2020 Lincoln Aviator
The Verdict
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (38 complaints) and electrical (31 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 74/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Lincoln Aviator, consider the 2024 model year which has 94% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2024 has 94% fewer complaints
View the 2024 Lincoln Aviator dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 8
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 fro...
Risk
Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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-...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 o...
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.
Remedy
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. For...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 t...
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 t...
Risk
A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 t...
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 conta...
Risk
A washer system contaminated with brake fluid can reduce the driver's ability to clear windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 con...
Risk
Damaged electrical wires may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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 wer...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 t...
Risk
A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 contac...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Worst Problems
Complaints
The 3rd row headrest will no longer stay in the up position, creating a safety hazard during a accident. I've already had to repair it once. Seems to be a common problem in Ford's.
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 did I intentionally place the vehicle in a position that would allow it to move. The vehicle did not adequately engage Park or activate any automatic safety features to prevent movement when the driver exited. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability of the electronic shifter system and automatic park/braking safety features. This failure created a dangerous condition and resulted in physical injury. The dealership states it cannot reproduce the problem nor can they determine what caused the vehicle to roll back. There were no warnings prior to the failure.
To Whom It May Concern, Please see attached formal notice regarding recurring defects, safety-related recall issues, Certified Pre-Owned representations, and financing concerns associated with my 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] . This matter involves: • recurring suspension and electrical concerns; • safety-related rearview camera/SYNC recall issues; • repeated dealership repair activity; • diminished reliability and value; • Certified Pre-Owned reliance; • and unresolved manufacturer-level concerns despite extensive servicing history. Please escalate this matter immediately to executive customer relations and manufacturer review. I am requesting: • a formal manufacturer investigation, • preservation of all records associated with this VIN, • and review for buyback, goodwill compensation, warranty relief, or other global resolution options. Please confirm receipt and provide a case number immediately. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] involving recurring safety-related electrical and visibility concerns. The vehicle has experienced repeated service-related issues involving suspension systems, electrical inspections, camera/display concerns, and manufacturer customer satisfaction programs. Most significantly, the vehicle is subject to an active manufacturer safety recall involving the SYNC/rearview camera display system. The recall states that the rearview camera image and display may become inverted or flipped, impairing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. This defect directly impacts driver visibility and safe vehicle operation while reversing. The vehicle has undergone repeated dealership servicing and diagnostic evaluations, yet the broader operational and safety concerns remain unresolved. The vehicle was also sold as a Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, creating reasonable reliance that the vehicle met enhanced inspection and safety standards. I believe the recurring nature of these defects, combined with the active recall and repeated repair activity, demonstrates a broader safety-related defect pattern warranting regulatory review and investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
while moving in reverse, the vehicle automatic breaking system engages on and off giving a jerking movement of the car and makes you feel like you hit something. Once the vehicle is placed into Drive mode the same thing happens with the breaking system. because of this the check vehicle lights come on and gives a "Hill start assist warning" also "Pre-collision Assist Not Available". Also all wheel drive mode is not available and the drive mode selection no longer works. Took the car to the Lincoln dealership and they said it is a known problem and that there is a TSB out on this issue. The vehicle has only 66,000 miles on it and it is out of warranty. How can there not be a recall on this issue? They said they need to replace two shafts in the front end costing $5,000.
replaced 2 valve bodies, and now the CDF has an open statement bulletin on it, and I have to do an entire transmission replacement
Suddenly car is excessively loud when first started for roughly 30 seconds and then quiets to normal. However when placed in Drive there is a loud "clunk" that takes place to allow the car to shift into gear. While driving the car shakes vigorously. These issues all point to the enigine mount recall that did not include my vehicle, but should have. NHTSA Recall Number 20V788000 should be expanded to include my vehicle.
