According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Aviator Air Glide Suspension — Compressor and Bag Failures ($700-$2,500 repair) and Aviator Early-Build Recalls — Driveshaft Weld (NHTSA 20V-693), plus other 2020 actions ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $700 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, 2020+ Aviator with the optional Air Glide suspension shares its compressor and air spring design with the related Ford Explorer ST/Platinum. Owners report compressor noise becoming progressively louder by 40,000-80,000 miles, then bag leaks (rear first), then compressor burnout. Warning message: "Service Air Suspension."
Diagnose with FORScan to confirm air bag vs. compressor failure. OEM bags $700-$1,100 per corner installed. Compressor (Wabco/Continental unit) ~$600-$900 installed. Replace compressor dryer at the same time as a bag (~$80) — extends compressor life.
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator, 2020 Aviator launches were affected by several recalls. Most serious: NHTSA 20V-693 (Ford 20S65) covering 2020 Aviator and Explorer with 2.0L or 3.3L engines plus 10-speed automatic AWD — the rear driveshaft may not have been welded properly, can fracture along the weld seam causing loss of drive, vehicle rollaway in Park, or impact with the fuel tank. A separate set of stop-sale actions in 2019-2020 covered second-row seat-back recliner welds, brake hose pinch, and battery fasteners. Many early owners experienced multiple dealer visits in the first year.
Common Symptoms
driveline vibration
driveshaft separation
recall notice in mail
How to Fix
Check VIN against NHTSA recalls lookup — multiple campaigns may apply (20V-693 most serious). All remedies are free under recall. Dealer inspects the rear driveshaft and replaces if necessary. Request a full recall history printout from a Lincoln dealer if you own a 2020 Aviator and have had no recall service.
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
⚠️NHTSA Recalls38 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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.
Campaign #24V36800024/05/2024
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Campaign #24V85200008/11/2024
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
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.
Campaign #25V39300013/06/2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Campaign #25V40700013/06/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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."
What are the most common Lincoln Aviator problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021-2021 Lincoln Aviator has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Aviator Air Glide Suspension — Compressor and Bag Failures, Aviator Early-Build Recalls — Driveshaft Weld (NHTSA 20V-693), plus other 2020 actions. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?
The 2021-2021 Lincoln Aviator has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Aviator Air Glide Suspension — Compressor and Bag Failures and Aviator Early-Build Recalls — Driveshaft Weld (NHTSA 20V-693), plus other 2020 actions. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Aviator problems?
Repair costs for known Lincoln Aviator issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Aviator Air Glide Suspension — Compressor and Bag Failures, typically costs $700-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator Aviator Air Glide Suspension — Compressor and Bag Failures?
2020+ Aviator with the optional Air Glide suspension shares its compressor and air spring design with the related Ford Explorer ST/Platinum. Owners report compressor noise becoming progressively louder by 40,000-80,000 miles, then bag leaks (rear first), then compressor burnout. Repairs typically run $700-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator Aviator Early-Build Recalls — Driveshaft Weld (NHTSA 20V-693), plus other 2020 actions?
2020 Aviator launches were affected by several recalls. Most serious: NHTSA 20V-693 (Ford 20S65) covering 2020 Aviator and Explorer with 2.0L or 3.3L engines plus 10-speed automatic AWD — the rear driveshaft may not have been welded properly, can fracture along the weld seam caus… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
