Before you buy
This 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has 28 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2020 Lincoln Nautilus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2020 Lincoln Nautilus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has 28 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Nautilus
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 28
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2020 Lincoln Nautilus problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
This LINCOLN NAUTILUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The LINCOLN NAUTILUS has 28 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 28 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2020 Lincoln Nautilus complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
REAR VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT IF REQUIRED AFTER DEALER EVALUATION
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
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 mechan…
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 thro…
Our 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with 60,000 miles will require replacement of the driver's door due to a crack in the door hinge area. This failure is similar to failures found in the Ford Edge and Lincoln Corsair of the same vintage. Online research proves this is a frequent failure…
The 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 …
Manual Park--release cable escaped its locking position, locking front wheel brakes ON. The locked brakes resulted in the car being dragged until we noticed the problem and exited the motor home to reinstate the cable into its locking position (to re-seat the metal bead in the p…
Hard shift stuttering when driving About 30000 miles ago Called Lincoln they said $150 to diagnose it No warning lights
Transmission complete failure. It is available at the dealer. Where I had it towed. Went out on highway. Everyone using the turnpike highway was in danger. Slowed vehicle to little more than idle speed, in road construction. Little rough being slowed from 75mph to 10 mph. One dea…
Transmission bucking and slow under 40 mph. brought to dealers attention. Car only 5 years old. Diagnostics resulted in internal fault , excessive slippage and torque converter chatter. Told that I could easily breakdown at any time if transmission not replaced.!!!! No warnin…
Car jerks/ shifts hard up to 35 miles per hour.
2/4/25 purchased 2020 Nautilus from Dick Hannah Jeep Vancouver, WA 3/12/25 I noticed some issues developing with uneven revving. Inconsistent in cruise control, feeling like the road is bumpy. Also revving up to 3,000 RPM when breaking to stop. 3/28/25 Kendall Ford did softwar…
When taking my car in for diagnostics, I was informed of a transmission failure. My VIN was not included in a transmission recall but has the same issue . Mileage on my 2020 Lincoln Natilus is 94,000. The same type of transmission is in my car that was recalled in 2021. There …
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was in…
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving downhill at 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle failed to maintain the set speed and accelerated to 70-75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the v…
When I took the vehicle in for service, I had to replace all 20 lug nuts as the dealer service department reported they were "swollen" and they were unable to complete the tire rotation. This also poses a safety risk as if I had a flat tire, I could not get them off to change a t…
When taking off from stop light or stop sign between the speed of 35-45 the car feels like it’s seizing!
High mount brake light failure (2nd occurrence) November 2023 at 13,400 miles. Vehicle was repaired under warranty. This occurrence appears to be a repeated faulty part. Failure of high mount brake light creates rear collision potential in low visibility scenarios. The part (1361…
The 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 m…
High mount brake light (or third brake light) failure occurred September 2022 at 8,000 miles. Vehicle was repaired under warranty. Failure of high mount brake light creates rear collision potential in low visibility scenarios. The part (13613A High Mount Stop Lamp Assembly) app…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus.
Safety recalls
2020 Lincoln Nautilus recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Lincoln Nautilus buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 28 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. This LINCOLN NAUTILUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (3 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 28 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. A major recall area is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
This LINCOLN NAUTILUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Nautilus reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.