Recall 21V154 covers 49 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles with rear lower control arm bolts that can break. Free repair at franchised Lincoln dealers.
Lincoln is recalling 49 2020 Aviator and Explorer vehicles under recall 21V154 because improperly heat-treated rear lower control arm bolts can break where the arms attach to the wheel knuckles. A broken bolt can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear lower control arm is part of the rear suspension on the 2020 Aviator and Explorer. It helps hold the rear wheel in the correct position while the suspension moves over bumps, through turns, and under load. The bolt at issue fastens that control arm to the wheel knuckle, the part that carries the wheel hub.
On affected vehicles, that bolt was built with the wrong hardness because the supplier lot skipped heat treatment. Heat treatment is the process that gives a fastener the strength it needs for suspension loads. Without it, the bolt is weaker than designed and can break where the control arm meets the knuckle.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a dashboard message, a predictable noise, or a gradual change before the bolt breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers the Aviator and Explorer, both tied to the same lower control arm to knuckle fastener in the rear suspension.
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 49 |
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?
Broken rear lower control arm bolts can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the bolts fail, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. 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 your nearest franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free rear lower control arm bolt replacement that replaces the rear suspension bolts that can break and affect steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V154 and Ford recall 21S11 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard steering inputs when possible.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician replaces both rear lower control arm bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The recall repair has been open since April 2, 2021, so the remedy is available now. 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 warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V154?
Recall 21V154 covers 49 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles with rear lower control arm bolts that were not heat-treated. The bolts can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace both RLCA bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V154. If it is, contact a franchised dealer to schedule replacement of both rear lower control arm bolts. Reference recall 21V154 or Ford recall number 21S11 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V154, dealers will replace both rear lower control arm bolts free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the rear lower control arm bolts break. NHTSA campaign 21V154 says broken RLCA bolts increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free bolt replacement before relying on the vehicle for normal driving.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on April 2, 2021, so the repair is available now. If your VIN is included in recall 21V154, a dealer can replace both rear lower control arm bolts free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V154000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V154 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V154000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →