Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid battery cells can short internally
Ford is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV vehicles previously repaired under 23V626, because a manufacturing defect in high voltage battery cells may cause an internal short circuit.
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: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: an internal short in the high voltage cells is a failure of the propulsion battery, and the source states it causes a loss of drive power as well as fire risk.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V626. Eight vehicles are potentially affected.
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
NHTSA states that battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash, and can also increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the Battery Energy Control Module software free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 26, 2025. 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 AVIATOR
- Brand
- LINCOLN
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Traction battery
- Affected units
- 8
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 (1)
- AVIATOR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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