NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lincoln Continental Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lincoln Continental scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lincoln Continental scores 94/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band. Backed by a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and standard crash-avoidance technology across the board, this model year presents a strong federal safety profile for used-market shoppers.
The 2020 Lincoln Continental earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 and a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lincoln Continental ranks 19 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.6% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lincoln Continental?
The 2020 Lincoln Continental earns an overall 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, an incremental but meaningful improvement over the 2019 model’s 93. This places it firmly in the Exceptional band for safety performance. The underlying data reveals a robust safety profile: crash protection accounts for 66 of a possible 70 points. Avoidance technology achieves a perfect 10 out of 10, a direct result of standard-equipment forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record component contributes 17.75 out of 20 points. Two recall campaigns were issued for the 2020 Continental, both focusing on back-over prevention systems. One recall addresses the camera sensing hardware, while the other targets the underlying software, indicating a concentrated defect theme in this area. Owner complaints remain low, with seven filed for this model year. None of these unverified allegations include reports of crashes or fatalities. The 2020 Continental's federal safety data establishes it as one of the strongest performers in its segment for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lincoln Continental perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Lincoln Continental five stars overall, five stars in both the frontal and side crash disciplines, and four stars for rollover protection. The rollover risk is measured at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. No category went unrated, and no category fell below four stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14925
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2020 Lincoln Continental. The first, issued in 2022, targets the backup camera sensing system on certain 2017-2020 Continental vehicles. The second, issued more recently, addresses back-over prevention software across a broad range of Ford and Lincoln models including this Continental. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive or park-outside designation, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
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.
Reported 2025-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V644000
Risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
Reported 2022-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lincoln Continental?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Lincoln Continental, with no crashes, fires, or deaths alleged and one injury reported. Top components cited in these unverified allegations include Unknown Or Other, Back Over Prevention, Latches/Locks/Linkages, Service Brakes, and the Electrical System.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lincoln Continental?
Two open recall campaigns for the 2020 Lincoln Continental directly address back-over prevention systems. Before purchasing a used model, consumers should verify whether the recall remedies have been completed by checking the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool.
- The 2020 model year carries two recall campaigns, both specifically targeting back-over prevention systems, one addressing the camera sensing hardware and one addressing software, making this a concentrated and year-relevant defect theme to verify by VIN.
- The 2020 Continental's Safety Index of 94/100 represents a one-point improvement over the 2019 model's 93/100, with the avoidance technology sub-score reaching a perfect 10/10 because all three key systems are standard on this model year.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and the four-star rollover rating reflects an 11 percent measured rollover risk, providing specific context beyond the star number alone.
- Only seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with one alleged injury and no crashes, fires, or deaths among those unverified allegations, representing a low complaint volume relative to the vehicle's age on the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lincoln Continental places
The 2020 Lincoln Continental qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lincoln Continental safety questions
Was the 2020 Lincoln Continental crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lincoln Continental, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Lincoln Continental crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lincoln Continental earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Continental have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Continental. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lincoln Continental?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Continental. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Continental years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14925), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Continental 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 19 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.