Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Report
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has a good reliability standing, but low-speed transmission jerking is the main complaint and can end in failure.
Recalls
5
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
14.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Average among 2020 SUVs but weaker than most Nautilus years, with transmission jerking leading complaints and five recalls, two of them in the power train.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (15)
- WHEELS (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 2 of the First generation (U540).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2021.
- 1st generation Nautilus (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2019 (redesign year) vs 2020+ pricing and recalls.
2019: First generation (U540) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 2 of the First generation (U540).
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Worth considering, with care. Reliability standing is good, and the model year sits close to average among 2020 SUVs. Within the Nautilus line, though, it is among the weaker of eight scored years. The 2019 rates worse, with far more complaints and recalls. The 2021 rates better, with fewer of both.
Power train trouble leads the owner complaints. Drivers describe jerking, stuttering, and hard shifts at low speed, often in stop-and-go traffic or when pulling away from a light. Most see no warning light, and dealer software updates often do not fix it. Several cases end in a transmission failure diagnosis between 75,000 and 94,000 miles, and one driver lost drive on the highway. Two of the five federal recalls cover the power train. Smaller reports include a start button that flashes and an engine that stalled at a green light.
Ask for proof that every recall repair was done. Request transmission service records, and test drive in slow traffic. A 2021 is the better neighboring choice. Crash-test results are strong at 5 of 5 stars.
Compared to the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (15 complaints)
- −WHEELS: Wheel fasteners are the main concern (3 complaints)
Compare 2020 Lincoln Nautilus With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (15)
- WHEELS (3)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
14.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Consequence
If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Buying a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Lincoln Nautilus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln NautilusRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus.
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and accelerate from stops to 45 mph, feeling for jerks, stutters, or hesitation.
Ask for transmission service records, including software updates or replacement. No warning light does not prove the transmission is healthy.
Have a helper confirm the third brake light works while you press the brake pedal.
Check lug nuts for swelling and wheel studs for damage, and ask whether any were replaced.
Inspect the driver's door hinge area for cracks, and open and close the door to check that it latches cleanly.
Start the car several times and watch for a flashing start button or failed start.
Test the backup camera for a clear image, ideally after rain or a car wash.
Set cruise control on a downhill grade and confirm the SUV holds the set speed.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsSafety-relatedJerking, stuttering, and hard shifts at low speed lead these reports, usually below 35 to 45 mph, in stop-and-go traffic, or when pulling away from a light. Some drivers describe a slow, humming takeoff that leaves them exposed to rear-end hits. Most say no warning light or code appears. Dealer software updates and resets often fail to fix it. Several cases end in a diagnosis of transmission failure, often between 75,000 and 94,000 miles, and one involves a full loss of drive on the highway. One crash report describes the SUV surging forward instead of reversing.
WHEELS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedWheel fasteners are the main concern. One crash report with an injury describes a wheel loosening and coming off because of broken or missing wheel studs. Another reports that all 20 lug nuts swelled until a tire rotation could not be finished, which also makes a roadside tire change impossible. A separate complaint involves flat towing behind a motor home, where the manual park release cable slipped out of position, locked the front brakes, and dragged the wheels with heavy smoke.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsA cracked driver's door near the hinge is the main structural concern. In one case it meant replacing the whole door at 60,000 miles. The owner warns that a crack in this area can keep the door from closing or opening properly, which could put occupants at risk. The other entry is a short note about replacing the rear view camera after a dealer evaluation, which ties into the camera problems reported elsewhere.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsStarting trouble is the serious complaint here. The start button flashes instead of staying lit, the car will not start without repeated attempts, and in one case the engine stalled at a green light and would not restart. Service visits did not fix it for good. A second report covers a dead third brake light, the same failure described under exterior lighting. Only 2 complaints are on file, so no mileage pattern is visible.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsCruise control fails to hold the set speed on downhill grades, letting the SUV climb from 55 to 70-75 mph. A dealer repair did not cure it in that case. A separate report describes traction control cutting in while merging onto the interstate on dry pavement, with no warning light and no actual loss of grip. It lets go once the driver lifts off the accelerator. Both problems can catch a driver off guard at highway speed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsHigh-mount brake light failure is the only issue reported, and it repeats. The third brake light went out at 8,000 miles and again at 13,400 miles, with both repairs covered by warranty. No dashboard warning appears, so the failure can go unnoticed for a long time. A dead third brake light raises the chance of being rear-ended, especially in poor visibility. Expect the replacement lamp to fail as well.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsBackup camera faults show up as a distorted image while reversing in the rain or a camera that stops working entirely. A dealer suggested a leak could explain the rain-related distortion, but that car was never diagnosed. The second report is mostly about repair delays: the dealer repeatedly said the camera part was unavailable, leaving the owner without a working camera. Reported mileages range from about 2,000 to 40,009, so there is no clear onset pattern.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle jerked upon starting and shifting to drive(D) intermittently. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred after refueling the vehicle, but the failure had become consistent and was occurring erratically. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and accelerating between 35-40 MPH, the vehicle jerked. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had added a fuel additive to the vehicle, and the failure was reduced temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was contacted and advised that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintAccording to Lincoln, in their manual, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is designed such that it can be recreational towed behind a motorhome. My first experience towing this vehicle resulted in a violet "wobble" that shook a 43 foot motorhome when making a normal left hand turn. A second incident occurred when a dip in the road caused the wobble. In both incidents it was necessary to come to a complete stop and then proceed and the wobble disappeared. This problem has been discussed on RV Forums over the years but I'm not sure if it has been report. It was stated that in one incident the hitch of the RV snapped causing the towed vehicle to crash. I believe this is a potential danger on our roads.
EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)
EQUIPMENT
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the Hollywood Destination E Rack Bicycle Carrier had detached and fell onto the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E085000 (Equipment) as the cause for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. The contact requesting the complaint be closed with a satisfactory outcome.
When Do 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Lincoln Nautilus Years
Best Lincoln Nautilus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have transmission problems?
Does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus better than the 2019 or 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on complaint severity (62/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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