Recall 20V497 covers 488 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles for loose front-seat air bag or seat-back fasteners. Repair is free at franchised Lincoln dealers.
Lincoln is recalling 488 2020 Aviator and Explorer vehicles under recall 20V497 because front seat-back attachments for the side air bag and seat back have a tightening defect. Loose fasteners can affect side air bag deployment and increase injury risk during a crash; Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 1st row seat back frame sub-assembly in the 2020 Aviator and Explorer is the structure inside each front seat back. It holds the seat back shape and provides mounting points for the side air bag and seat back module. Those attachments need correct fastener torque so the parts stay fixed in the position designed for a crash.
On affected vehicles, the problem is not a broken air bag or a part that needs replacement. Some fasteners on the side air bag and seat back module were not tightened to the required torque because seat back sub-assemblies were placed in the wrong work rack after a machine interruption. That skipped part of the controlled tightening process, leaving the dealer to confirm the torque on those fasteners.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seat and air bag system can look and feel normal, so the issue has to be checked by VIN and corrected through the recall process.
Who's affected?
The component list separates the air bag system, side air bag, and seat assembly; all point back to the first-row seat back frame sub-assembly.
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | side air bag |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | air bag system |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | side air bag |
| Units affected | 488 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 Aviator or Explorer does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 20V497, improperly tightened side air bag or seat back fasteners can affect side air bag deployment and increase injury risk during a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free seat-back-panel inspection and fastener tightening that verifies the side air bag and seat back module attachments.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V497 when you call.
- Drive with extra caution until the repair is complete, because loose side air bag or seat back fasteners affect crash protection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician removes the front seat back panel from one or both front seats, based on the VIN, and checks that the side air bag and seat back module fasteners are properly tightened. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because that warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 7, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 7, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V497?
Recall 20V497 covers 488 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles with front seat back fasteners that were not properly tightened. If those fasteners are loose, side air bag deployment can be affected and injury risk increases during a crash. Dealers inspect and tighten the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V497. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask for recall 20S48. The dealer removes the front seat back panels, checks the fasteners, and tightens them for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this safety defect at no cost. For recall 20V497, the dealer inspection and any needed fastener tightening are free, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V497?
The safety risk is reduced side air bag performance during a crash. Loose side air bag or seat back fasteners can affect deployment, which increases injury risk for people in the vehicle. The repair path is a free dealer inspection and fastener tightening.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included, then give recall number 20V497 or Ford recall number 20S48 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V497000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V497 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V497000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →