2020 Lincoln Aviator recalls and problems

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has 30 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
30
Complaints
111
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Lincoln Aviator recalls

Recall 26V-451: Seats

Reported Jul 14, 2026 · 387,917 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Recall 26V-402: Power Train

Reported Jun 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Recall 26V-159: Seat Belts

Reported Mar 17, 2026 · 561 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Recall 26V-117: Visibility

Reported Mar 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Recall 26V-123: Back Over Prevention

Reported Mar 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Recall 25V-442: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Recall 25V-407: Structure

Reported Jun 13, 2025 · 132,914 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.

Recall 25V-393: Seats

Reported Jun 13, 2025 · 304,662 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Recall 25V-349: Electrical System

Reported May 23, 2025 · 8 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V626. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S58.

Recall 25V-338: Seat Belts

Reported May 23, 2025 · 4,442 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.

Recall 25V-159: Back Over Prevention

Reported Mar 14, 2025 · 49,399 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

Recall 25V-093: Seat Belts

Reported Feb 14, 2025 · 240,510 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

Recall 24V-852: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Recall 24V-368: Back Over Prevention

Reported May 24, 2024 · 109,283 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.

Risk: A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S35.

Recall 23V-626: Electrical System

Reported Sep 8, 2023 · 2,954 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Older recalls

RecallDateComponentSummary
23V-598Aug 25, 2023Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
23V-342May 12, 2023Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
23V-022Jan 23, 2023Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
22V-953Dec 23, 2022Seat BeltsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System.
21V-735Sep 22, 2021Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras.
21V-534Jul 15, 2021Visibility, Electrical SystemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines.
21V-223Mar 30, 2021Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
21V-154Mar 10, 2021SuspensionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles.
21V-014Jan 15, 2021VisibilityFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
20V-788Dec 17, 2020EngineFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
20V-693Nov 10, 2020Power TrainFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package.
20V-497Aug 21, 2020Air Bags, SeatsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
19V-859Dec 4, 2019Fuel System, GasolineFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
19V-633Aug 28, 2019SeatsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped…
19V-575Aug 5, 2019Parking Brake, Electrical System, Power TrainFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

2020 Lincoln Aviator problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System39
Unknown or Other24
Power Train23
Back Over Prevention16
Forward Collision Avoidance10
Service Brakes9
Structure8
Engine7
Steering6
Visibility/Wiper4
Exterior Lighting4
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 6
  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Lincoln Aviator complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 116,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while driving or while reversing, the steering wheel intermittently seized while turning left or right. The messages "Service Advance Track," "Drive Control Malfunction, Service Required," "Pre-Collision Assistance not Available," "Check Headlamp System, See Manual," and "Adaptive Steering not Available" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear assembly and rack and pinion system, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure…
Steering · reported Oct 14, 2026
2020 Lincoln Black Label Aviator with 70,000 miles. Around April 13, 2026, while driving, we received an error message indicating a steering wheel issue. We took it to the shop immediately to have the code checked. At that time, we were told the steering wheel had failed, and the car was inoperable. A week or so later, we were told Lincoln didn't have any parts to repair it and would need to build a new steering wheel. At the time, we were told it would take up to 6 weeks. We followed up after six weeks, only to be told Lincoln wouldn't build the steering wheel and could provide one in a…
Power Train · reported Oct 3, 2026
Transmission died at 92000 miles. The car shifted to park while my wife was driving it. Shortly after the transmission started jerking in gears 1,2 and 7. Took it to the dealership and had to have the whole transmission replaced at about $7200. A transmission should last more than 92000 miles and should never shift to park while driving.
Power Train · reported Sep 4, 2026
Transmission started shifting hard when going from 1-2, up and down shifting. Sometimes there is a grinding sound and then a very hard shift into 2nd gear. 1 time it would not shift at all after coming to a stop. Diagnosed by Ford as bad A clutch and needing to be replaced.
Power Train · reported Aug 31, 2026
My car slammed into park while I was driving on the highway and now is in limp mode only going into neutral and I am stranded without a vehicle. The Lincoln dealership wants to charge me 1500 to diagnose it but that’s the problem.

Other Lincoln Aviator years

Compare all Lincoln Aviator years · All Lincoln models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 30 recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator: 26V-451 (seats), 26V-402 (power train), 26V-159 (seat belts), 26V-117 (visibility), 26V-123 (back over prevention) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (39 reports), followed by unknown or other (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,000 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.