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2020 Lincoln Aviator: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 120 owner complaints and 30 recalls on file for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, the most of any Aviator model year[1][2]. Two of those recalls still had their remedy to come in their notices, so check the VIN before you commit[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 120 complaints on file for this model year[1]. Two mention a crash, one mentions a fire, and none report injuries or deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.
The groups named most often:
- Electrical system: 45 complaints, one involving a fire, with a median mileage at failure of 3,000[7].
- Power train: 27 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 82,000[8].
- Unknown or other: 25 complaints[9].
- Back over prevention: 18 complaints[10].
- Brakes: 12 complaints, one involving a crash[11].
- Forward collision avoidance: 10 complaints[12].
- Engine: 9 complaints, one involving a crash[13].
- Structure: 8 complaints[14].
We also read a small sample of owner texts for the biggest groups. It is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a hint about what people describe, not as a ranking.
In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 6 describe a rear camera that flickers, distorts or goes blank[7]. Three describe door release, lock, window or switch controls that stopped working, and two describe a main screen that locks up or stays bright at night[7].
In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 4 describe the car moving after it was put in gear with the brake pedal pressed[11]. Three describe weak or no braking while driving, and three describe the car rolling while parked, though two of those three texts look like the same report[11].
In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 6 describe a transmission that slipped, lunged, dropped into neutral or would not shift[8]. Three describe several warnings at once (all-wheel drive, pre-collision, hill assist) that clear on restart and then come back[8].
In a sample of 12 back over prevention complaints, 8 describe a rear camera that stays blank, blue or flickering, including after a recall repair[10]. Five say recall parts were not yet available when they asked[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 30 recalls for the 2020 Aviator[2]. Many of them cover other Ford and Lincoln models too, and they apply to "certain" vehicles, so search the car's VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which apply[3]. Many of them also cover other Ford and Lincoln models[3][4].
Two recalls had a remedy not yet available at the time of the notice. Ford's notices put the seat switch fix at January 2027[3] and the park pawl fix at April 2027[4]. For the wiper motor recall, interim letters went out and Ford anticipated its final remedy in October 2026[15]. Ask the dealer about the status of each when you shop.
Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Second-row seat switch (26V451). The easy-entry switch for the outer second-row seats may stick, so a seat could unlatch, tip or slide. It may not hold a passenger in a crash. Dealers are to replace the switch bezel if needed. Remedy not yet available, expected in January 2027. It expands recall 25V393[3]. - Remedy pending
Transmission park pawl (26V402). The park pawl may engage while the car is moving. That can damage the park system and let the car roll away. The fix is a software update and replacing damaged transmission parts. Remedy not yet available, expected in April 2027[4]. - Second-row seat belt bolts (26V159). The lower anchor bolts for the outer second-row belts may be loose, so a belt may not restrain a passenger in a crash. Dealers inspect and repair or replace them[16].
- Wiper motor (26V117). The front wiper motor may fail, which reduces visibility. Dealers are to replace motors as needed. Interim letters went out and Ford anticipated its final remedy in October 2026[15].
- Rearview image flips (26V123). The center display may flip the rearview image when the car is put in reverse, which reduces the driver's view and breaks a federal rear visibility rule. Dealers update the display module software[17].
- Rearview camera software (25V442). A software error may leave the camera image blank, or leave it on screen after backing up. Dealers update the camera software[18].
- Rear door trim (25V407). Trim around the rear door windows and the rear roof pillar may be poorly glued and could come off on the road. Dealers repair or replace the trim pieces[19].
- Second-row seat switch (25V393). The same easy-entry seat switch problem as 26V451, with a seat that could unlatch, fold or slide while driving. Dealers replace the switch bezel as needed[20].
- Plug-in hybrid battery, repeat repair (25V349). Some plug-in hybrid cars with the 3.0L engine[21] repaired incorrectly under 23V626 may have a battery cell defect that can short out. That can cause loss of drive power and a fire risk. Dealers update battery control software[21].
- Seat belt chime, repeat repair (25V338). Cars with the Revel audio system that were repaired incorrectly under 22V953 may sound the unbuckled-belt chime too briefly. Dealers update the audio module software[22].
- Rearview camera, repeat repair (25V159). Cars repaired incorrectly under 23V342 may lose the camera image because the video output fails. Dealers update the image processing module software[23].
- Seat belt anchor bolts (25V093). Buckle anchor bolts, and in some cars the second-row center belt bolts, may be loose. Dealers inspect all seating positions and replace loose parts[24].
- Airbag warning label (24V852). The airbag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. Ford mails owners the label[25].
- Camera flicker from phone interference (24V368). A cell phone in the car can interfere with the display module and make the rearview image flicker or distort. Owners are told not to use a phone while reversing until the fix is done. Dealers install shielding[26].
- Plug-in hybrid battery (23V626). Some plug-in hybrid cars with the 3.0L engine[27] may have a battery cell defect that can short out, causing loss of drive power and a fire risk. Dealers test the battery and replace the pack as needed[27].
- Rearview camera (23V598). The rearview or 360-degree camera may not show an image in reverse[28]. Dealers replace the camera and update software and wiring as needed[28].
- 360-degree camera (23V342). On cars with the 360-degree camera, the video output may fail and leave no rearview image[29]. Dealers replace the camera. It expands and replaces 23V022, so cars repaired under that one need the new fix[29].
- Camera image processing (23V022). The same loss of rearview image on cars with a 360-degree camera[30]. Dealers update the image processing software. It expands and replaces 21V735 and was itself replaced by 23V342[30][29].
- Seat belt chime (22V953). Cars with the Revel audio system may sound the unbuckled-belt chime too briefly. Dealers update the audio module software[31].
- Camera image processing (21V735). Cars with 360-degree cameras may lose the rearview image[32]. Dealers update the image processing software. It was later replaced by 23V022[32][30].
- A/C compressor wiring (21V534). On cars with the 3.0L gasoline engine[33], a wire harness may touch the A/C compressor pulley and short out, which is a fire risk. Dealers inspect the harness and belt, replace them if damaged and add a tie strap[33].
- Backup camera (21V223). The image processing module may fail to send video to the display, leaving a blank or distorted backup image. Dealers update the module software[34].
- Rear control arm bolts (21V154). The bolts holding the rear lower control arms may not have been heat-treated and could break, which can cause a loss of steering control. Dealers replace both bolts[35].
- Washer fluid (21V014). Washer fluid was contaminated with brake fluid, which can make it harder to clear the windshield. Dealers flush the system, replace the washer parts and wiper blades, and repair paint or trim if affected[36].
- Motor mount (20V788). Fasteners on the right motor mount may have been tightened wrongly and could loosen. Vibration could then disconnect the axle from the engine and cause loss of power. Dealers replace the fasteners[37].
- Driveshaft (20V693). On certain cars with the all wheel drive package, the driveshaft may crack along a weld. The car could lose drive or roll away in Park. Dealers inspect and replace the shaft as needed[38].
- Side airbag fasteners (20V497). Fasteners for the side airbag or seat back module in the front seats may not be tight, which could affect how the airbag deploys. Dealers check and tighten them[39].
- Fuel line sleeve (19V859). A protective sleeve on the vapor line may rub through the plastic fuel line over time and cause a leak, which is a fire risk. Dealers install a longer sleeve as needed[40].
- Seat recliner (19V633). Manual seat recliners on some rear outboard seats may be missing a part needed for seat back strength, leaving a loose seat back. Dealers inspect the seat structure and replace it as needed[41].
- Manual park release cover (19V575). The cover on the manual park release may be missing, which can let the lever move and the car roll away. Some cars were also left in Factory Mode, which hides warnings and the gear display. Dealers install the cover and check the cluster[42].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates three versions of the 2020 Aviator, all with a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo and an Automatic (S10) transmission:
| Version | City / Highway / Combined |
|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive[5] | 18 / 26 / 21 MPG |
| All-wheel drive[43] | 17 / 24 / 20 MPG |
| Plug-in hybrid AWD[44] | 23 MPGe combined |
The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,200 for the rear-wheel drive version[5] and $3,350 for the all-wheel drive version[43]. Those costs use the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not what gas cost when the car was new. The plug-in hybrid is listed with 460 miles of range[44].
