2020 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Report
2020 Lincoln Nautilus: Strong Crash Ratings, but Significant Powertrain and Recall Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability Score
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failure/Hard Shifting Multiple complaints describe complete transmission failure, hard shifting, jerking, stuttering, and loss of power, sometimes at highway speeds. Some owners report being told their VIN was not included in a recall despite experiencing similar issues. |
High | Common | 30000-94000 miles |
| Rearview Camera Malfunction Recalls and complaints indicate issues with the rearview camera displaying a blank or distorted image, reducing rearward visibility and increasing crash risk. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Rear Drive Unit Seizure (Driveshaft Lubrication) A recall addresses inadequate lubricant in the rear drive unit, which can lead to seizure, loss of drive, and loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Inadvertent Airbag Deployment/Non-Deployment A recall indicates that the seat cushion frame edge may contact wire harnesses, potentially causing inadvertent airbag deployment or preventing deployment in a crash. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Speed Control Malfunction (Cruise Control) Complaints include the vehicle failing to maintain set speed with cruise control activated, accelerating beyond the set speed, and inconsistent revving. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Swollen Lug Nuts One complaint noted all 20 lug nuts were 'swollen,' preventing tire rotation and posing a safety risk if a flat tire occurred. |
Low | Occasional | unknown miles |
| High Mount Brake Light Failure Multiple reports of the high mount stop lamp failing, sometimes repeatedly, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions due to reduced visibility to following drivers. |
Medium | Occasional | 8000-13400 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus:
The most frequent complaints are related to the powertrain, including transmission failure, hard shifting, jerking, and loss of drive, with some incidents leading to crashes or near-misses.
Issues with the rearview camera, including blank or distorted images, are reported and are also subject to recalls.
Complaints involve cruise control not maintaining set speeds or causing unintended acceleration.
Repeated failures of the high mount brake light are noted, posing a rear collision risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus safe?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings from NHTSA, indicating strong performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, it has 26 total complaints, with 9 (34.6%) related to the POWER TRAIN, including reports of transmission failure and loss of drive. There have been 2 crashes and 1 injury reported. Four recalls have been issued, addressing critical issues like rearview camera malfunctions, potential loss of drive due to driveshaft lubrication, and airbag deployment issues. While crash protection is high, real-world reliability and specific component failures, particularly with the powertrain, raise safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus are related to the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 34.6% of complaints. These include transmission failure, hard shifting, jerking, and loss of power. Other common problems, also subject to recalls, involve the rearview camera (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and issues with vehicle speed control (cruise control). There are also reports of high mount brake light failures and swollen lug nuts.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Yes, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has 4 recalls. These include two recalls for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' related to rearview camera issues, one for 'POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT' concerning inadequate lubricant that could lead to loss of drive, and one for 'SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST' due to potential wiring contact that could affect airbag deployment.
How does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash protection, 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the transmission in a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Yes, based on NHTSA complaint data, there is significant concern regarding the transmission in the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The POWER TRAIN component accounts for 34.6% of all complaints, with multiple reports of complete transmission failure, hard shifting, jerking, and loss of drive, some occurring at critical driving moments. While not all VINs were included in a specific transmission recall, many owners report experiencing similar issues to those that were recalled.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant powertrain issues and multiple recalls. Thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially for transmission work and recall completion, and consider an extended warranty.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.