RoadVitals

2020 Lincoln Nautilus

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Jul 14, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jun 27, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and driver assistance categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 143 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine49.8%
  • Driver assistance49.8%
  • Other / unspecified49.8%
  • Electrical37.3%
  • Brakes37.3%
  • Exterior lighting37.3%
  • Visibility12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Jun 27, 2025
200,237 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S72View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Jan 15, 2021
147 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S02View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Sep 23, 2020
620,246 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 20C19View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ21002OpenRecall Query

Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

Opened Aug 3, 2021

On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 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 for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera operation. The supplier of the cameras was Magna Electronics.According to Ford's chronology in the Part 573, during the period February-April 2020, Ford identified and monitored warranty claims pertaining to intermittent or inoperative rearview cameras. Ford reviewed supplier product changes, focusing on changes introduced by the supplier in the October-November 2019 time frame. The Part 573 stated that the issue was brought to Ford's Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) for review on May 12, 2020.On July 7, 2020, NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC) informed the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a trend of MY 2020 Escape vehicles with rearview camera malfunctions. ODI contacted Ford the next day, providing five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging inoperative rearview cameras. On July 15, 2020, Ford met with NHTSA to discuss the rearview camera issue. In a subsequent August 24, 2020 meeting, ODI and NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) met with Ford to discuss the recall status and additional VOQs. Ford presented rate and scope data for many of its MY 2020 products during the August 2020 meeting indicating high failure rates for certain models.This RQ is being opened to investigate both the timeliness and scope of Ford's rearview camera recall (20V-575), and Ford's compliance with reporting requirements.The subject reports referenced in the opening resume are identified by the following ODI reference numbers which can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov: 11349813, 11344126, 11342696, 11341486, 11340254, 11337274, 11331444, 11330875, 11329235, 11316960, 11343521, 11341884, 11337226, 11344018, and 11339573.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2026

I bought my 2020 Lincoln nautilus in February 2025 soon after I noticed a jerking from my lower gears,it has 80000 miles.i took it to the dealer I bought it from and they said the transmission is falling and will cost $10,188 to replace. They told me there was no recall and it wasn't covered under any warranty.

NHTSA ID
11750212
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2026

I bought my 2020 Lincoln nautilus in February 2025 soon after I noticed a jerking from my lower gears,it has 80000 miles.i took it to the dealer I bought it from and they said the transmission is falling and will cost $10,188 to replace. They told me there was no recall and it wasn't covered under any warranty.

NHTSA ID
11750211
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 6, 2026

My 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has an intermittent jerk during light acceleration with no diagnostic codes. This was confirmed when I had a professional mechanic drive it.

NHTSA ID
11748671
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 30, 2026

While driving low speed between 1-55 mph my car feels like it’s stuttering, jerking or about to shut down.

NHTSA ID
11747499
Incident
Jun 8, 2026
Filed Apr 25, 2026

REAR VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT IF REQUIRED AFTER DEALER EVALUATION

NHTSA ID
11733790
Incident
Mar 25, 2026
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 16, 2026

3rd brake light not working , they have had this issue over several years such as recall on 2025 (25C39) burnt diode in the LED Driver Modules and may cause other lighting failures

NHTSA ID
11731491
Incident
Mar 23, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 16, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

1. Vehicle Purchase I purchased a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve from Carvana on February 2, 2026. The vehicle was delivered to me on February 8, 2026. The vehicle was represented as inspected and safe to drive. Within 20 days of ownership, the vehicle experienced a serious mechanical failure involving the wheel assembly. 2. Major Safety Failure While driving, the wheel assembly failed due to damaged or missing wheel studs, causing the wheel to detach/loosen from the vehicle. This created an extreme safety hazard and risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle became unsafe to operate. Evidence includes: Photographs of the wheel hub and broken/missing studs Mechanical inspection documentation 3. Inspection Findings A professional inspection revealed mechanical issues with the vehicle, including: Fuel filter failure Engine air filter failure Evidence of wheel stud damage Potential improper installation or pre-existing mechanical defect These issues indicate the vehicle was not properly inspected prior to sale, despite Carvana advertising a comprehensive inspection. 4. Warranty Claim Denied A claim was submitted to Carvana's warranty department. The claim was denied under the explanation of “outside influence.” However: The vehicle had only been in my possession 20 days There was no accident or outside event The failure appears to be due to pre-existing mechanical issues 5. Resulting Harm Because of this defect and Carvana's refusal to repair the vehicle: I am currently without reliable transportation I am still responsible for the loan payments on a defective vehicle I have experienced significant emotional distress and physical symptoms My physician has prescribed Parafon Forte (muscle relaxer) due to stress-related muscle pain. I have also experienced: Sleep disruption Anxiety about driving Financial hardship due to being unable to use the vehicle 6. Attempts to Resolve I have attempted to resolve this matter with Carvana by: Filing a warranty claim Contacting BBB

NHTSA ID
11724795
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 12, 2026
Crash reported

MILEAGE: 487,615 27TAWD On [XXX] at [XXX]., the weather was wet from rain. I pushed the reverse button and the car accelerated quickly forward with engine revving. The car kept moving forward while the brake pedal was not responsive for at least 10 times as the car drove through my fence and damaged my neighbor’s garage. The car finally stopped when it hit the garage. Estimate for repairs on vehicle $1485.25. Estimate for damage to wooden fence $2560, neighbor's garage $8000. Engine code scan report on Oct 10, 2025 engine code U3003-16 Battery Voltage Below Threshold. EEC test at dealer on Oct 14, 2025: "no codes in any systems..." Vehicle damage noted. No indicated warning lamps INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11710373
Incident
Oct 7, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB 26-2341

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 26-2171. Reasons for update: update the Parts list to add a note to clarify the application of the part numbers W520102-S442 and 4S4Z-3N324-AA "FWD Only". Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h)  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present  Traceable shudder event with IDS/FDRS reading *(Figure 1)* This condition may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to a concern with the output planetary assembly.

TSB 26-2328

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 26-2194. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct a part description " Loctite 638", update the claim quantity for the drain/fill plug, update the claim quantity of the wheel hub bolts (Corsair) and limited the parts list for Edge/Nautilus to only the rear drive unit fluid. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.

TSB 26-2194

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the all-wheel drive (AWD) module for Bronco Sport vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.

TSB 26-2171

ENGINE

This article updates TSB 25-2154. Reasons for update: *Parts List *Service Procedure to replace the output planetary carrier assembly *Added 2023-2024 model year vehicles Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h)  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present  Traceable shudder event with IDS/FDRS reading *(Figure 1)* This condition may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to a concern with the output planetary assembly.

TSB 26-2092

This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rattle or sagging condition around the roof opening panel. This may be due to the adhesive separating from the headliner substrate.

SSM 54589

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Nautilus by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026700
2025216058.5
2024207059.7
2023630
2022921
2021192161.0
2020Viewing325167.2
2019968058.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.