How common are transmission problems in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

NHTSA records 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Aviator, accounting for 20% of all 108 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?

Yes. Recall 20V693000 covers a drive shaft that may fracture on 2020 Aviators with the 10-speed automatic and AWD, and recall 26V402000 covers a transmission park pawl that may engage while the vehicle is in motion.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 82,000 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Aviator.

Do the transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries among the 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Aviator.

How does 2020 compare to other Aviator model years for transmission complaints?

The 2020 Aviator has 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints (20% share), far higher than 2021 (4, 10%), 2022 (2, 4%), 2023 (2, 8%), 2024 (0, 0%), and 2025 (1, 6%).

2020 Lincoln Aviator Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, 20% of its 108 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 82,000. Two related recalls cover a park pawl issue and a drive shaft fracture risk.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 22; 20% of 108
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 82,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral or slips out of gear while driving, sometimes requiring the driver to pull over.
Transmission downshifts hard and lunges forward unexpectedly, occasionally accompanied by a burning smell from the vents.
Transmission fails to shift out of first gear or hesitates badly when the accelerator is pressed, limiting acceleration.
AWD malfunction warnings appear on the dash along with precollision assist and hill start assist faults, sometimes affecting steering feel.
Vehicle rolls unexpectedly after being placed in Park with the engine off and driver out of the vehicle.
Front axle actuator failure reported alongside unintended acceleration and reduced engine power warnings.

When 2020 Lincoln Aviator transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 28, 2020, latest Sep 4, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2026 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator

NHTSA 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Transmission & Powertrain741,195 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
NHTSA 20V693000Nov 10, 2020Transmission & Powertrain10,905 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
Risk: Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Aviator model year

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

200512 (24%)
202022 (20%)
20214 (10%)
20222 (4%)
20232 (8%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?: NHTSA records 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Aviator, accounting for 20% of all 108 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?: Yes. Recall 20V693000 covers a drive shaft that may fracture on 2020 Aviators with the 10-speed automatic and AWD, and recall 26V402000 covers a transmission park pawl that may engage while the vehicle is in motion.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 82,000 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Aviator.
Do the transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries among the 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Aviator.
How does 2020 compare to other Aviator model years for transmission complaints?: The 2020 Aviator has 22 Transmission & Powertrain complaints (20% share), far higher than 2021 (4, 10%), 2022 (2, 4%), 2023 (2, 8%), 2024 (0, 0%), and 2025 (1, 6%).