2020 Lincoln Aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator
Overview
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, a luxury SUV, offers a blend of performance and comfort. It is available with two primary powertrain configurations: a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid variant combining the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with electric motors. While generally well-received for its upscale interior and smooth ride, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported concerns. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability issues, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential long-term ownership considerations.
Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (Gasoline)
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, low coolant level warning light, engine overheating.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of leaking hoses, seals, or the water pump.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or hissing sounds from the engine bay, check engine light.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential replacement of turbocharger components or seals.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-In Hybrid
Hybrid System Malfunctions
- Symptoms: Reduced electric-only range, charging issues, warning lights related to the hybrid system, loss of power.
- Solution: Diagnostic scan of the hybrid control module and potential replacement of battery components, power electronics, or sensors.
- Cost: $2,000 - $5,000+
Battery Cooling System
- Symptoms: Overheating of the hybrid battery pack, reduced performance in hot weather, warning messages.
- Solution: Inspection and repair of the battery cooling system, including coolant leaks or pump failures.
- Cost: $500 - $1,200
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic (10R60)
Harsh Shifting / Jerking
- Symptoms: Noticeable clunks or jolts during gear changes, hesitation when accelerating.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module, fluid flush and replacement, or internal transmission repairs.
- Cost: $400 - $1,500
Transmission Fluid Leaks
- Symptoms: Reddish fluid leaks under the vehicle, burning smell, slipping gears.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of seals, gaskets, or transmission lines.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Suspension
Adaptive Air Suspension
Air Spring Leaks
- Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor running excessively, suspension height errors.
- Solution: Replacement of leaking air springs or air lines.
- Cost: $600 - $1,500 per corner
Compressor Failure
- Symptoms: Inability to raise or lower the vehicle, constant running of the compressor, suspension warning lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor unit.
- Cost: $700 - $1,300
Standard Chassis
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly.
- Solution: Software updates, hard reset of the system, or replacement of the infotainment module.
- Cost: $500 - $1,500
Battery Drain
Parasitic Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, vehicle won’t start, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, accessory) and repair or replacement.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Exterior
Body Panels & Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Climate Control System
HVAC Blower Motor Issues
- Symptoms: No airflow from vents, intermittent fan speed, unusual noises from the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the HVAC blower motor or resistor.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Seat Adjustments
Power Seat Malfunctions
- Symptoms: Power seats fail to move or adjust, unusual noises during adjustment.
- Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of seat motors, switches, or control modules.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Summary Verdict
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator presents a generally reliable luxury SUV experience, with most reported issues stemming from its advanced powertrain and suspension systems. Owners of the gasoline 3.0L twin-turbo V6 may encounter occasional coolant leaks or turbocharger concerns, while the plug-in hybrid variant can experience issues related to its complex hybrid system and battery cooling. The 10-speed automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting. The adaptive air suspension, while offering a superior ride, is more prone to leaks and compressor failures than a standard setup. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and parasitic battery drain, are also noted. While not overwhelmingly problematic, potential buyers should be aware of these specific areas and factor in potential repair costs, especially for the hybrid components and air suspension.