2020 Lincoln Aviator Safety Report
2020 Lincoln Aviator: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by High Recall Count and Persistent Electrical/Powertrain Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Reliability Score
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rearview Camera Malfunction Multiple recalls (e.g., 24V-368, 23V-342) address issues where the rearview image may flip, invert, or display a blank screen, significantly reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. This is also a top complaint component. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Seat Belt Anchor/Buckle Issues Recalls (e.g., 25V-093, 20V-758) indicate improperly secured seat belt anchor bolts or buckles, which can compromise occupant restraint during a crash, increasing injury risk. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Loss Of Drive Power (Phev Models) A recall (23V-626) and owner complaints describe battery failure in 3.0L PHEV engines leading to a loss of drive power and increased fire risk. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Windshield Wiper Motor Failure A recall (22V-143) addresses wiper motor failure, which can reduce visibility during adverse weather, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Detaching Exterior Trim (C-Pillar/Window Bars) A recall (24V-368) and owner complaints detail insufficient adhesive bonding on rear door window bars and C-pillar trim, allowing trim to detach and create a road hazard. |
Medium | Occasional | all miles |
| Transmission Issues (Slipping, Failure) Owner complaints mention transmission slipping, loss of power, and complete transmission replacement, indicating significant powertrain reliability concerns. |
High | Occasional | 30000-60000 miles |
| Unintended Vehicle Movement/Rollaway At least one complaint describes the vehicle rolling unexpectedly while in PARK and powered off, posing a serious safety risk. |
High | Rare | all miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator:
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category, suggesting a variety of less specific or hard-to-categorize issues.
Frequent reports of electrical glitches, including issues with the rearview camera, infotainment screen going blank, and various warning lights, aligning with multiple recalls.
Concerns about loss of propulsion, transmission failures, and engine malfunctions, particularly in PHEV models, are noted in complaints and supported by recalls.
Issues primarily related to the rearview camera system, including image inversion or blank screens, which are also subject to multiple recalls.
Complaints about detaching exterior trim (C-pillar, window bars) and sunroof leaks, with the trim issue being a subject of recall.
Reports of automatic braking engaging without cause and brakes locking up, indicating potential issues with the braking system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side, 4-star rollover). However, it has a high number of recalls (28) addressing critical safety components like seat belts, rearview cameras, and powertrain, and 93 owner complaints, indicating potential reliability and safety concerns in real-world operation.
What are common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), and BACK OVER PREVENTION (7 complaints), often related to rearview camera malfunctions, loss of drive power, and various electrical glitches. There are also concerns about detaching exterior trim and seat belt issues, both covered by recalls.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have?
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has a significant number of recalls, totaling 28. These recalls address a wide range of issues from seat belt integrity and rearview camera functionality to windshield wiper motor failure and potential loss of drive power in PHEV models.
Are there any known issues with the transmission in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
Yes, owner complaints indicate issues with the transmission, including slipping and complete failure, sometimes requiring full replacement. While not a direct recall for the transmission itself, powertrain issues, including loss of drive power, are noted in complaints and a recall for PHEV battery defects.
What are the safety ratings for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator received high safety ratings from NHTSA: 5 stars for Overall Rating, Frontal Crash, and Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and recurring complaints despite strong crash test ratings, prospective buyers should ensure all 28 recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty, especially for PHEV models, to mitigate risks associated with electrical and powertrain issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Lincoln Aviator
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The data includes 93 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 28 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Lincoln Aviator an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.