Recall 20V726 affects 690 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles for improperly manufactured steering knuckles. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 690 2021 Aviator SUVs because the steering knuckles were manufactured improperly. A fractured knuckle can reduce steering control and increase the risk of a crash, and Lincoln dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front knuckle on the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is part of the front suspension and steering assembly. It holds the wheel hub in position and provides an attachment point for the upper control arm, which helps keep the wheel aligned as the suspension moves. The knuckle has to carry road loads while the driver steers and brakes.
On affected Aviators, the right-hand front knuckle was cast with internal voids near the upper control arm attachment area. A void is an empty pocket inside the metal where solid material should be. The supplier traced the problem to mold risers that solidified too early, which stopped enough molten metal from flowing into that part of the casting. That leaves the attachment area weaker than designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a noise, warning light, or steering change before the knuckle problem becomes serious.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 690 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the front knuckle fractures, steering control is reduced and crash risk rises. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection soon and avoid hard driving until the dealer checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free front-knuckle inspection and replacement that addresses the improperly manufactured steering knuckle.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 20V726 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Avoid abrupt steering and leave extra room around the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the front steering knuckle for improper manufacturing and replaces the knuckle when it does not meet the recall requirements. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 20, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 14, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V726?
Recall 20V726 covers 690 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles with front steering knuckles that were manufactured improperly. A knuckle can fracture, reduce steering control, and raise crash risk. Lincoln dealers inspect the front knuckle and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V726. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the front knuckle inspection. Reference recall 20V726 when you call. The dealer replaces the knuckle for free if inspection shows it is needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Lincoln dealers will inspect the front knuckle and replace it if needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 Lincoln Aviator before the repair?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the improperly manufactured knuckle fractures. Check your VIN first. If your vehicle is included, ask a Lincoln dealer how to handle the vehicle before your inspection appointment.
When did Lincoln start this recall repair?
Lincoln began the recall repair process on December 16, 2020. If your VIN is included, a franchised Lincoln dealer can inspect the front knuckle and replace it if needed at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V726000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V726 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V726000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →