The driver's front door check-arm (door stay) mounting area has cracked: the reinforcement spot welds around the door check/hinge mounting point failed and the sheet metal is torn, as shown in the attached photos. There is a loud popping/cracking noise when opening the door and increased effort to close it. This is the same failure pattern as Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56 (front door check-arm reinforcement broken spot welds, 2020-2023 Ford Escape), but this VIN is not covered by that program. Multiple the federal safety agency complaints document the identical door hinge/check-strap cracking on 2019-2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles, including a 2020 Nautilus (the federal safety agency complaint 11709078). If the failure progresses, the door may not close or latch properly, creating a safety risk, especially in a side impact. The dealer has not yet been contacted. Requesting the federal safety agency investigate whether Nautilus vehicles should receive corrective action.
The worst 2020 Lincoln Nautilus problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission17
- Engine5
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Lights3
- Wheels3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Driver assistance2
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Recalls 5
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 21V011000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V575000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- Risk
- Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Recall number 20V550000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: power adjust
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Recall number 20V414000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Defect investigations
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (the federal safety agency 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, the federal safety agency'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 the federal safety agency to discuss the rearview camera issue. In a subsequent August 24, 2020 meeting, ODI and the federal safety agency'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 11349813, 11344126, 11342696, 11341486, 11340254, 11337274, 11331444, 11330875, 11329235, 11316960, 11343521, 11341884, 11337226, 11344018, and 11339573.
RQ21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus 146
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2171
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2194
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2627
- This article updates TSB 25-2154
- Various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2552 to update the Parts List Some of the vehicles listed in the Model...
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018,...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2351 to update the Service Procedure Some of the vehicles listed in the...
- Ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine
2020 Lincoln Nautilus fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 20 | 25 | 22 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | AWD | 19 | 26 | 21 |
What 2020 Lincoln Nautilus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Hennessey Lincoln in Atlanta repaired my car in June 2026. My Torque converter needed to be replaced. My car was there over 20 days. Two weeks after getting it back from shop it started jerking and smoking. It needed another torque converter replacement. Two weeks after getting this car back it did the same thing again. I contacted Ford Warranty they did not help. Lincoln iin Michigan did not attempt to help. I couldn't even get the car in the shop for repair because of lack of employees that work on transmissions and no loaner cars.
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.
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.
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.
While driving low speed between 1-55 mph my car feels like it’s stuttering, jerking or about to shut down.
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 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
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)
Compare the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
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Questions about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, 1.2 times a typical Nautilus model year.
What is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus year score?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lincoln Nautilus: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 17 complaints. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have?
5 recalls, covering back over prevention, power train and seats.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 21V011000, 20V550000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Lincoln Nautilus have bad transmission?
The Lincoln Nautilus model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (29 complaints) and 2020 (17 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus get?
Official estimates for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 26 highway.
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