Service bulletins for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
328 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| TSB 21-2185 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement and/or clunk/thump noise on turns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reinforce the cushion hook. |
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| SSM 49980 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an intermittent blue screen on the center infotainment display for one or more cameras when the 360 degree camera view is activated. To correct the condition, reprogram the image processing module B (IPMB) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Once complete, perform the 360 degree camera alignment procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13. For claiming, use causal part 19H405 and applicable labor operations in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49968 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Nautilus/Navigator/Aviator, 2021 F-150/Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with Phone-as-a-Key may have diagnostic trouble code(s) (DTC) U200D:15, U200E:15, U200F:15, B15**:31, B15**:49 and/or B15A5:56 stored in the remote function actuator (RFA) module. If any of these DTCs are detected during normal diagnostics, clear the DTCs, reflash RFA to the latest software level and start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Verify that DTCs are no longer present. If only the B15**:31, B15**:57 and/or B15A5:56 DTC(s) returns in the RFA after a self test, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, Section 419-01C. |
| SSM 49953 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 Explorer ST and Aviator vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle and/or less than optimal speaker sound from the vehicle. This may be due to the engine sound enhancement (ESE) on Explorer ST vehicles and the active noise control (ANC) on Aviator vehicles not being activated. To correct the condition, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) > select Toolbox > ACM > ACM - Enable Engine Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Control. Click RUN and follow the on-screen instructions carefully. If prompted with a window stating Feature Not Supported, select OK and continue through the installation application. For claiming use causal 18K810 and applicable labor operations found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49943 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 04-Sep-2019 equipped with memory seats may exhibit the driver front seat moving forward during easy entry/exit operation when the vehicle is turned off. This may be due to the software in the driver front seat module (DSM). To correct the condition, replace the DSM and reprogram the DSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14C708 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49914 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49885 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix in early July 2021. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. Monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 49870 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 21-2150 | 2021-06-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| SSM 49830 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary. |
| SSM 49821 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49820 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM)/remote function actuator (RFA) will not resolve this condition. If the condition persists, Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams. |
| SSM 49803 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the latest version of the appropriate diagnostic scan tool and perform a PMI on the TCU. If issues persist, open a hotline assistance request and include the IDS version (if applicable) used to perform the PMI and the Authorization Status PID value in the TCU datalogger. For claiming use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49795 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that will be released via an over the air (OTA) update that is expected in June 2021. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM) will not resolve this condition. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. |
| SSM 49784 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator/Navigator and 2021 Nautilus/Mach-E customers may be unable to activate Phone-as-a-key, have intermittent Phone-as-a-key connectivity, missing Phone-as-a-key button in the App, receiving Pairing Failed, Key Download Error or Connection Trouble message during Phone-as-a-key setup, Bluetooth Disconnected, Unable To Start, Backup Code Needed And/or Key Not Detected. Prior to performing any RFA diagnostics, verify the customer's phone app is at the latest version, the phone app is authorized to the vehicle and Location Service is enabled in customer's phone to allow for proper Phone-as-a-key operation. If a Phone-as-a-key concern remains, continue with normal RFA diagnosis. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams as needed to understand Phone-as-a-key operation. |
| SSM 49756 | 2021-05-03. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic updates enabled in the SYNC system settings. To review a vehicle's OTA update history, visit the Connected Vehicle > OTA Dashboard tab in OASIS. Information about the OTA Dashboard can be found on FMCDealer.com when performing a search on OTA History Job Aid. |
| TSB 21-2046 | 2021-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. Most vehicles will improve and no longer exhibit the condition after the first 8,000 km (5,000 mi) of driving. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or overhaul main control valve body. |
| SSM 49708 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2019 F-150/F-Super Duty/Expedition/Navigator and 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a 'Trailer Connected' or 'Trailer Disconnected' message in the vehicle's message center with no trailer attached to the vehicle. To address this condition, reprogram the trailer module (TRM) using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming use causal part 19H332 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49696 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary. |
| SSM 49690 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Explorer/SuperDuty/Transit/Aviator/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport/F-150/Mustang/Mach-E the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics may direct to replace a module on vehicles that use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). First, an FDRS session must be created on the vehicle prior to removing the faulted module. Once the session is started, run the Programmable Module Installation and replace the module only when instructed by FDRS. Installing a new module prior to starting a scan tool session may result in incomplete module configuration with DTCs U2100, U2101 and/or U2200. Once a session has been started, continue to follow normal WSM procedures to repair the vehicle. |
| SSM 49685 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles built on and before 24-Feb-2021 may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information. If the concern persists, or the grounds are found to be secure, refer to the Workshop Manual and applicable sections of the Powertrain Controls/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for normal diagnostics. |
| SSM 49669 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. It may not be necessary to replace the transfer case clutch actuator. Follow the updated transfer case clutch actuator Pinpoint Tests in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A for 2020 vehicles and Section 307-07A for 2021 vehicles. |
| SSM 49642 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. This DTC may be present due to activation of the transmission park by wire manual release during vehicle assembly and has not yet achieved the 40 warm up cycles needed to be cleared from memory. Before attempting a repair for this DTC, clear the DTC and if it returns, refer to the WSM, Section 307-01 for normal diagnostics. For claiming, use causal part 12A650 and applicable labor times in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49618 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds(F-150- G401, Expedition/Navigator- G403, Transit- G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150- C4336, Expedition/Navigator- C433, Transit- C433, 2018-2019 Explorer C3239, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components. |
| SSM 49590 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 15-Aug-2019 may exhibit a rubbing/clicking/ticking noise while driving that increases with vehicle speed. This may be due to the engine mount vacuum control tube contacting the left front axle halfshaft. If the engine mount vacuum control tube is contacting the left front axle halfshaft, reposition as needed. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.