Recall 19V859 affects 3,857 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles for a fuel-line chafe risk. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 3,857 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line can rub through the plastic liquid fuel line over time. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2020 Explorer and Aviator, the liquid fuel line carries gasoline toward the engine, while the vapor fuel line routes fuel vapors through the fuel system. A protective sleeve, also called convolute, is supposed to shield the plastic liquid line where nearby parts touch it.
On affected vehicles, the sleeve on the liquid fuel line is too short at the contact point with the vapor fuel line. Because the lines flex as the vehicle moves, the protective sleeve on the vapor line can rub against the exposed plastic liquid fuel line. Over time, that rubbing can wear through the plastic line and cause a gasoline leak.
There is no warning sign before failure. Ford said it had not identified fuel leak or engine fire reports tied to this contact condition when it approved the recall, so owners should not wait for a smell, light, or drivability change to confirm the problem.
Who's affected?
Covers the Explorer and Aviator SUV lines with the same fuel-system hose, line, and fitting component.
| 2020 Ford Explorer | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | fuel system |
| Units affected | 3,857 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 Explorer or Aviator does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
The concern is fuel escaping from the liquid fuel line. If that fuel reaches an ignition source, fire risk increases. Until the sleeve repair is complete, schedule service soon and keep the vehicle away from open flames, sparks, or hot equipment. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free fuel-line protective-sleeve repair that keeps the vapor fuel line sleeve from chafing the plastic liquid fuel line.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford sent one, and reference recall number 19V859 when you call.
- Avoid open flames and ignition sources near the vehicle until the fuel-leak repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician checks the liquid fuel line area and installs a longer protective sleeve where the vapor fuel line can rub against the plastic liquid fuel line. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you paid for related fuel line work before the recall repair, ask the service desk how the original warranty applies to that paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 4, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 5, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 20, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V859?
Recall 19V859 covers 3,857 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with a vapor fuel line sleeve that can chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak. Ford dealers install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V859. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the fuel line sleeve repair. Reference recall number 19V859 and Ford recall number 19S49 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V859?
The safety risk is fire from a fuel leak. Ford reported that the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line can chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
When were owners notified about recall 19V859?
Ford sent an interim owner notice on January 29, 2020, and the recall began on March 23, 2020. Ford sent a renotification letter on July 10, 2020 after the repair path opened.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V859000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V859 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V859000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →