NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lincoln Mkz Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lincoln Mkz scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ achieved a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. This top-tier crash performance, combined with its near-perfect defect record, underpins an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. This places the MKZ as a strong safety choice in the used sedan market.
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lincoln Mkz ranks 41 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ represents a one-point climb from the 2019 model year's Index of 89/100, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band at 90/100. That single-point gain is not cosmetic: it reflects a defect record component of 19 out of 20, meaning this specific model year carries only one recall campaign and just two reported complaints against it. The crash protection component of 61 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA test results, where a five-star overall and a perfect side score anchor the rating while the four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores introduce modest nuance. The avoidance tech component scores a full 10 out of 10, consistent with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment on this year. The sole recall, a back-over prevention software campaign covering multiple Ford and Lincoln nameplates, is the primary open safety item a buyer needs to verify. Taken together, the 2020 MKZ's data profile is notably clean for a six-year-old sedan, and the band promotion from Strong to Exceptional is the headline story for this model year specifically.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lincoln Mkz perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with its strongest performance in the side-impact test, where it achieved a perfect five stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test each received four-star ratings. The vehicle demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14924
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2020 Lincoln MKZ. The campaign, issued by Ford Motor Company, covers back-over prevention software and spans a broad range of Ford and Lincoln models including the 2019-2020 MKZ. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is associated with this campaign based on available data.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lincoln Mkz?
NHTSA has logged two owner complaints for the 2020 Lincoln MKZ. The top components flagged are Unknown Or Other and Steering, each cited once. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been established as confirmed defects.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ presents a notable safety concern due to a specific recall related to its back-over prevention software. Prospective owners should verify via VIN whether this issue has been addressed, as an outstanding recall remains the owner's responsibility to resolve through an authorized dealer at no cost.
- The 2020 MKZ's Safety Index of 90/100 marks a band promotion over the 2019 model year's 89/100 Strong rating, making this the first year the nameplate reached the Exceptional tier in MotorCaliber's index.
- A single active recall covers back-over prevention software on this model year; buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- NHTSA recorded only two owner complaints for this model year, with Steering cited as one of the top components, an unusually low complaint volume for a six-year-old vehicle in the used market.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2020 MKZ, contributing a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance tech component score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lincoln Mkz places
The 2020 Lincoln Mkz qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lincoln Mkz safety questions
Was the 2020 Lincoln Mkz crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lincoln Mkz, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 Mkz crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lincoln Mkz earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Mkz have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Lincoln Mkz. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lincoln Mkz?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Mkz. 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 Mkz 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 14924), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Mkz 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 41 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.