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Your vehicleHome›Lincoln›Aviator› 2020
Lincoln · Large SUV

2020 Lincoln Aviator

Plug-in hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
3 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
26 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls4 critical 30
Complaints2 crash · 1 fire reported 120
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 23 mpg
20272026202520242023202220212020

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Aviator PHEV AWD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 120 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Lincoln Aviator — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Aviator · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Aviator PHEV AWDPlug-in hybrid4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo + 74 kW PMSM222523 (31 MPGe blended)21 mi electric603.5 h$2,900
Aviator RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182621———$3,200
Aviator AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420———$3,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42377, 41486, 41488.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Aviator PHEV AWD7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Aviator AWD, Aviator RWD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower400 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity7 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainRWD/Rear-Wheel Drive

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Black Label, Black Label Grand Touring, Grand Touring, Reserve). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length200.0 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height67.7 in
Wheelbase119.3 in
Track, front66.5 in
Track, rear66.5 in
Curb weight4,863–5,679 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear51/49 to 52/48

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV, 4-door SUV Hybrid. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2020 Aviator
Other years The 2027 Aviator Recalls Lincoln recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (30)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

26S52
387,911 vehicles 3% reported repaired
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 1-866-436-7
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles
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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V402000 reported Jun 24, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

26C18
561 vehicles 32% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V159000 reported Mar 17, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

26S14
604,533 vehicles
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V117000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

26C11
889,950 vehicles 12% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V123000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles 59% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 reported Jun 27, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

25S67
304,662 vehicles 65% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V393000 reported Jun 13, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

25S66
132,914 vehicles 72% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V407000 reported Jun 13, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Seat Belts

25C18
4,442 vehicles 68% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V338000 reported May 23, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

25S58
8 vehicles 88% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V349000 reported May 23, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S27
49,399 vehicles 73% reported repaired built Jan 21, 2019 – Jul 25, 2023
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V159000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

25S09
240,510 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Oct 19, 2018 – Jul 11, 2020
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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V093000 reported Feb 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles 66% reported repaired built May 2, 2019 – Jun 13, 2024
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 reported Nov 8, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

24S35
109,283 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Oct 19, 2018 – Apr 25, 2024
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V368000 reported May 24, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

23S53
2,954 vehicles 92% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V626000 reported Sep 8, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S48
177,402 vehicles 83% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Risk Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V598000 reported Aug 25, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S23
442,973 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. 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 replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V342000 reported May 12, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S02
382,759 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. 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 (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V022000 reported Jan 23, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Seat Belts

22C35
101,001 vehicles 93% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System. 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 February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C35.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V953000 reported Dec 23, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

21S44
228,297 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. Risk A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V735000 reported Sep 22, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

21S34
33,298 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines. The wire harness may not be secured properly, possibly contacting the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley, and resulting in damage to electrical wires, or the A/C compressor drive belt. Risk Damaged electrical wires may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers will inspect the harness and A/C compressor belt for damage, replacing them as necessary, and install a tie strap to secure the wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S34.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V534000 reported Jul 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

21C09
34,952 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The image processing module may be unable to provide video feed to the display, which could result in a loss of the backup camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the image processing module software with the latest level, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C09.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V223000 reported Mar 30, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

21S11
49 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break. Risk Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V154000 reported Mar 10, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

21C01
283 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The affected vehicles contain windshield washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." Risk A washer system contaminated with brake fluid can reduce the driver's ability to clear windshield, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush out the washer system, replacing the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor and the front and rear wiper blades. Dealers will also inspect and repair the vehicle's paint and exterior components if affected, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C01.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V014000 reported Jan 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine

20S72
1,405 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time. 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. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V788000 reported Dec 17, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Power Train

20S65
10,905 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Ford 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. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam. 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 or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
NHTSA campaign 20V693000 reported Nov 10, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

20S48
488 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs. 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 crash. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V497000 reported Aug 21, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

19S49
3,857 vehicles 91% reported repaired built Jan 15, 2019 – Jul 17, 2019
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak. Risk A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V859000 reported Dec 4, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

19C07
639,137 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Apr 12, 2019 – Jul 16, 2019
Problem Ford 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 with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restr 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 risk of injury. Fix Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
NHTSA campaign 19V633000 reported Aug 28, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

