Recall 23V626 affects 2,954 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles for high-voltage battery cell shorts. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 2,954 2020-2022 Aviator and Explorer vehicles with 3.0L PHEV engines because a defect inside one or more high-voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit and battery failure. Battery failure can cause loss of drive power or raise fire risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The high voltage battery pack in the 2020-2022 Aviator and Explorer PHEV vehicles stores the electrical power used by the propulsion system. It is made from individual battery cells, and those cells must hold charge and release power evenly while the vehicle switches between electric and gasoline operation.
In the affected vehicles, a battery cell was built with a folded anode tab during cell manufacturing. That folded tab can leave the cell with lower capacity. Ford also found that another factor is needed for the cell to develop an internal short with thermal venting, and that factor remains under investigation.
If this failure starts, the owner will see a Malfunction Indicator Light. That warning light is the listed warning sign for a high voltage battery cell internal short.
Who's affected?
Covers Aviator and Explorer SUVs from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to the high-voltage traction battery.
| 2022 Lincoln Aviator | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Explorer | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 2,954 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A high-voltage battery failure can cut drive power and increase crash risk. It can also raise fire risk. If the malfunction indicator light turns on, treat it as a warning sign tied to the battery issue and schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free BECM diagnostic and high-voltage battery repair that addresses battery cell short-circuit failure.
- Ask the dealer whether the high-voltage battery pack needs replacement after the diagnostic test.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V626 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if the vehicle loses drive power or shows signs of battery trouble.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician runs a Battery Energy Control Module diagnostic test. If the test shows the high voltage battery pack needs replacement, the technician replaces the pack at no charge under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ford's general reimbursement plan covers eligible owner paid remedies completed before recall notification, with eligibility estimated to end April 26, 2024. Bring repair orders, receipts, and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 8, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 22, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 22, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 8, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 8, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 8, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V626?
Recall 23V626 covers 2,954 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more high-voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit and battery failure. Lincoln dealers will test the BECM and replace the high-voltage battery pack as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V626. If it is included, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the BECM diagnostic test. Reference recall number 23S53 or 23V626 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Lincoln will perform the BECM diagnostic test for free. If the test shows the high-voltage battery pack needs replacement, that replacement is also free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power or fire from high-voltage battery failure. Ford told NHTSA that a manufacturing defect in one or more battery cells can create an internal short circuit. Loss of drive power increases crash risk, and battery failure increases fire risk.
When were owners notified about recall 23V626?
Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer with recall number 23S53 or 23V626.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V626000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V626 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V626000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →