2020 Lincoln Aviator Problems And Complaints

header-image
Rating7.5

Ranked #9 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$51,100 - $87,800
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2020 Lincoln Aviator

Recommended mentioned in Reviews

Write a Review

Disliked by Users

  • K

    KJ

    16/03/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... would drain out. And door sticking again. Car went to body shop for repairs to water in cabin. Door sticking repaired. Next went an hour and half away from home—parked at hotel and next morning dead battery. Car back in for repairs. Lincoln will not take the vehicle back. Pretty much said I would need a lawyer to get any help.Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • P

    PJ

    23/01/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... quality not on par for what you would expect from an $80k car. Air suspension constantly adjusting when at traffic light. While the engine has decent performance it is very buzzy and seems to be working like mad keeping up with Multi gear transmission. Big disappointment. Can’t wait to turn in. Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • S

    softballmom

    09/02/2022

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... drives......when it isn't in for repairs. I'm beyond sad that Lincoln cannot figure out what is wrong with this car. Between the electronic issues, braking issues and rattles and noises this SUV has become a headache. I've had it just shy of 2 years and tried to make it work. The rolling down the driveway while my foot was on the brakeRead More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Lincoln Aviator Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

24

Recalls

0

Investigations

85

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

Reviving a troubled nametag, the Lincoln Aviator returns to the market after a hiatus of 15 years. However, this time around, the SUV has been completely revamped. It now adheres to the luxurious and practical standards of its class and is more reliable than any of the previous model years. It is structurally sound, impressively equipped with safety features, and shares its underpinnings with the Ford Explorer, which makes it a dependable proposition. In its latest iteration, the Aviator has 31 complaints and has been called back 11 times. While its recalls do seem excessive, the SUV’s performance has been unblotched. The price of a new Lincoln Aviator starts at just over $50,000 and it competes with the likes of the 2020 Volvo XC90, the 2020 Cadillac XT6, and the 2020 Audi Q7.

2020 Lincoln Aviator User Complaints and Problems

Electric System Complaints

  • Malfunctioning rearview camera: Ranking highly in the list of the Lincoln Aviator electric problems, buyers of the SUV have reported the improper functioning of the rearview camera. When in operation, complainants have recorded the camera to either display a distorted or no image. In one case, it has also resulted in a blue screen, which has obstructed the driver’s vision. To deal with the issue, Lincoln has introduced two distinct recalls, referenced by NHTSA IDs 21V735000 and 21V223000.
  • Improper functioning of the infotainment screen: Buyers of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have reported the inability of the infotainment screen to adapt to the environment on the outside. As a result, the system does not adjust the brightness of the screen at night, which can cause a distraction for the driver.
  • Issues with the locking system: Amongst other 2020 Lincoln Aviator issues, a couple of buyers of the SUV have reported the locking system to not work as intended. Complainants have reported the vehicle to lock and unlock without any command from the driver.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Braking System malfunction: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have reported the brake system to not perform its intended function. As a result, when the pedal is depressed, the vehicle fails to come to a halt. Majorly, it has been noted when the driver tries to shift from “Drive” to “Reverse”.
  • Loss of power: In a couple of cases, buyers have reported the SUV to lose all its motive power. While there is no known cause for the concern, complainants have recorded the vehicle shuddering excessively before coming to a halt. However, the Lincoln Aviator engine problems are non-recurring and less rampant, and should not irk most of the buyers.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Recall

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

22nd Sept 2021

21V735000

Malfunctioning rearview camera

Due to the failure of the video output, the rearview camera might not display an image.

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of cost.

2.

15th July 2021

21V534000

Improperly secured wire harness

An improperly secured wire harness can allow contact with the A/C compressor pulley, increasing the risk of a fire.

Following an inspection, dealers will replace the A/C compressor belt, free of cost.

3.

30th Mar 2021

21V223000

Malfunctioning rearview camera

Due to the failure of the image processing module, the rearview camera might not display an image.

