This article supersedes TSB 23-2181 to add 2024 vehicle model year. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Lincoln Aviator body problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the body at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Aviator (this page) | 7 |
| 2022 Aviator | 6 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2020-2024 Aviator vehicles may exhibit concerns that reqiure loadspace trim panel vent register replacement. The vent register is now available separately (service base part number 19893). It is no longer necessary to replace the entire loadspace trim panel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗There is a parts and labor time error for Explorer/Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost and Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Ford is in the process of updating TSB 23-2114. Explorer or Aviator with 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L PHEV engine require new sub frame bolts and a steering shaft pinch bolt. Aviator will also require suspension nuts and bolts missing from the TSB that are related to halfshaft removal and installation. To complete the repair, follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 205-03 > Front Axle Disconnect Actuator (use the 2020 WSM for 2021 Aviator as the procedure for 2021 is currently being updated). Complete the wiring modification per TSB 23-2114. For Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost vehic
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles built on or before 20-March-2023 may exhibit a passenger door window control switch to bezel rattle while audio volume is playing from speakers that could be mistakenly diagnosed as a speaker issue. This may be due to the natural frequencies of the switch and bezel when excited by sound. To diagnose, perform Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 415-00 > Pinpoint Test E1. Use the 100Hz audio sample file from the Speaker Audio Test link within Pinpoint Test E1, and adjust fade and balance settings to passenger front speaker. If the rattle is isolated to the passenger door switch bezel, remove per WSM Section 501-11. Apply Rotunda flock tape (164-R4903) over the undersi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I purchased the truck Oct 2 2023/only 34 thous/miles by Jan 13 2024 I had to get serviced because it rained inside my car from under my rearview mirror when i would get in my car after it rained water would poor out from the interior light vents /got it serviced was told that lincoln agents came in and fixed it/March 2024 had to repeat the call this time water went further across my windshield to…
Glass portion of passenger side rear view mirror fell off as vehicle was exiting driveway possibly due to defective adhesive much like the safety recall on the door pillar trim. Incident was captured on home surveillance camera.
Had body trouble with your 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 15,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Lincoln/Aviator.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.