NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, earning an "Exceptional" rating. Its robust crash-test performance and comprehensive standard crash-avoidance technology contribute significantly to this high score. However, this positive safety assessment is tempered by five distinct recalls issued for the model.
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus ranks 17 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 | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 17 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus achieved an Exceptional 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a three-point increase over the 2019 model's Strong rating of 87. This improvement reflects robust crash protection, scoring 66 out of a possible 70 points. Its suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies earned a perfect 10 out of 10, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record contributed 13.75 out of 20 points, influenced by five recall campaigns. Two of these directly targeted the 2020 Nautilus: one for the driveshaft and another for power seats, which also included 2019 models. A third recall addressed the rearview camera system. The automatic transmission was the subject of a fourth campaign affecting several Ford and Lincoln vehicles. A fifth, more recent recall focused on back-over prevention software across a broad range of Ford and Lincoln products. Despite these recalls, the 2020 Nautilus's crash-test profile remains a highlight, with four 5-star ratings and a 4-star rollover result from NHTSA.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Both frontal and side crash tests yielded perfect 5-star ratings. In rollover resistance, the Nautilus received 4 out of 5 stars, presenting a 16 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip-test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14927
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is subject to five recall campaigns. Components addressed include the back-over prevention software, a driveshaft concern specific to the 2020 Nautilus and related Ford vehicles, a rearview camera sensing system, an automatic transmission, and a 16-way power-adjustable front seat assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied campaign data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V011000
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.
Reported 2021-01-15
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V575000
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.
Reported 2020-09-23
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V550000
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.
Reported 2020-09-10
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST20V414000
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.
Reported 2020-07-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
Owners have filed 28 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is the powertrain, cited in 12 reports. Electrical system, exterior lighting, wheels, and service brakes each appear in 3 unverified allegations. Two complaints allege a crash involvement and one alleges an injury.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has been the subject of five recall campaigns, a notable figure that necessitates careful review for any prospective owner. The most critical of these directly address the 2020 model year: one for the driveshaft and another for the rearview camera. Both represent significant safety concerns that must be remedied. Unresolved recalls are addressed at no cost by any franchised dealer, making the VIN lookup tool on NHTSA's website an essential first step for any buyer.
- The Safety Index rose from 87 in the 2019 model year to 90 in the 2020 model year, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, driven largely by the perfect crash-avoidance technology sub-score of 10 out of 10.
- A driveshaft recall issued in January 2021 specifically names the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus alongside the 2020 Ford Escape and 2020-2021 Edge, making it one of the most model-year-targeted campaigns in this vehicle's recall history.
- The powertrain accounts for 12 of 28 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, a concentration worth noting when reviewing a specific used unit's service history.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and the 16 percent rollover risk figure underlies the 4-star rollover rating, the only star score below 5 in the full NCAP evaluation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, 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 Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Nautilus years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14927), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 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 17 of 107 in the SUV 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.