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of cost.

4.

10th Mar 2021

21V154000

Fractured RLCA bolts

The bolts that attach the rear lower control arm to the wheel knuckles might break, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the RLCA bolts, free of charge.

5.

15th Jan 2021

21V014000

Contaminated washer fluid

The washer fluid may be contaminated with brake fluid, hindering visibility.

Dealers will replace the washer bottleneck, washer pump assembly, fluid sensors, and wiper blades.

6.

17th Dec 2020

20V778000

Loose motor mount fasteners

Due to improper tightening, the right motor mount fasteners might loosen over time.

Dealers will replace the right motor mount fasteners, free of cost.

7.

10th Nov 2020

20V693000

Driveshaft may get damaged

In vehicles equipped with the 2.0L or 3.3L engine with the 10-speed automatic transmission and AWD unit, the driveshaft might fracture along the weld seam.

Following an inspection, dealers will replace the driveshaft as required, free of cost.

8.

21st Aug 2020

20V497000

Loose side airbag

Due to improper tightening into the seatback, the side airbags might deploy incorrectly.

Dealers will ensure that the side airbags of the affected units are properly tightened, free of cost.

9.

4th Dec 2019

19V589000

Possible fuel leak

The protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe with the plastic fuel line, increasing the risk of a leak.

Dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the fuel lines, free of cost.

10.

28th Aug 2019

19V633000

Reduced seatback strength

Due to a missing pawl in the recliner mechanism, the seatback strength may be reduced.

Dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them if required, free of cost.

11.

5th Aug 2019

19V575000

Factory mode settings

Some vehicles might still be in factory mode, which can disable warnings and not display any information on the cluster.

Dealers will verify and clear any fault codes to shut off the factory mode.

Should you buy the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator issues are not highly concerning, yet it has been recalled incessantly. As a result, the SUV spends considerable time with the dealer, awaiting repairs. So, if you are looking for a safe and reliable SUV, but cannot accustom yourself to the frequent factory visits, we suggest keeping the SUV at an arm’s length.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

November 6, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11697895

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11697895

Incident Date:
November 6, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J9XC4LG

Consumer Location:
MORRISVILLE, NC

Summary
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill st...

October 31, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11696865

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11696865

Incident Date:
October 31, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7XC6LG

Consumer Location:
MULBERRY, FL

Summary
Driving on interstate, a flex pipe (part of the exhaust) fell off at the forward end, Dragging the ground...

September 22, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688953

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11688953

Incident Date:
September 22, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7XC3LG

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
Glass portion of passenger side rear view mirror fell off as vehicle was exiting driveway possibly due to...

September 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688754

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11688754

Incident Date:
September 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J7XC5LG

Consumer Location:
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, CA

Summary
My engine lost power and would not start. It was determined that it needed a new fuel pump. The fuel pump...

September 9, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685955

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11685955

Incident Date:
September 9, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5LM5J9XC8LG

Consumer Location:
CHICAGO, IL

Summary
See attached document for complaint.

70/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

84/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

68/100Average

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

79/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

Similar Cars

2020 Cadillac XT6
2020 Cadillac XT6

MSRP: $52,695- $57,095

7.3/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
7.7/10
2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan

MSRP: $330,000- $382,000

9.1/10
2020 BMW X7
2020 BMW X7

MSRP: $73,900- $99,600

8.2/10
2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90

MSRP: $48,350- $63,100

7.3/10
2020 Lexus LX 570
2020 Lexus LX 570

MSRP: $86,480- $91,480

7.1/10
2020 Lincoln Navigator
2020 Lincoln Navigator

MSRP: $76,185- $97,135

8.0/10
2020 Land Rover Range Rover
2020 Land Rover Range Rover

MSRP: $90,900- $209,500

7.7/10
2020 Cadillac Escalade
2020 Cadillac Escalade

MSRP: $75,195- $95,295

7.2/10
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX

MSRP: $44,500- $61,750

7.2/10