Recall 21V534 affects 33,298 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs because a wire harness can contact the A/C pulley. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 33,298 2020-2021 Aviator SUVs under recall 21V534 because a wire harness can sit too close to the A/C compressor pulley. Contact with the pulley can damage electrical wires or the compressor drive belt, and a short circuit raises the risk of a fire; Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery cable assembly on the 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator with the 3.0L gasoline engine is part of the wiring harness that routes power through the engine compartment. That harness is supposed to stay clipped away from moving parts, including the A/C compressor pulley, which is the spinning wheel that drives the air conditioning compressor.
On affected Aviators, the harness was not secured in the right position near nearby hoses and other harnesses. As the engine runs, the loose harness contacts the A/C compressor pulley. The pulley then rubs through electrical wires or damages the A/C compressor drive belt. Lincoln's repair adds a tie strap near the frame rail to hold the harness away from that moving pulley.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first clear sign can be damage found during inspection near the A/C compressor pulley or related wiring.
Who's affected?
VINs have been searchable since August 6, 2021; the scope lists the same battery cable assembly under visibility and wiring components.
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | wiring |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | visibility component |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | wiring |
| Units affected | 33,298 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 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?
Damaged electrical wires can short circuit and increase the risk of a fire. Schedule the repair soon so the dealer can inspect the wire harness and A/C compressor belt, replace damaged parts, and secure the harness. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free wire-harness inspection and tie-strap repair that keeps the harness away from the A/C compressor pulley.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V534 and Lincoln recall 21S34 when you call.
- Follow the dealer's driving and parking guidance until the harness and A/C compressor belt are inspected and damaged parts are replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the wire harness and A/C compressor belt for damage. The technician replaces damaged wiring or belt parts as needed, then installs a tie strap to secure the harness away from the compressor pulley. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs for this concern are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because that warranty provides a free repair for this issue. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 6, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V534?
Recall 21V534 covers 33,298 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs with 3.0L gasoline engines. A wire harness can contact the A/C compressor pulley, damaging electrical wires or the compressor drive belt. Damaged electrical wires can short-circuit and increase fire risk. Lincoln dealers will inspect and secure the harness for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Aviator is included in recall 21V534. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask for the harness inspection, any needed harness or A/C compressor belt replacement, and the tie strap installation. Reference Ford recall number 21S34 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lincoln dealers will inspect the wire harness and A/C compressor belt, replace damaged parts as needed, and install a tie strap to secure the harness for free.
Is it safe to drive my Lincoln Aviator before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the fire risk is real if the harness is damaged. Check your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your Aviator is included. Stop driving and call the dealer if you smell smoke or see electrical problems.
When were owners notified about recall 21V534?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on July 30, 2021. If you bought the Aviator used or never received the letter, the VIN still decides coverage. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with recall number 21S34.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V534000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V534 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V534000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →