2020 Lincoln Aviator

108 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Independence, MOPower train

   Transmission started shifting hard when going from 1-2, up and down shifting. Sometimes there is a grinding sound and then a very hard shift into 2nd gear. 1 time it would not shift at all after coming to a stop. Diagnosed by Ford as bad A clutch and needing to be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint 11762115
2. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 12, 2026Prescott, AZPower train

   My car slammed into park while I was driving on the highway and now is in limp mode only going into neutral and I am stranded without a vehicle. The Lincoln dealership wants to charge me 1500 to diagnose it but that’s the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11761094
3. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2024Irvine, CAElectrical system

   I am filing this complaint regarding the recurring infotainment screen failure on my 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The center display repeatedly goes completely black while driving or when using Apple CarPlay. When this occurs, I lose the backup camera, navigation, audio, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. The loss of the backup camera creates a serious safety hazard when reversing. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Lincoln dealership numerous times for this same issue. The dealership has performed software updates, module programming, module replacement, diagnostics, and recall-related repairs. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the defect remains unresolved. I was informed there is currently no permanent repair for this recurring problem. I have spent significant time and money returning the vehicle for repairs and have opened multiple cases with Lincoln/Ford requesting a permanent solution and vehicle repurchase. Despite repeated unsuccessful repairs, Ford denied my request. This is an intermittent safety defect that occurs without warning and continues after multiple repair attempts. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this defect and determine whether the current recalls and repair procedures adequately correct this safety issue, as I believe other 2020 Lincoln Aviator owners may be experiencing the same unresolved problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11760001
4. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Jul 28, 2026Leland, NCPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that on several occasions while shifted to reverse(R), and occasionally while in drive(D), the vehicle jerked violently and did not stop jerking until the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint 11757029
5. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Jul 30, 202684,464 milesPeoria, AZPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shutoff while coming to a complete stop, with an abnormally rough grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 84,464.

   NHTSA complaint 11756591
6. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 6, 202678,000 milesPanama City Beach, FLPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the gear shifter could not be shifted out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756255
7. Filed Aug 2, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Phoenix, AZEngine

   TRANSMISSION MAY BRIEFLY ENGAGE IN PARK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING.

   NHTSA complaint 11754331
8. Filed Aug 2, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026High Ridge, MOElectrical systemFire

   My fiance went out to start the car. The car wouldn't start, but the starter kept clicking for around 5 minutes even when she was out of the vehicle with the door shut. During that 5 minutes the car started to smoke really bad and you could smell an electrical fire. She ran in the house to get me. We started moving our other cars away from the Lincoln. As I was getting ready to call 911 the starter stopped clicking and the smoke from underneath the car went away. It has currently been at a Ford/Lincoln dealership for the past 2 weeks. They said that the starter fried that battery. This was really traumatic for my fiance because she constantly drives our kids around in the car. Now she's terrified that the car will catch fire again. We have video but it will not let me upload.

   NHTSA complaint 11754312
9. Filed Jul 27, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2026126,000 milesCibolo, TXPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Upon taking the vehicle to a collision repair shop, the contact was informed that the gear shifter had failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was associated with the recall. The contact was advised that the vehicle would be repaired at the owner's expense because the part for the recall repair was unavailable. 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, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11753068
10. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jun 17, 2026Peoria, AZEngineCrash

    My wife went to a friends house to drop something off, pulled in the driveway, pushed the Park button, got out of the vehicle, as she was walking away the car drove through their garage door. We paid about $3300 to have their door replaced. We just recently received a recall 26V402 that talks about this issue and it currently says there is not a remedy for it at this point.

    NHTSA complaint 11752488
11. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Jul 10, 202689,635 milesBaton Rouge, LAPower train, Service brakes, Hydraulic

    The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), but the vehicle failed to move while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the engine was revving. The messages "Park Brake Malfunction Service", "System Braking Issue", "Service Advancetrac", "Park Malfunction Service Now", and "Check Brake System" were displayed. Additionally, the vehicle previously hesitated to accelerate while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,635.

    NHTSA complaint 11749623
12. Filed Jul 7, 2026Failure Jul 7, 2026Overland Park, KSSeats

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11748708
13. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure Apr 26, 2026Granger, INElectrical system, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11741638
14. Filed May 11, 2026Failure May 17, 2022Florence, AZElectrical system, Warnings, Suspension

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11736924
15. Filed May 11, 2026Failure May 17, 2023Florence, AZWarnings, Electrical system

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11736923
16. Filed Apr 3, 2026Failure Mar 25, 2026Port Saint Lucie, FLAutomatic emergency braking, Power train, Service brakes

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11729043
17. Filed Mar 12, 2026Failure Jan 22, 2026Decatur, ILPower train

    replaced 2 valve bodies, and now the CDF has an open statement bulletin on it, and I have to do an entire transmission replacement

    NHTSA complaint 11723913
18. Filed Mar 5, 2026Failure Nov 1, 2025Douglasville, GAEngine, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11722352
19. Filed Mar 1, 2026Failure Feb 3, 2026Tell City, INElectrical system, Warning, Assist

    Backup camera is not working properly and the lane departure system doesn’t work

    NHTSA complaint 11721228
20. Filed Feb 13, 2026Failure Jan 29, 2026Lake Charles, LAElectrical system, Power train, Service brakes

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11717852