Backup camera is not working properly and the lane departure system doesn’t work
On January 29, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM, the vehicle experienced unintended movement while in PARK and powered off. The vehicle had been placed in Park, the engine was turned off, and the driver exited. Shortly afterward, the vehicle rolled unexpectedly while unattended. The vehicle remained parked and was not driven due to safety concerns. Wheel blocks were placed behind the tires until the scheduled dealer appointment on February 4, 2026. The dealer inspected the vehicle and was able to replicate the condition. The failure was diagnosed as a malfunctioning parking pawl solenoid within the transmission system. The dealer confirmed the vehicle could be physically rolled after being placed in Park and powered off. This condition presents a serious safety risk, including risk of injury or death if a person, child, or object were behind the vehicle. There were no prior warning messages or alerts before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
We purchase car on [XXX]. On [XXX] there is a significant leak in the panoramic sunroof that completely floods the trunk (unsure if this is related to the next problem). Our car is at the dealer for repairs 12/12/25 - 1/8/26 and is "fixed" as per the dealer. On [XXX] it starts running independently in the driveway when we are not home and both keys are untouched inside our locked home. We return a call from a concerned neighbor to enter our home, get the key, and turn off the car. After this incident the car is nearly undriveable because so many error messages begin to populate the screen. With the unpredictable nature of the car starting it is extremely frightening to depend on this car and know if it is going to suddenly start running (or driving!) unsupervised which could lead to all different kinds of compromised safety situations, especially since our driveway has easy access to the main street where kids often play. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver side and passenger seats will not recline. The back will move forward and all other parts will adjust properly, but it always stops at a certain point that is clearly not as far as it will recline. I had this issue fixed at the dealership under warranty in December and less than a month later, the drivers side it doing the same thing. I see that the car's system automatically updated on 12/29 and I'm wondering if the system updates are causing this. This could be a safety issue if someone was stuck in a position where the seat is leaned too far forward.
Transmission slipped and lost all power
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill start assist not available Service advancetrac 4WD Malfunction service required Pre-collision assist not available Rear sense breaking not available Additionally, cruise control could not be turned on and utilized. There was no incident to trigger these. The car had been sitting parked and off for ~2 hours prior to being turned on. No issues or errors prior to this date and time of turning on the vehicle. The warnings detailed describe how our safety was put at risk. All of these safety and basic features no longer functioned and our children’s safety was put at risk due to this electronic issue causing major functionality breaks/discontinuation of functions. Reproduced and confirmed by Capital Mazda of Cary (NC). Quoted to repair at our expense and “remove and throw out the electronic and replace with a manual.” Furthermore we’ve been informed verbally by our service associate that Ford (parent company) is aware of this safety issue. A TSB was located with a summer 2023 date. Lincoln customer service has stated this would’ve been covered under warranted “if it had come up while under warranty.” This dealership is the only place that has reviewed the vehicle and conditions and provided the explanation and information.
Driving on interstate, a flex pipe (part of the exhaust) fell off at the forward end, Dragging the ground and damaging the catalytic converter and rear exhaust pipe. This was repaired by the dealership, but the flex pipe was not covered under the extended Warranty program. The vehicle had just over 50,000 miles on the odometer.
Glass portion of passenger side rear view mirror fell off as vehicle was exiting driveway possibly due to defective adhesive much like the safety recall on the door pillar trim. Incident was captured on home surveillance camera.
My engine lost power and would not start. It was determined that it needed a new fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced and the car is starting to lose power again while driving.
See attached document for complaint.
Axle shaft Seal no warning besides loud grinding noise. Electrical issues- causing speakers to not work and the lights coming on and going off. Then it causing the crash detection to not have sound.
No one was in the back seat when this happened. The back passenger door flung open while driving down the road. Immediately pulled off the road and it would not latch! Drove immediately to the dealership and got a loaner. Dealership stated it was the latch and repaired in a day or two.
I don't know the component or system that failed but sometimes when I am parked and put my car into reverse, the brakes lock up but my car will roll backwards. I have to either jam both feet on the brake pedal or quickly shift the car back into park and turn the car off and restart it. This usually will correct the problem. It feels like the brakes are locked and they are really hard to press. I drop kids off at school and this has happened in the parking lot several times with children walking behind me as I am getting ready to leave. I no longer am able to pull in forward to spots and have to back in to avoid reversing with people/cars behind me. I would rather hit a curb then potentially roll into a person or another car. I've taken it to the Lincoln dealership and they were not able to reproduce it or diagnose anything with it. Nothing shows up on their system as an error. It happens infrequently but I've owned the car since Nov 2024 and it's happened at least 10 times. My husband thinks its an electronic issue because it corrects itself when the car is restarted. It also randomly allows me to turn the wheel but the wheel does not turn back to 12. It stays at 3 but drives straight. This also is corrected by turning off the car and restarting. It has also been looked at by the dealership without any fixes.
97 total