Model year

2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV

SUV, plug-in hybrid, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 17, 2021 to Mar 24, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints10Below the median 2020 suv
Severity index0.02020 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV peaked in 2022, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232021202232023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

60% of complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
6
Powertrain
4
Driver assistance
3
Back-over prevention
2
Brakes
2
Engine and cooling
1
Fuel system
1
Steering
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator PHEV

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 24, 2026Failure Mar 20, 2026Loveland, OHElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    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. During the first failure, the vehicle stopped in active traffic and would not restart; a police officer stopped to assist and called a tow truck because the disabled vehicle posed a roadway hazard. In addition, the digital instrument cluster has repeatedly gone completely black while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating all visibility of speed, gear position, warning indicators, and hybrid system status. During the most recent blackout, an [XXX] child was in the vehicle with me, significantly increasing the danger. These failures are accompanied by hybrid‑system fault code P0A1E (Starter/Generator Control Module), a pink charging‑port indicator signaling a charging fault, and irregular hybrid‑battery behavior (range not updating, battery not depleting). The vehicle has been inspected four times by authorized Lincoln/Ford dealers and has been out of service more than 34 cumulative days. Although the P0A1E code and symptoms were documented, the dealers repeatedly stated they were “unable to verify” the concern and returned the vehicle unrepaired. Required high‑voltage diagnostics were not completed. The problem is ongoing, intermittent, and has not been corrected. Sudden propulsion loss, dashboard blackout, and high‑voltage control failures put occupants and other motorists at significant risk. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11726726
  2. Filed Feb 6, 2026Failure Jan 12, 2026Winter Garden, FLElectrical system, Power train, Steering

    While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning and immediately began limiting operation. At the same time, steering effort increased significantly, similar to a loss or reduction of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control. I was unable to safely pull over when the warning appeared and was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby residential street to avoid traffic. After stopping, the vehicle became immobilized and repeatedly engaged the electronic parking brake. The vehicle could not remain in neutral and required roadside assistance. Towing was difficult due to the inability to keep the vehicle in neutral. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, and diagnostics identified a high-voltage isolation fault (DTC P0AA6) traced to the air conditioning compressor on the hybrid system. The component is currently being replaced. The sudden shutdown combined with increased steering effort and inability to safely pull over created a significant safety risk.

    NHTSA complaint 11716231
  3. Filed Dec 23, 2024Failure Dec 4, 2024Puyallup, WAElectrical system, Power train

    -Check engine light on - Service vehicle soon light on -Fault with hight voltage system. Can't drive the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11632121
  4. Filed Jun 2, 2024Failure May 31, 2024Walnut Creek, CAElectrical system, Warnings, Power train

    Unsure what component failed specifically, has been inspected by dealer multiple times. This randomly occurs while driving. It disables a number of safety features such a collision assist and traction control as well as several driving modes until the car is fully powered off and restarted. There are multiple reports of this occurring frequently in online groups. No warnings prior to the failure but multiple warnings when it fails. This can occur daily, even multiple times a day during normal driving. Dealer has tried replacing multiple modules and sensors but problem persists.

    NHTSA complaint 11591994
  5. Filed Feb 16, 2024Failure Jan 10, 2024Plainwell, MIService brakes, Pedals and linkages

    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. They keep saying that it’s normal, I see that the old aviators had the same issue on the hybrid system And a TSB was released for it at one point. While driving the vehicle one day it would not stop so I had to slam on the brakes, causing them to lock up temporarily once I did that it seemed to have improved the breaking almost like something was stuck from the factory! Still to this day I still feel the pressure and the feeling like the ABS is kicking on periodically. I have tried taken it into my dealer multiple times and they keep saying that it’s normal. I opened a case with Lincoln but they keep taking the word of the dealer that nothing is wrong with the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11572452
  6. Filed Sep 28, 2023Failure Aug 28, 202120,000 milesBeverly Hills, MIBack over prevention

    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. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera image was intermittently blue or black. The contact also stated that the infotainment screen image was intermittently black or blue while starting the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11547179
  7. Filed Oct 2, 2022Failure Jun 1, 2021Mesilla, NMAssist, Unknown or other

    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. This has been consistent since I purchased the vehicle. Lincoln has tried to repair the vehicle several times without success. I lose the back up camera also. I have to stop and shutdown the vehicle and the screen reactivates. I have address all previous Lincoln recalls on this vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11487539
  8. Filed Apr 13, 2022Failure Dec 24, 202110,000 milesFrisco, TXElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH on an entrance ramp onto the highway, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Stop Safely Now" and "Full Accessory Power Mode" were displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact's husband later received a warning message in his app stating, "High Voltage Battery". The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where unknown wires were tightened. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11460629
  9. Filed Feb 17, 2022Failure Feb 16, 2022Fairfield, CAElectrical system, Engine

    I was driving and an alert to pull over came on. The car would not accelerate and I was in the middle of a parkway where speeds were 55 mph. It almost seemed like the car couldn't figure out to go to gas mode when the battery depleted the range. The car is a hybrid.

    NHTSA complaint 11452338
  10. Filed Feb 17, 2021Failure Jan 30, 20211,500 milesRichmond, VAWarnings, Service brakes

    BRAKES FAILED WHEN DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS A STEEP HILL. RECEIVED SIX ERROR "SERVICE NOW" MESSAGES: SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT, PARK BRAKE MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO A STOP AND HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. SUBSEQUENT CONVERSATION WITH DEALER SERVICE DEPT , WAS TOLD RECALL 20U29 APPLIES. GAVE ME A DOZEN 'CODES' FOR FAULTY/AFFECTED SYSTEMS ON CAR BEFORE I STOPPED HIM BECAUSE I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE ACRONYMS. I HAVE SEARCHED AND CANNOT FIND A RECALL BY THAT NUMBER. THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS SCARY AND I AM GLAD IT OCCURRED AT HOME.

    NHTSA complaint 11396700
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
    Pedestrian alert sounds
    Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

11 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • SSM 54262 Oct 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2020 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost, and 2020 F-150 vehicles equ…
  • TSB 24-2069 Mar 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the powertrain contr…
  • TSB 24-2082 Mar 20, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This article supersedes TSB 24-2069 to update the vehicles affected. Some 2020-2023 Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagno…
  • SSM 52244 Feb 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
  • SSM 52196 Jan 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2022 Aviator and 2021-2022 Corsair hybrid vehicles built on or before 01-Apr-2022 may exhibit charging concerns with the Lincoln dual-voltage charging cord (TurboCord). This style of charging cord can be indentified by one of the 220V prongs posit…
  • SSM 51650 May 22, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a charging system warning in the message center and/or illuminated battery lamp with DTC B11D9 present in the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Sectio…
  • SSM 51169 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles may experience a concern where the EV power flow does not display in the center display screen. This may be due to accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. To correct the condition, run the APIM-SY…
  • SSM 51137 Oct 20, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E/Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2020-2022 Aviator PHEV, and 2022 Transit battery electric vehicle (BEV) vehicles may experience an illuminated powertrain malfunction (Wrench) indicator and/or malfunction indicato…
  • 22P16 Sep 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain 2020 - 2022 Model Year Aviator PHEV and Explorer PHEV Vehicles Reprogram Powertrain Control Module In all of the affected vehicles, if the vehicle is charging via the charging cable and the customer requests a remote start, disconnects the charging…
  • SSM 50800 May 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles may experience a low battery warning message displayed in the message center with diagnostic trouble code B11D9 present in the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 414-01, Pinpoint Test…
  • TSB 22-2177 May 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles built on or before 11-Apr-2022 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1A0C stored in the PCM. This may be due to the software in the battery energy…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.