YearToAvoid

2020 Lincoln Aviator Electrical System Problems

Electrical System complaints make up 40 of 108 total complaints (37%) for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, the highest share of any component that year. NHTSA lists two related recalls tied to the high-voltage battery pack, and median mileage at failure was 2,600 miles.

Electrical System complaints
40
37% of 108
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
2,600 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Backup and forward cameras flicker, jitter, or go black intermittently, sometimes while backing up or driving.
  • The vehicle fails to start with the starter clicking repeatedly, in one case producing smoke and a smell of electrical fire.
  • Interior door controls fail, including electronic door releases, door lock sensors, and driver's door window/mirror switches.
  • Instrument panel and coolant display show false readings that limit throttle response, forcing the driver to pull over.
  • Various electrical accessories stop working together, such as visor lights, garage door opener, and dome lights.
  • The radio/infotainment screen does not dim at night, creating glare that owners describe as blinding while driving.

When 2020 Lincoln Aviator electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 19, 2019, latest Aug 27, 2026.

2020 Lincoln Aviator electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Nov 2019Dec 2020Feb 2022Jul 2023Aug 2024Sep 2025May 2026
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2019 to Aug 2026; peak Jun 2020 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator

  1. NHTSA 25V349000May 23, 2025Electrical System8 vehicles

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V626. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S58.

  2. NHTSA 23V626000Sep 8, 2023Electrical System2,954 vehicles

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Electrical System complaints by Aviator model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20051 (2%)
  2. 202040 (37%)
  3. 202113 (33%)
  4. 20229 (20%)
  5. 20238 (33%)
  6. 20242 (29%)
  7. 20255 (31%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
NHTSA lists 40 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Aviator, which is 37% of all 108 complaints filed for that model year, the largest share of any complaint category.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator's electrical system?
Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls tied to the Electrical System: campaign 23V626000 covering the high-voltage battery pack, and a follow-up campaign 25V349000 addressing vehicles repaired incorrectly under the earlier recall.
At what mileage do electrical issues typically show up on the 2020 Aviator?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 2,600 miles for Electrical System complaints on the 2020 Aviator.
Did the 2020 Aviator's electrical problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes but 1 fire and 0 injuries among the 40 Electrical System complaints for the 2020 Aviator.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.