2020 Lincoln AviatorProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 30 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-442 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2020 Lincoln Aviator has problems

111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system391
Power train230
Back over prevention160
Service brakes91
Structure80
Forward collision avoidance80
Engine71
Steering60
Exterior lighting40
15 other systems281

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

30 recalls

2020 Lincoln Aviator recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

3%repaired · 2026 Q3

Seats: mid/rear assembly

New

Recall 26V-451 · Jul 14, 2026 · 387,917 vehicles · 11,219 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

New

Recall 26V-402 · Jun 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

46%repaired · 2026 Q3

Seat belts

New

Recall 26V-159 · Mar 17, 2026 · 561 vehicles · 259 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

35%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: software

New

Recall 26V-123 · Mar 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles · 307,246 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 26 more recalls
–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

New

Recall 26V-117 · Mar 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

59%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: software

Recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles · 117,599 repaired

Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

72%repaired · 2026 Q3

Structure: body

Recall 25V-407 · Jun 13, 2025 · 132,914 vehicles · 95,155 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2026 Q3

Seats: mid/rear assembly

Recall 25V-393 · Jun 13, 2025 · 304,662 vehicles · 196,927 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

88%repaired · 2026 Q3

Propulsion system: traction battery

Recall 25V-349 · May 23, 2025 · 8 vehicles · 7 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

68%repaired · 2026 Q3

Front: warning light/devices

Recall 25V-338 · May 23, 2025 · 4,442 vehicles · 3,006 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: software

Recall 25V-159 · Mar 14, 2025 · 49,399 vehicles · 37,562 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

59%repaired · 2026 Q3

Seat belts

Recall 25V-093 · Feb 14, 2025 · 240,510 vehicles · 141,415 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2026 Q3

Other: labels

Recall 24V-852 · Nov 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles · 18,122 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

89%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 24V-368 · May 24, 2024 · 109,283 vehicles · 97,655 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2026 Q1

Propulsion system: traction battery

Recall 23V-626 · Sep 8, 2023 · 2,954 vehicles · 2,704 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

71%repaired · 2025 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 23V-598 · Aug 25, 2023 · 177,402 vehicles · 126,269 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

79%repaired · 2025 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 23V-342 · May 12, 2023 · 442,973 vehicles · 350,996 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2023 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 23V-022 · Jan 23, 2023 · 382,759 vehicles · 382,759 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

87%repaired · 2024 Q4

Front: warning light/devices

Recall 22V-953 · Dec 23, 2022 · 101,001 vehicles · 88,302 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

84%repaired · 2023 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 21V-735 · Sep 22, 2021 · 228,297 vehicles · 191,663 repaired

Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

94%repaired · 2023 Q2

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 21V-534 · Jul 15, 2021 · 33,298 vehicles · 31,422 repaired

Risk. Damaged electrical wires may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

99%repaired · 2023 Q1

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 21V-223 · Mar 30, 2021 · 34,952 vehicles · 34,682 repaired

Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2023 Q1

Suspension: rear

Recall 21V-154 · Mar 10, 2021 · 49 vehicles · 36 repaired

Risk. Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

75%repaired · 2022 Q4

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Recall 21V-014 · Jan 15, 2021 · 283 vehicles · 212 repaired

Risk. A washer system contaminated with brake fluid can reduce the driver's ability to clear windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

78%repaired · 2022 Q4

Engine

Recall 20V-788 · Dec 17, 2020 · 1,405 vehicles · 1,096 repaired

Risk. With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2022 Q3

Driveline: driveshaft

Recall 20V-693 · Nov 10, 2020 · 10,905 vehicles · 10,036 repaired

Risk. Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

87%repaired · 2022 Q2

Air bags: critical fasteners

Recall 20V-497 · Aug 21, 2020 · 488 vehicles · 424 repaired

Risk. If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2021 Q2

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 19V-859 · Dec 4, 2019 · 3,857 vehicles · 3,514 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

78%repaired · 2021 Q1

Front assembly: recliner

Recall 19V-633 · Aug 28, 2019 · 639,137 vehicles · 497,072 repaired

Risk. A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

99%repaired · 2021 Q2

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 19V-575 · Aug 5, 2019 · 13,896 vehicles · 13,695 repaired

Risk. Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

2020 vs. every other Aviator year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Aviator median. How we score

'03'04'05'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2020 Lincoln Aviator safety ratings

2020 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words

What Aviator owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11760001 · Aug 27, 2026
My fiance went out to start the car. The car wouldn't start, but the starter kept clicking for around 5 minutes even when she was out of the vehicle with the door shut. During that 5 minutes the car started to smoke really bad and you could smell an electrical fire. She ran in the house to get me.…
Complaint 11754312 · Aug 2, 2026
I own a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. After starting the vehicle, I exited without intentionally placing the vehicle in gear. The vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly after I exited. I was struck and injured by the vehicle, resulting in a laceration to my shin requiring eight stitches. At no point…
Complaint 11741638 · Jun 2, 2026

Own a 2020 Aviator?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.