Smoke upon starting 23 Aviator 45k miles

JackHandy

New member
Joined
Jul 11, 2025
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
1
My Lincoln
2023 Aviator
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4736.webp
    IMG_4736.webp
    122.2 KB · Views: 21
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
Could be as simple as a PCV valve going bad (or cracked hose in the system) or something more serious. I assume coolant and oil levels were normal? Quickly goes away?
Coolant smoke would smell "sweet", oil from PVC would also have an odor, simple condensation would not. Dealer will sort it out. Good luck.
 
I think it’s angry when you wake it up in the morning. Steaming mad!
 
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
Welcome to the Forum. 👋
Just like the above member posted, I'd also like to know what the "known problem" is.
Is the "smoke" white or blue? In the picture it appears to be white.
There is a thread on blue smoke on startup and one of the poster mentions parking nose up. I did not see any resolution posted.

Peter
 
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
Car has been in shop 2 nights. No updates other than the guy that works on these is 3 deep. No loaners until next week. I can’t say it’s a known issue other than my gut. Service Saying well it’s under warranty so we’ve got time. Also remarks about taking out spark plugs, opening up engine covers etc. yeah said plugs, so water leaking into cylinder? Haven’t had bad head gasket since my F150
 
Welcome to the Forum. 👋
Just like the above member posted, I'd also like to know what the "known problem" is.
Is the "smoke" white or blue? In the picture it appears to be white.
There is a thread on blue smoke on startup and one of the poster mentions parking nose up. I did not see any resolution posted.

Peter
white smoke but heavy on fumes. Not water vapor
 
Could be as simple as a PCV valve going bad (or cracked hose in the system) or something more serious. I assume coolant and oil levels were normal? Quickly goes away?
Coolant smoke would smell "sweet", oil from PVC would also have an odor, simple condensation would not. Dealer will sort it out. Good luck.
no car for the rest of week. Major engine problem dealer has 1 guy that works these cases. He is 3 deep, Backed up. No loaners available. I’m disappointed w Naperville dealer.
______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!
 
Greetings , just took my 23 aviator with 32k miles in for a loud rattle when starting from a cold start and white smoke coming out of tail pipes . They replaced the flex pipes connected to the catalytic converters and now starts smooth. As for the white smoke they stated the turbo charger was leaking oil so they replaced it free of charge .
 
Greetings , just took my 23 aviator with 32k miles in for a loud rattle when starting from a cold start and white smoke coming out of tail pipes . They replaced the flex pipes connected to the catalytic converters and now starts smooth. As for the white smoke they stated the turbo charger was leaking oil so they replaced it free of charge .
Oh, by the way - we simply replaced your turbo; another walk in the park!

That's a significant issue IMHO, good to know they found it.
 
The update: engine is being replaced. 2 weeks in shop. Last ford product I buy.

white smoke but heavy on fumes. Not water vapor
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!
 
The update: engine is being replaced. 2 weeks in shop. Last ford product I buy.
What vehicle are you talking about? What was the issue? When you sign in as a 'Guest' there is no way to track your posts.

Peter
 
Are JackHandy and G-652388 the same folk?

Unfortunately several of the manufacturer's quality these days is in the toilet regarding engine issues. GM has their huge their 6.2L V8 debacle. Hyundai/Kia and their Alabama plant 4 cylinder engine debacle. Toyota of all manufacturers, with their latest truck 6 cylinder turbo failures.

Look at how poorly GM is dealing with the 6.2L issue - they are rolling back in time only a few years (many more years impacted) such that a 2nd class action (for the earlier years) has been filed. For those vehicles they 'inspect' and deem OK - they send you off and tell you to use higher viscosity oil going forward - as if that will help!
To be honest with you, IMHO Ford may have issues, but on the engine side they are doing fairly well. There have been some limited defects (valve material defects) that they traced back to VINs and made the customers whole from what I understand without fuss. In your case (different issue I'm assuming?), they are replacing your engine (I hope without a fuss).

Sometimes the enemy you know...
 
2022 here and I have the same issue with smoke (light blue) on a cold start. Lincoln had the car for around 10 days and now we have to drive 2000 miles as part of an oil consumption test. I have read up about this on here and also on the Ford Explorer ST forums and it "seems" to be a known issue and potentially the seals within the turbo/s. Our service advisor told us he had another Aviator scheduled the next day with the same symptoms. This is our third Lincoln and I knew going in that the Aviator had some issues, but I never expected this. Thankfully I have warranty. We totally love this car, but a new engine or turbo is surprising for a car with only 28k miles, especially as it seems that it's not that uncommon of an issue. What concerns me most is if they say the oil consumption is within their expected limits. It's honestly embarrassing to start up in the mornings, it really is that bad!
 
Welcome to the Forum dfitzeraldjs. 👋
I had a '23, but can't say that I noticed any smoke at a cold startup, but then I was always in the driver's seat when starting the vehicle.

Peter
 
I’ve had new problem with w smoke coming out exhaust on first start of day. Happens every time now. Nose up parked outside. Took to dealer for appointment next week. He assured me it is safe to drive 500 miles. But check coolant level. I have extended warranty. This is bs. I have video of smoke I showed advisor. Something is going on and it is a known issue.
Find out anything on this? I'm having same problem!
 
Finally an update on my issue....we completed the oil consumption test and they say it passed. (I took photos of the dip stick before and after and saw no sign of lower oil levels) The car has been in the shop again for 2 weeks and I was just told they believe it is the driver side turbo which is allowing oil to pool up inside, which gets bunt off on startup, hence the smoke.
I really hope this takes care of the issue...
 
Finally an update on my issue....we completed the oil consumption test and they say it passed. (I took photos of the dip stick before and after and saw no sign of lower oil levels) The car has been in the shop again for 2 weeks and I was just told they believe it is the driver side turbo which is allowing oil to pool up inside, which gets bunt off on startup, hence the smoke.
I really hope this takes care of the issue...
Your text omits any discussion of a remedy or action the dealership took other than an oil consumption test (which does nothing regarding repair). Did they replace any parts or just say now that it magically stopped?
 
Back
Top