2020 Lincoln Aviator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Lincoln Aviator? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 93 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator has 93 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 28 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Aviator
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 93
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 28
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 21
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 460
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Lincoln Aviator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and back over prevention repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and back over prevention repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Lincoln Aviator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has 93 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to electrical faults. Transmission/drivetrain and back over prevention issues are also notable. There is one crash-related complaint. Confidence in these findings is low due to limited data.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain and back over prevention each have 15 complaints.
- There is only one crash-related complaint among the 93 total.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems are a recurring theme.
- Back over prevention system complaints are notable.
All 2020 Lincoln Aviator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 34 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
replaced 2 valve bodies, and now the CDF has an open statement bulletin on it, and I have to do an entire transmission replacement
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 …
Backup camera is not working properly and the lane departure system doesn’t work
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. T…
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 …
Transmission slipped and lost all power
Driver side and passenger seats will not recline. The back will move forward and all other parts will adjust properly, but it always stops at a certain point that is clearly not as far as it will recline. I had this issue fixed at the dealership under warranty in December and les…
Upon starting the vehicle around 7p on Friday, 10/31/25, the following errors flooded the screen: Hill start assist not available Service advancetrac 4WD Malfunction service required Pre-collision assist not available Rear sense breaking not available Additionally, cruise control…
Driving on interstate, a flex pipe (part of the exhaust) fell off at the forward end, Dragging the ground and damaging the catalytic converter and rear exhaust pipe. This was repaired by the dealership, but the flex pipe was not covered under the extended Warranty program. The …
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.
My engine lost power and would not start. It was determined that it needed a new fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced and the car is starting to lose power again while driving.
See attached document for complaint.
Axle shaft Seal no warning besides loud grinding noise. Electrical issues- causing speakers to not work and the lights coming on and going off. Then it causing the crash detection to not have sound.
No one was in the back seat when this happened. The back passenger door flung open while driving down the road. Immediately pulled off the road and it would not latch! Drove immediately to the dealership and got a loaner. Dealership stated it was the latch and repaired in a day …
I don't know the component or system that failed but sometimes when I am parked and put my car into reverse, the brakes lock up but my car will roll backwards. I have to either jam both feet on the brake pedal or quickly shift the car back into park and turn the car off and resta…
The vehicle doors lock on their own. Also the keyless entry keypad on the drivers door does not respond so entry cannot be made using that method. This is very dangerous and possibly fatal if one of us were to exit the car let's say to pump gas and all the doors locked with a gra…
The C-pillar trim applique/window division bar has detached on passenger rear side door. The C-pillar trim applique/window division bar is separating from the vehicle on driver rear side door. There is an open recall for this exact problem for 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviators. Despite …
The inside electric push-button switch that opens the door behind the driver was intermittent and is now completely inoperative. The inoperative switch means that anyone in the seat behind the driver must either roll down the window, reach out, and push the outside door button t…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Recalls
28 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. 28 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 93 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 28 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (34 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (23 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 93 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 28 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 28 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Lincoln Aviator?▾
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Aviator reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Lincoln Aviator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.