Safety ratings
NHTSA rated the SUV with four-wheel drive 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 15.1%[6]. The rear-wheel drive SUV got the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 14.7%[45]. The all-wheel drive SUV is not rated[46].
Engine and size
The EPA lists the 2020 Aviator with the 3.0L six-cylinder at 393 hp[47]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2020 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 111 | 1 |
| 2004 | 81 | 0 |
| 2005 | 51 | 0 |
| 2020 | 120 | 30 |
| 2021 | 45 | 28 |
| 2022 | 61 | 22 |
| 2023 | 30 | 16 |
| 2024 | 7 | 8 |
| 2025 | 18 | 15 |
| 2026 | 4 | 6 |
The 2020 model year has the most complaints and the most recalls of any Aviator year on file. It has 120 complaints and 30 recalls[2]. The 2021 year has 45 complaints and 28 recalls, and 2022 has 61 and 22[2]. The 2023 year has 30 and 16, and 2024 has 7 and 8[2].
The 2003 year comes closest on complaints with 111, but it has 1 recall[2]. Later years have fewer complaints, but they have also had less time to collect them, and the counts are not adjusted for sales. Treat the comparison as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2020 Aviator?
The 2020 Aviator has a long recall list and the heaviest complaint count of any Aviator year on file, so go in with open eyes[2]. The rear camera or display is the subject of nine of the 30 recalls[17][18][23][26][28][29][30][32][34] and in the complaint texts we read, including owners who say the problem returned after a repair[10]. Two recalls had no remedy available when their notices were written, and one of them covers a park pawl problem that can let the car roll away[3][4]. If you are considering one, run the VIN on NHTSA.gov, ask for proof of completed recalls and have the rear camera checked in reverse. The crash ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall for the versions rated[6][45].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
- Electrical system is the largest named group in NHTSA complaints, with 45 of 120 complaints[1][7]. In a sample we read, owners describe rear camera glitches and failing door or window controls[7]. Power train has 27 complaints and brakes 12[8][11].
- How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have?
- NHTSA lists 30 recalls for the 2020 model year[2]. Remedies for two were not yet available when their notices were written[3][4].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
- The EPA rates the rear-wheel drive version at 21 MPG combined and the all-wheel drive version at 20 MPG combined[5][43]. The plug-in hybrid is rated 23 MPGe combined[44].
- Is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator safe?
- NHTSA gave the 4WD and RWD SUV 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[6][45]. The all-wheel drive SUV is not rated[46]. The model year also has 30 recalls, so check the VIN[2].
- Is 2020 the worst year for the Lincoln Aviator?
- It has the most complaints and recalls of any year on file, with 120 complaints and 30 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so it is a rough guide only.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 120 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Aviator model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V451, filed July 14, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V402, filed June 24, 2026: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 45 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,650). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V117, filed March 3, 2026: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V159, filed March 17, 2026: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V123, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V407, filed June 13, 2025: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V393, filed June 13, 2025: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V349, filed May 23, 2025: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V338, filed May 23, 2025: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V159, filed March 14, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V093, filed February 14, 2025: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V368, filed May 24, 2024: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V626, filed September 8, 2023: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V598, filed August 25, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V342, filed May 12, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V022, filed January 23, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V953, filed December 23, 2022: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V735, filed September 22, 2021: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V534, filed July 15, 2021: Visibility › Defroster / Defogger / Hvac System › Compressor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V223, filed March 30, 2021: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V154, filed March 10, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V014, filed January 15, 2021: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V788, filed December 17, 2020: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V693, filed November 10, 2020: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V497, filed August 21, 2020: Air Bags › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V859, filed December 4, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V633, filed August 28, 2019: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V575, filed August 5, 2019: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Aviator AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Aviator PHEV AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular Gas and Electricity: 23 MPGe combined, 460 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Lincoln Aviator with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 393 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV: length 200 in, width 79 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,863 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVIATOR 4DR SUV HYBRID: length 200 in, width 79 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 5,679 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov