RoadVitals

2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Mar 24, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 11 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical631.6%
  • Driver assistance421.1%
  • Powertrain (other)421.1%
  • Brakes210.5%
  • Engine15.3%
  • Fuel system15.3%
  • Steering15.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 24, 2026

My 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Plug‑In Hybrid has experienced multiple high‑voltage powertrain failures that create an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has twice lost propulsion while driving, displaying “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” and “Service Engine Soon” before shutting down completely. During the first failure, the vehicle stopped in active traffic and would not restart; a police officer stopped to assist and called a tow truck because the disabled vehicle posed a roadway hazard. In addition, the digital instrument cluster has repeatedly gone completely black while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating all visibility of speed, gear position, warning indicators, and hybrid system status. During the most recent blackout, an [XXX] child was in the vehicle with me, significantly increasing the danger. These failures are accompanied by hybrid‑system fault code P0A1E (Starter/Generator Control Module), a pink charging‑port indicator signaling a charging fault, and irregular hybrid‑battery behavior (range not updating, battery not depleting). The vehicle has been inspected four times by authorized Lincoln/Ford dealers and has been out of service more than 34 cumulative days. Although the P0A1E code and symptoms were documented, the dealers repeatedly stated they were “unable to verify” the concern and returned the vehicle unrepaired. Required high‑voltage diagnostics were not completed. The problem is ongoing, intermittent, and has not been corrected. Sudden propulsion loss, dashboard blackout, and high‑voltage control failures put occupants and other motorists at significant risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11726726
Incident
Mar 20, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 6, 2026

While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning and immediately began limiting operation. At the same time, steering effort increased significantly, similar to a loss or reduction of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control. I was unable to safely pull over when the warning appeared and was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby residential street to avoid traffic. After stopping, the vehicle became immobilized and repeatedly engaged the electronic parking brake. The vehicle could not remain in neutral and required roadside assistance. Towing was difficult due to the inability to keep the vehicle in neutral. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, and diagnostics identified a high-voltage isolation fault (DTC P0AA6) traced to the air conditioning compressor on the hybrid system. The component is currently being replaced. The sudden shutdown combined with increased steering effort and inability to safely pull over created a significant safety risk.

NHTSA ID
11716231
Incident
Jan 12, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 23, 2024

-Check engine light on - Service vehicle soon light on -Fault with hight voltage system. Can't drive the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11632121
Incident
Dec 4, 2024
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 2, 2024

Unsure what component failed specifically, has been inspected by dealer multiple times. This randomly occurs while driving. It disables a number of safety features such a collision assist and traction control as well as several driving modes until the car is fully powered off and restarted. There are multiple reports of this occurring frequently in online groups. No warnings prior to the failure but multiple warnings when it fails. This can occur daily, even multiple times a day during normal driving. Dealer has tried replacing multiple modules and sensors but problem persists.

NHTSA ID
11591994
Incident
May 31, 2024
Brakes
Filed Feb 16, 2024

Ever since buying my 2023 Lincoln aviator hybrid, I’ve been experiencing brake pedal issues, a constant pressure and a pulsating feeling when applying the brakes like the ABS is kicking on. I have taken it to my dealership that I bought the vehicle from over four times for the same issue. They keep saying that it’s normal, I see that the old aviators had the same issue on the hybrid system And a TSB was released for it at one point. While driving the vehicle one day it would not stop so I had to slam on the brakes, causing them to lock up temporarily once I did that it seemed to have improved the breaking almost like something was stuck from the factory! Still to this day I still feel the pressure and the feeling like the ABS is kicking on periodically. I have tried taken it into my dealer multiple times and they keep saying that it’s normal. I opened a case with Lincoln but they keep taking the word of the dealer that nothing is wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11572452
Incident
Jan 10, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced rear camera failures and was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V735000 (Back Over Prevention) was completed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera image was intermittently blue or black. The contact also stated that the infotainment screen image was intermittently black or blue while starting the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11547179
Incident
Aug 28, 2021
Mileage
20,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 2, 2022

Lane keep assist does not keep vehicle in the center of the lane, but pulls the vehicle to the left almost on top of the strip dividing lanes. Since I first purchased the Lincoln Aviator, the center screen used to interface with audio, HVAC, settings and especially Apple CarPlay goes completely black hence losing many controls. This has been consistent since I purchased the vehicle. Lincoln has tried to repair the vehicle several times without success. I lose the back up camera also. I have to stop and shutdown the vehicle and the screen reactivates. I have address all previous Lincoln recalls on this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11487539
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Electrical
Filed Apr 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH on an entrance ramp onto the highway, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Stop Safely Now" and "Full Accessory Power Mode" were displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact's husband later received a warning message in his app stating, "High Voltage Battery". The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where unknown wires were tightened. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID
11460629
Incident
Dec 24, 2021
Mileage
10,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54262

ENGINE

Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2020 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost, and 2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine. This noise may occur on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to an internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. If diagnostics lead to the VCTs as the source of the noise, refer to the 2024 F-150 Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Pinpoint Test F. Pinpoint test F has been updated to include additional steps along with a video on how to identify the single affected VCT unit that requires replacement.

TSB 24-2082

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2069 to update the vehicles affected. Some 2020-2023 Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software thresholds in the PCM.

TSB 24-2069

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software thresholds in the PCM. To correct this condition, perform the Service Procedure below to reprogram the PCM to the latest software level via the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This TSB is superceded by TSB 24-2082

SSM 52244

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and auto start/stop disabled. This may be due to a loose wiring connection to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P0A1E. Refer to the WSM, Section 303-06 Starting System, Diagnosis and Testing, Starting System for applicable diagnosis.

SSM 52196

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2020-2022 Aviator and 2021-2022 Corsair hybrid vehicles built on or before 01-Apr-2022 may exhibit charging concerns with the Lincoln dual-voltage charging cord (TurboCord). This style of charging cord can be indentified by one of the 220V prongs positioned sideways. If the vehicle charges properly using a 110/120V non-ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet with the original 220V adapter removed, replace the adapter (part number VLC5Z-10B706-B) alone. This replacement adapter is available from accessories.lincoln.com > keyword search Turbo Cord, or through the local Ford Authorized Distributor (FAD). Discoloration of the 220V adapter or dual voltage charging cord could indicate a problem with the electrical outlet used; if so a licensed electrician should inspect. For further diagnostic assistance, contact Webasto Charging systems, Inc. directly at 888-219-6747 or at [email protected].

SSM 51650

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a charging system warning in the message center and/or illuminated battery lamp with DTC B11D9 present in the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01, Pinpoint Test C for diagnosis and repair. If the 125 amp fuse on the 14300 wire harness at the auxiliary battery is open, do not replace a complete wire harness to obtain this fuse. The 125 amp fuse (service part number JU5Z-14526-A) is now available separately for service. If the 125 amp fuse is ok, check C1168 connector / SBF08 circuit located underbody behind the left front wheel for wiring or connector issues. For additional C1168 location images, view WSM 414-01 > Removal and Installation > Auxiliary Battery Cable. Repair as necessary per Wiring Diagram (WD) Cell 5 > Connector Repair Procedures.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Aviator PHEV by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023500
2022131150.3
2021401
2020Viewing100140.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.