The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V693000·Announced 2020-11-10

Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Driveshaft Fracture Risk

Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the drive shaft may fracture, potentially causing a loss of drive, vehicle rollaway, or fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (driveshaft fracture) that can lead to loss of vehicle control, rollaway, or fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the All-Wheel Drive package. The recall addresses a defect where the drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.

A fractured drive shaft may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and the rear axle. This failure can result in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive, both of which increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, the drive shafts can deform and separate from the driveline, potentially contacting the fuel tank and increasing the risk of fuel leaks and fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label and replace the component as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
Brand
LINCOLN
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Drivetrain
Hazard
Affected units
10,905

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • AVIATOR
  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · LINCOLN

Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company

See all →

Same hazard · structural failure

See all →

Similar recalls