2020 Lincoln Aviator Complaints

STEERING — Filed 04/13/2026

2020 Lincoln Black Label Aviator with 70,000 miles. Around April 13, 2026, while driving, we received an error message indicating a steering wheel issue. We took it to the shop immediately to have the code checked. At that time, we were told the steering wheel had failed, and the car was inoperable. A week or so later, we were told Lincoln didn't have any parts to repair it and would need to build a new steering wheel. At the time, we were told it would take up to 6 weeks. We followed up after six weeks, only to be told Lincoln wouldn't build the steering wheel and could provide one in a completely different trim. The service consultant did not feel comfortable with the solution. As of today, it's been sitting at the dealership without a solution, and the car remains undriveable.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/12/2026

Transmission died at 92000 miles. The car shifted to park while my wife was driving it. Shortly after the transmission started jerking in gears 1,2 and 7. Took it to the dealership and had to have the whole transmission replaced at about $7200. A transmission should last more than 92000 miles and should never shift to park while driving.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/31/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/12/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/20/2024

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/28/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/30/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/06/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/17/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 08/02/2026

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

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/06/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 06/17/2026

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/10/2026

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.

SEATS — Filed 07/07/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/26/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/17/2023

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)

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/17/2022

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)

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/25/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/22/2026

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 11/01/2025

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 02/03/2026

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

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/29/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/09/2026

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)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/02/2026

Transmission slipped and lost all power

PARKING BRAKE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/01/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space on a hill, the parking brake was engaged. and the vehicle was turned off. However, after exiting, the vehicle rolled back and crashed into two vehicles: an Audi A4 and a Kia Borrego. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, fire, police report, or air bag deployment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brakes and transmission failed, which caused the vehicle to roll backward. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 47,375. The Lincoln app informed the contact via a notification that the power train malfunctioned and reduced power.