200-point inspection, while Select vehicles receive a 139-point inspection. Eligibility and warranty terms also differ between the two tiers.

How long does the Lincoln CPO warranty last?

It depends on the certification tier. Signature certification provides a 6-year/100,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty measured from the original Lincoln New-Vehicle Limited Warranty start date. Select certification provides a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty from the CPO purchase date. Specific coverage, exclusions, and remaining terms should be verified for the individual vehicle.

Was the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring offered after 2023?

No. Lincoln lists the Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrid for the 2020 through 2023 model years. Newer Aviator models do not use the Grand Touring plug-in-hybrid powertrain.

How long is the Aviator Grand Touring high-voltage battery warranty?

Lincoln states that components unique to hybrid and electric vehicles, including the original high-voltage battery, are generally covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles from the Warranty Start Date, whichever occurs first. Exact eligibility and remaining coverage should be confirmed for the specific VIN and applicable warranty terms.

What does Lincoln's CPO inspection check?

Lincoln's CPO inspection evaluates exterior, interior, mechanical, underhood, underbody, and safety-related areas according to the applicable certification tier. Signature vehicles receive a 200-point inspection and Select vehicles receive a 139-point inspection. Ask for the applicable inspection documentation for the specific vehicle you're considering.

How do I know whether a used Aviator has an open recall?

Recall applicability should be checked using the specific vehicle identification number. Buyers can verify recall status through Lincoln or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and should confirm that applicable recall work has been completed.

Can I trade in a non-Lincoln vehicle toward an Aviator?

Trade-in eligibility and valuation depend on the individual vehicle and dealership terms. Contact the dealership for a vehicle-specific trade evaluation before completing the purchase.

Should I buy new or CPO if reliability is my main concern?

A new Aviator provides the newest production version and applicable new-vehicle warranty coverage. A properly certified used Aviator provides manufacturer-defined inspection and warranty benefits under the applicable Signature or Select CPO tier. Neither option guarantees future reliability, so vehicle-specific condition and history remain important.

Shop Used and CPO Aviators at Murgado Lincoln of Chicago

Whether you're considering an early Aviator with a documented service and recall history or a newer example with remaining factory or CPO coverage, review the details of the individual vehicle before making a decision.

Our team can help you identify the model year, certification tier, warranty status, recall history, mileage, equipment, and available documentation for Aviators currently in inventory.

Sales Department: 888-369-0601

View Current CPO Aviator Inventory | Value Your Trade

Inventory, certification status, recall status, program eligibility, and available warranty coverage can change and should be confirmed for the specific vehicle before purchase. Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned warranty and inspection terms vary by certification tier and are subject to applicable program terms and exclusions. Reliability information reflects aggregated reporting and is not a guarantee of any individual vehicle's condition or future performance.