Last updated: 2026-07-26
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Report
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 32 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
At 69/100, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 2 of the First generation (U540).
Owners log 32 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (15). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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: Transmission problems (15 complaints)
- −WHEELS: Owners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report wheel-related issues, including... (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
Every 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Test drive to check for transmission jerking or hard shifts
Inspect high mount brake light for functionality
Check for swollen lug nuts and replace if necessary
Verify back-up camera clarity, especially in wet conditions
Ensure door hinges are intact and doors open/close properly
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report significant issues with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus' power train, primarily involving transmission problems. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as jerking, stuttering, and hard shifts, particularly during acceleration and at low speeds. These issues often occur around 30,000 to 94,000 miles, with some reports of complete transmission failure and costly repairs. One complaint details a crash where the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, indicating potential safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs.
WHEELS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report wheel-related issues, including wheel assembly failures and lug nut swelling. One owner describes a severe mechanical failure where damaged or missing wheel studs caused a wheel to detach, leading to a crash and injury within 20 days of ownership. Another complaint details recurring problems with the manual park-release cable locking the front wheel brakes, causing the vehicle to be dragged and resulting in tire damage and potential fire hazards. Additionally, owners mention the need to replace swollen lug nuts, which can impede tire changes and potentially lead to wheel detachment. These issues highlight significant safety risks, including crashes and loss of control, and are reported to occur both shortly after purchase and over extended use.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report issues primarily related to structural components and camera systems. One complaint involves the need for rear view camera replacement, suggesting potential issues with visibility systems. Another owner describes a structural problem with the driver's door hinge area, requiring door replacement after 60,000 miles due to cracking, which may affect door closure and opening. This issue is noted to be similar to those in related Ford and Lincoln models, with failures occurring in vehicles with as little as 30,000 miles. There are safety implications mentioned, as improper door function could lead to occupant injuries.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, specifically involving the third brake light and the engine start functionality. Complaints frequently mention the third brake light not working due to a burnt diode in the LED Driver Modules, which may lead to other lighting failures. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the car not starting when pressing the brake and start button, with the start button flashing green instead of staying green. These issues have been reported at low mileage, such as around 17,500 miles, and result in situations where the car may stall unexpectedly, potentially leading to being stranded. There are no reports of crashes or fires, but the starting issue can cause significant inconvenience and concern for reliability.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report issues with the vehicle's speed control, particularly when using cruise control and during acceleration. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle fails to maintain the set speed on downhill slopes, accelerating beyond the intended speed, with one owner noting speeds reaching 70-75 MPH despite setting cruise control at 55 MPH. Another issue involves the traction control system engaging unexpectedly during normal acceleration, without any warning lights, even on dry pavement. These problems are reported around 24,000 miles, and while no crashes or loss of control are mentioned, the unexpected acceleration and traction control activation could pose safety concerns. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially when considering vehicles with similar mileage.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners report repeated failures of the high mount brake light in the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, with issues occurring at approximately 8,000 and 13,400 miles. Complaints frequently mention that the 13613A High Mount Stop Lamp Assembly is a potentially faulty part, with no warning lamps or messages alerting the driver to its failure. This defect may increase the risk of rear collisions in low visibility conditions, as the malfunction could remain unnoticed for extended periods. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, which prospective buyers should consider when evaluating this vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus report issues with the back-up camera, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as rain, where the image becomes distorted. Complaints frequently mention that the camera malfunctions without any warning lights, and in some cases, the failure is linked to a recall notice regarding visibility. The reported problems occur at varying mileages, with one instance at approximately 40,009 miles and another shortly after purchase at around 2,000 miles. These issues may affect the driver's ability to see obstacles when reversing, though no accidents or injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware of potential delays in obtaining recall-related repairs for these camera issues.
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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Nautilus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Nautilus year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (73/100) and 2022 (73/100).
Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid
The worst Lincoln Nautilus year is 2019 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to power train (25) issues.
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Nautilus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
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?
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have?
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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