Recall 20V788 covers 1,405 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles for loose right-hand motor mount fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 1,405 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles under recall 20V788 because right-hand motor mount fasteners were incorrectly tightened and can loosen over time. A loose mount can let vibration disconnect the axle from the engine, causing loss of power and increasing the risk of a crash; Lincoln dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The right hand motor mount bolts on 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles fasten the engine mount to the vehicle structure. The mount helps hold the engine in position while it absorbs normal engine movement, so those bolts need the correct clamp load to keep the mount tight.
On affected vehicles, the automated assembly tool used to tighten the right hand motor mount fasteners broke. During the backup process, a manual handheld tool did not always tighten the bolts to the required torque. A bolt that starts under-tightened can loosen with vibration and driving, which lets the mount move more than designed.
The warning sign is engine vibration. If one or more of the four fasteners holding the motor mount in place becomes loose, the engine can vibrate because the mount is no longer held firmly.
Who's affected?
Covers both Aviator and Explorer SUVs across the 2020 and 2021 model years. Both model lines point to the same motor mount bolt.
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | Engine |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | Engine |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | Engine |
| Units affected | 1,405 |
| 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?
A loose motor mount can let motor vibration disconnect the axle from the engine, causing loss of power and increasing the risk of a crash. Treat new vibration or power loss as a reason to pull over safely and call a Lincoln dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free right-hand motor-mount fastener replacement, which addresses loose fasteners tied to motor vibration and axle disconnect.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V788 and Ford recall 20S72 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if you feel unusual motor vibration or loss of power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician removes and replaces the right hand motor mount fasteners covered by recall 20V788. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related motor mount fastener repair before the owner notice, the manufacturer's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Ask the service desk how to submit your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 17, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| January 25, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 8, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 8, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V788?
Recall 20V788 covers 1,405 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles with right-hand motor mount fasteners that were incorrectly tightened and can loosen over time. A loose mount can let vibration disconnect the axle from the engine, causing loss of power and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V788. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask for recall 20S72. The dealer will remove and replace the right-hand motor mount fasteners for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lincoln dealers will remove and replace the right-hand motor mount fasteners free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 20V788.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of power while driving. If the right-hand motor mount loosens, engine vibration can cause the axle to disconnect from the engine. That loss of power increases crash risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began February 3, 2021. Because the repair is available, owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Lincoln dealer now and ask for recall 20S72. Ford customer service is also listed at 1-866-436-7332.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V788000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V788 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V788000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →