RoadVitals

2020 Lincoln Aviator

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.
111
+2 complaints in 30 days
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.
30
Latest Jul 14, 2026
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.
0
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.
3

Overview

Our database contains 111 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 30 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 320 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

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

30 campaigns cover this model year

View all 30

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V451000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jul 14, 2026
387,917 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S52View on NHTSA.gov
26V402000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Jun 24, 2026
741,195 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S48View on NHTSA.gov
26V159000

SEAT BELTS

Mar 17, 2026
561 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C18View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 111
Steering
Filed 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 persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where the rack and pinion was cleaned, and the steering wiring harness was cleaned of corrosion and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle received no additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11775737
Incident
Oct 5, 2026
Mileage
116,000 mi
Steering
Filed 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 completely different trim. The service consultant did not feel comfortable with the solution. As of today, it's been sitting at the dealership without a solution, and the car remains undriveable.

NHTSA ID
11771059
Incident
Apr 13, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11768783
Incident
Sep 12, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11762115
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11761094
Incident
Aug 12, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 27, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding the recurring infotainment screen failure on my 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The center display repeatedly goes completely black while driving or when using Apple CarPlay. When this occurs, I lose the backup camera, navigation, audio, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. The loss of the backup camera creates a serious safety hazard when reversing. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Lincoln dealership numerous times for this same issue. The dealership has performed software updates, module programming, module replacement, diagnostics, and recall-related repairs. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the defect remains unresolved. I was informed there is currently no permanent repair for this recurring problem. I have spent significant time and money returning the vehicle for repairs and have opened multiple cases with Lincoln/Ford requesting a permanent solution and vehicle repurchase. Despite repeated unsuccessful repairs, Ford denied my request. This is an intermittent safety defect that occurs without warning and continues after multiple repair attempts. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this defect and determine whether the current recalls and repair procedures adequately correct this safety issue, as I believe other 2020 Lincoln Aviator owners may be experiencing the same unresolved problem.

NHTSA ID
11760001
Incident
Aug 20, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that on several occasions while shifted to reverse(R), and occasionally while in drive(D), the vehicle jerked violently and did not stop jerking until the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11757029
Incident
Jul 28, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shutoff while coming to a complete stop, with an abnormally rough grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 84,464.

NHTSA ID
11756591
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Mileage
84,464 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

26L03

POWER TRAIN

Special Field Action 26L03 Certain 2013-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Fluid Auxiliary Pump Reimbursement

SSM 55228

ENGINE

Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (303-1790) that is used to align the engine front cover to the engine block, preventing the O-ring seal on the engine oil galley feed tube from getting damaged during installation.

SSM 55226

SEATS

For 2020-2026 Aviator/Corsair and 2018-2026 Navigator vehicles, if diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-10A > Front Seats > Diagnosis and Testing lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion extension adjuster, a lower-level part is now available (14C720). It is not necessary to replace the front seat cushion extension adjuster if only the front seat cushion extension motor assembly is damaged. For Corsair, use service part LJ7Z-14C720-A. For Aviator, use service part R2TZ-14C720-A. For 2025-2026 Navigator (both sides) and 2018-2024 Navigator driver side, use service part NL7Z-14C720-A. For 2018-2024 Navigator passenger side, use service part NL7Z-14C720-B.

SSM 55217

ENGINE

Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or powertrain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be due to engine oil breaching the dynamic oil seals separating the bearing core from the turbine housing in the left side turbocharger assembly. There is a new, updated left side turbocharger oil supply tube equipped with an internal check valve to prevent the engine oil from entering turbine housing after the engine is off. Replace the existing left side turbocharger oil supply tube with the updated service part that includes the check valve (service part# L1MZ-9T516-B) or latest level part. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger > Removal and Installation > Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube LH. For claiming, use causal part 9T516 and labor operation code 9440AL.

22M03-S2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer Satisfaction Program 22M03 – Supplement #2 Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy

TSB 26-2325

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a front courtesy lamp that is inoperative. This may be due to a concern with the front courtesy lamp light module.

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027020—
2026560—
20251815051.4
2024780—
20232416055.8
20224921168.0
20214228166.3
2020Viewing11130057.0
2005510140.5
2004810239.9
20031111245.2

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.