2020 Lincoln Nautilus: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus: 5 recalls, 34 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats, Airbags Vehicle recall #20V414000 · 2020 · 19,299 vehicles
What's 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V550000 · 2020 · 97 vehicles
What's wrong: The start/stop accumulator endcap May have missing or loose bolts.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V575000 · 2020 · 620,246 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V011000 · 2021 · 147 vehicles
What's wrong: An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit May cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Why it matters: 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 fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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 fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12), warning light on (5).
- Engine (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has 34 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 8 Nautilus model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 29). Complaints peaked in 2026 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 32,004 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (102 complaints, 8 recalls), 2021 (24 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Lincoln Nautilus problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (17), engine (5), brakes (3).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.