Research

2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and power train (4).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2021 – Mar 2026
  1. Electrical system6
  2. Power train4
  3. Forward collision avoidance2
  4. Back over prevention2
  5. Fuel/propulsion system1
  6. Steering1
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  8. Lane departure1
  9. Engine1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Aviator Plug-in Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202010
20215
202215
20236
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

6 reports
“My 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Plug‑In Hybrid has experienced multiple high‑voltage powertrain failures that create an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has twice lost propulsion while driving, displaying “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” and “Service Engine Soon” before shutting down completely. During the first failure, the vehicle stopped in active traffic and would not restart; a police officer stopped to assist and called a tow truck because the disabled vehicle posed a roadway hazard. In addition, the digital instrument cluster has repeatedly gone completely black while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating all visibility of speed, gear position, warning indicators, and hybrid system status. During the most recent blackout, an [XXX] child was in the vehicle with me, significantly increasing the danger. These failures are accompanied by hybrid‑system fault code P0A1E (Starter/Generator Control Module), a pink charging‑port indicator signaling a charging fault, and irregular hybrid‑battery behavior (range not updating, battery not depleting). The vehicle has been inspected four times by authorized Lincoln/Ford dealers and has been out of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11726726

Power train

4 reports
“While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning and immediately began limiting operation. At the same time, steering effort increased significantly, similar to a loss or reduction of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control. I was unable to safely pull over when the warning appeared and was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby residential street to avoid traffic. After stopping, the vehicle became immobilized and repeatedly engaged the electronic parking brake. The vehicle could not remain in neutral and required roadside assistance. Towing was difficult due to the inability to keep the vehicle in neutral. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, and diagnostics identified a high-voltage isolation fault (DTC P0AA6) traced to the air conditioning compressor on the hybrid system. The component is currently being replaced. The sudden shutdown combined with increased steering effort and inability to safely pull over created a significant safety risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11716231

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports
“Unsure what component failed specifically, has been inspected by dealer multiple times. This randomly occurs while driving. It disables a number of safety features such a collision assist and traction control as well as several driving modes until the car is fully powered off and restarted. There are multiple reports of this occurring frequently in online groups. No warnings prior to the failure but multiple warnings when it fails. This can occur daily, even multiple times a day during normal driving. Dealer has tried replacing multiple modules and sensors but problem persists.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11591994
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 14898
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2020 Aviator Plug-in Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), power train (4), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026