19C06
13,896 vehicles 99% reported repaired built Apr 10, 2019 – Jul 24, 2019
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect." Risk Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V575000 reported Aug 5, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

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 mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Aviator

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2020 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Lincoln publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Lincoln’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
120complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

41 per 10,000 built · Lincoln reported 29,181 Aviator built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2019: 3 · 2020: 11 · 2021: 12 · 2022: 10 · 2023: 20 · 2024: 19 · 2025: 18 · 2026: 27

Most-cited components

Electrical System 45
Power Train 27
Unspecified 24
Back Over Prevention 18
Service Brakes 12
Forward Collision Avoidance 12

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

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.
Electrical System Mar 24, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11726726
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.
Service Brakes Feb 16, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11572452
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.
Back Over Prevention at 20,000 miles Sep 28, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11547179
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.
Lane Departure Oct 2, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11487539
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on an inclined driveway, he attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated.
Fuel/Propulsion System at 3,514 miles Nov 10, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11439964
Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving. Had to stop the vehicle in the median to put it back in drive
Power Train Oct 13, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11436553

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Lincoln itself: 14 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 17 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 48 per 100,000 built. Every Aviator model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 14k

miles, typically

Half the 27 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 3,000 and 79,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

Too few readings for a curve — the 27 on file: 11 under 10k, 4 10k–20k, 1 20k–30k, 1 30k–40k, 1 40k–50k, 1 50k–60k, 2 70k–80k, 3 80k–90k, 1 90k–100k, 2 100k–150k.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 328
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-08
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 322 service bulletins, 6 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Power Train, Equipment, Unknown Or Other, Engine.

  • SSM 55228 Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • 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 (
  • SSM 55226 Service bulletin
    2026-10-07 · Unknown Or Other
  • 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 assemb
  • SSM 55217 Service bulletin
    2026-10-06 · 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 turbin
  • TSB 26-2325 Service bulletin
    2026-09-30 · Electrical System
  • 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.
  • TSB 25-2568 V2 Service bulletin
    2026-09-16 · Unknown Or Other
  • This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
  • TSB 26-2395 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfuncti
  • SSM55059 Service bulletin
    2026-08-03 · Power Train
  • Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable
  • TSB 26-2287 Service bulletin
    2026-06-18 · Power Train
  • This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 "Transfer Case Fluid". Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delay

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0729
P0729 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0731
P0731 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0732
P0732 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0733
P0733 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0734
P0734 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0735
P0735 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P0736
P0736 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P076F
P076F on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P07D9
P07D9 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P07F6
P07F6 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P07F7
P07F7 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins
P2700
P2700 on Lincoln →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator failed the emissions check on 4.2% of first inspections — higher than the 2.2% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.73% (every 2020 vehicle: 1.6%).

New York inspections 4.2%

failed emissions

548 initial inspections of 532 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2020 AviatorEvery 2020 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check4.2%2.2%546
Failed the safety inspection0.73%1.6%548
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.18%0.19%548
Miles driven a year10,2389,980odometer at inspection
Average odometer63,99762,630odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2020 vehicle” is every 2020 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Aviator by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 20 mpg2026 C 6 4 21 mpg2025 F 15 18 21 mpg2024 D 8 7 21 mpg2023 F 16 30 23 mpg2022 F 22 62 23 mpg2021 F 28 45 23 mpg2020 this page F 30 120 23 mpg

Common questions about the 2020 Aviator

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 30 recall campaigns for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, 4 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V349000, covering Electrical System. 6 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: 2nd Quarter 2024, April 2027, January 2027, November 2026. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

NHTSA gave the 2020 Lincoln Aviator 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (26/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

Across the 3 EPA-rated configurations of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, the best EPA combined figure is 23 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

Transport Canada measured it at 200.0 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 67.7 in tall, on a 119.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,863–5,679 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, most often about electrical system, power train, unspecified. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

The EPA smog rating for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

The manufacturer has filed 328 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, most often covering electrical system, power train, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator failed the emissions check on 4.2% of first inspections — higher than the 2.2% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.73% (every 2020 vehicle: 1.6%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations3 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates3 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls30NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints120NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins328NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA11 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Aviator The Aviator model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Lincoln recall on file All campaigns filed against Lincoln vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Aviator by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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