Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2020 Lincoln Aviator pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2020 Lincoln Aviator
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2020 Lincoln Aviator
Standard / Reserve / Black Label / Grand Touring PHEV (2nd gen CD6, 2020–present)
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The Aviator is Lincoln's 3-row luxury SUV on the Explorer's CD6 platform. The 3.0T EcoBoost V6 is strong and well-matched. The Grand Touring PHEV adds 21 miles of EV range. Main issues: early production had InControl Touch Pro infotainment glitches and an air suspension compressor recall. The base active suspension can fail on higher-mileage units. Only buy with Lincoln CPO or complete dealer records.

Items to check
11
Open recalls
2
NHTSA complaints
280
Top concern
Air Suspension / Electrical / Infotainment

Air Suspension

Air compressor failure (PerfectPosition)

High Risk at 60k+
Lincoln PerfectPosition air suspension compressor fails at similar rate to German rivals.
Overnight level test on any air-equipped Aviator.
Est. cost: $1,500–$3,000 Source: Lincoln Aviator air suspension pattern

Recall

Air suspension function (known weak point)

High Attention
The Aviator air suspension is a known trouble spot — air struts, lines, and the compressor can leak or fail, and repairs are expensive.
Confirm the vehicle sits level and raises/lowers correctly; listen for the compressor cycling excessively. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm any open campaigns are closed.
Est. cost: $1,000-$3,000+ per corner if struts or compressor fail Source: AutoVetting editorial

Powertrain

3.0T EcoBoost V6 — strong and reliable

Low Risk
The 3.0T is well-matched in this vehicle. Change oil every 5,000 miles.
Standard cold-start and oil check.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: Ford/Lincoln 3.0T EcoBoost reliability

PHEV battery (if equipped)

Low Risk
14.4 kWh PHEV battery provides 21 miles EV range. Verify charging.
Confirm PHEV charges on Level 1/2. Test EV mode engagement.
Est. cost: Routine PHEV maintenance Source: Lincoln PHEV standard

Documentation

Lincoln service records + recall paperwork

High Risk without
Multiple recalls and complex platform require full documentation.
Request all records and recall completion paperwork.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Severity: Varies
Open recalls vary by build date — check the VIN. Remedy: Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm any open campaigns are closed.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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