Model year 2021 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Lincoln Aviator: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2021 Lincoln Aviator at 20–23 mpg combined across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 28 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

28

EPA combined mpg

20–23

NHTSA overall rating

5/5

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

NHTSA lists this vehicle as AVIATOR PHEV.

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Lincoln dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2021 Lincoln Aviator recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 28 safety recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, newest first.

Seats: Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA 26V451000 Reported Jul 14, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S52)
Units affected
387,911 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission

NHTSA 26V402000 Reported Jun 24, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S48)
Units affected
741,195 (estimate)
Problem
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts

NHTSA 26V159000 Reported Mar 17, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C18)
Units affected
561 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Windshield wiper/washer: Motor

NHTSA 26V117000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S14)
Units affected
604,533 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Risk
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 26V123000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C11)
Units affected
889,950 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump

NHTSA 25V455000 Reported Jul 7, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S75)
Units affected
850,318 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 25V442000 Reported Jun 27, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S72)
Units affected
200,237 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats: Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA 25V393000 Reported Jun 13, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S67)
Units affected
304,662 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body

NHTSA 25V407000 Reported Jun 13, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S66)
Units affected
132,914 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S66.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices

NHTSA 25V338000 Reported May 23, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25C18)
Units affected
4,442 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery

NHTSA 25V349000 Reported May 23, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S58)
Units affected
8 (estimate)
Problem
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 25V159000 Reported Mar 14, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S27)
Units affected
49,399 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts

NHTSA 25V093000 Reported Feb 14, 2025
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S09)
Units affected
240,510 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Risk
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Other: Labels

NHTSA 24V852000 Reported Nov 8, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24C39)
Units affected
27,678 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Hard parts internal/mechanical

NHTSA 24V635000 Reported Aug 23, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S55)
Units affected
90,736 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Display function

NHTSA 24V368000 Reported May 24, 2024
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S35)
Units affected
109,283 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.
Risk
A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S35.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery

NHTSA 23V626000 Reported Sep 8, 2023
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S53)
Units affected
2,954 (estimate)
Problem
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 23V598000 Reported Aug 25, 2023
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S48)
Units affected
177,402 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 23V342000 Reported May 12, 2023
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S23)
Units affected
442,973 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 23V022000 Reported Jan 23, 2023
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S02)
Units affected
382,759 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices

NHTSA 22V953000 Reported Dec 23, 2022
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22C35)
Units affected
101,001 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C35.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension: Rear

NHTSA 21V870000 Reported Nov 10, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21S47)
Units affected
20 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
Risk
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V735000 Reported Sep 22, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21S44)
Components
Back over prevention: Software; Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera
Units affected
228,297 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Side/window: Curtain and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V652000 Reported Aug 23, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21C19)
Components
Air bags: Side/window: Curtain; Air bags: Critical fasteners
Units affected
592 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".
Risk
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: Compressor and 1 more component

NHTSA 21V534000 Reported Jul 15, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21S34)
Components
Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: Compressor; Electrical system: Wiring
Units affected
33,298 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L gasoline engines. The wire harness may not be secured properly, possibly contacting the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley, and resulting in damage to electrical wires, or the A/C compressor drive belt.
Risk
Damaged electrical wires may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the harness and A/C compressor belt for damage, replacing them as necessary, and install a tie strap to secure the wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S34.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Display function

NHTSA 21V223000 Reported Mar 30, 2021
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 21C09)
Units affected
34,952 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The image processing module may be unable to provide video feed to the display, which could result in a loss of the backup camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A backup camera that displays a blank or distorted image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the image processing module software with the latest level, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C09.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine

NHTSA 20V788000 Reported Dec 17, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20S72)
Units affected
1,405 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
Risk
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Steering

NHTSA 20V726000 Reported Nov 20, 2020
Filed by
Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 20S69)
Units affected
690 (estimate)
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured improperly.
Risk
The improperly manufactured knuckle may fracture, reducing steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front knuckle, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S69.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2021 Lincoln Aviator fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2021 Lincoln Aviator EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombElectric rangeFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Aviator AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-speedPart-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular17/24/20 mpg—$3,350445
Aviator PHEV AWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybridAutomatic 10-speedPart-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular Gas and Electricity / Electricity22/25/23 mpg
56 MPGe on electricity
21 mi$2,900209
Aviator RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-speedRear-Wheel DriveRegular18/26/21 mpg—$3,200431

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2021 Lincoln Aviator crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2021 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Optional
2021 Lincoln Aviator SUV 4WD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars15.1%Optional
2021 Lincoln Aviator SUV RWD5 stars5 stars5 stars4 stars14.7%Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2021 Lincoln Aviator owner complaints

Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, most recently on Oct 5, 2026. 1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2021 Lincoln Aviator complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Electrical system12
Engine6
Power train6
Unknown or other6
Visibility/wiper5
Seats4
Service brakes4
Back over prevention3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Structure: Body3

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Lincoln Aviator model years

Lincoln Aviator by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2027 Aviator20 mpg205/5
2026 Aviator20–21 mpg645/5
2025 Aviator20–21 mpg15185/5
2024 Aviator20–21 mpg875/5
2023 Aviator19–23 mpg16305/5
2022 Aviator20–23 mpg22635/5
2020 Aviator20–23 mpg301205/5

All Lincoln Aviator years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2021 Lincoln models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Lincoln.