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Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator Driveshaft Can Crack, Cause Fire
critical How serious is it? About this label
A failed driveshaft can cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly or lose drive power, and it can also lead to a fuel leak or fire, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 20V693000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft |
| Vehicles covered | 2 model/year combinations, model years 2020 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
Ford is recalling certain Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with all-wheel drive. The driveshaft, which connects parts of the drivetrain, may crack along a weld seam. If it fails, the vehicle could lose its connection to the rear wheels, and it could even roll away on its own if left in Park. A cracked driveshaft can also bend and touch the fuel tank.
What you should do
2. Contact a dealer, or call Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The driveshaft inspection and any needed replacement is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V693000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Powertrain Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Wheel Detachment · all 56 Ford recalls in this area
- Lincoln transmission and axle recalls involving rollaway and lost power · all 12 Lincoln recalls in this area
Other Ford Explorer recalls
- Jul 21, 2026Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator Seats May Reclinemedium
- Jul 14, 2026Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers May Detachhigh
- Jul 14, 2026Ford, Lincoln Second-Row Seats May Shift Unexpectedlyhigh
- Jun 24, 2026Ford, Lincoln SUVs: Transmission Park System May Failhigh
- Jun 9, 2026Ford Explorer Park System May Fail, Rollaway Riskhigh
- May 27, 2026Ford Explorer Engine May Fail Suddenlyhigh
Official notice
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
- Safety risk
- Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.