Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

108 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
25

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

transmission slipping 13rollaway 4sudden stalling 3
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762115 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
45

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 34electrical shorts 3
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760001 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
10

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of braking 5software faults 3rollaway 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11749623 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
7

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 4fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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…
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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)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11736923 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
2

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The…
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The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11660663 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
11

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11688953 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
8

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1software faults 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757029 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 108 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2019 and 2026, roughly 16 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.