VIN REPORT

2LMPJ8K93LBL003512020 LINCOLN NautilusReserve

18of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
5
5 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
67/100 composite
Complaints · 2020
34
NHTSA filed · 2020 Nautilus
Vehicle Age
6 yrs
Made in CANADA
BUYPurchase Verdict

2020 LINCOLN Nautilus was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 34 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2020 LINCOLN Nautilus

2020 LINCOLN Nautilus was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 34 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 5 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 1 injury reported across 34 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: transmission failure, stalling
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Engine/Powertrain is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Owner Complaint Intelligence

34 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (50%), Other (21%), Electrical (12%). Common issues: transmission failure, stalling. 2 crashes reported.

18
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
5 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
LINCOLN
Model
Nautilus
Year
2020
Trim / Series
Reserve
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2L
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD.
Assembly
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Curb Weight
4,305 lbs
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: OAKVILLE, ONTARIO

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 OAKVILLE, ONTARIO

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 67/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety22/30
Complaint History25/30
25/100Moderate

✓ No high-risk recall components found

77/100
Comprehensive
14 of 20 safety features detected
Moderate
  • ⚠2 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Engine/Powertrain
↻ 2 recalls✦ 17 complaints

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights✓Standard
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification✓Standard
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls5

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

32/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus — 17 NHTSA complaints (50% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
17 owner complaints · 50% of all filings · 1 crash-involved
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus
Owners of the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighElectrical
4 owner complaints · 12% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus
Owners of the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Typical interval: 50,000 mi / 4 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify differential / transfer case fluid service history with the seller
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Manufacturer interval: 105,000 mi / 6 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
✓ per Ford owner's manual maintenance schedule
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

5 RECALLS
5found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 5 recalls has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

64%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

LINCOLN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
89%Good

LINCOLN completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
18mo
#20V575000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceReduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V011000
Invalid Date

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V414000
Invalid Date

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

SummaryFord 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 bag in the event of a crash.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn 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.
Est. Repair Completion~63%

~37% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V442000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA 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.
Est. Repair Completion~50%

~50% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V550000
Oct 2020

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Read full details...
ConsequenceMissing 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.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
6.1yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

10/09/2020
5 total campaigns
Engine/PowertrainExterior/Other
4
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.

Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix

RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

Owner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components

100% of complaints about "POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION" were filed AFTER recall campaign 20V550000 (2020-10-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
100% post-recall
Recall: 2020-10-090 before · 17 after#20V550000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

Complaints34

Complaint Intelligence

34 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Power Train leads owner complaints (50%), most reported when the vehicle was 4–6 yrs old. Also common: Engine (15%), Unknown Or Other (9%).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
3%
1–2
16%
3–5
56%
6–9
25%
10+
0%

Based on 32 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (7) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Power Train
typically 4–6 yrs old
50%
Engine
typically 4–6 yrs old
15%
Unknown Or Other
typically 4–6 yrs old
9%
Electrical System
typically 4–6 yrs old
9%
Exterior Lighting
typically 2 yrs old or newer
9%
1 injury2 crashes
Engine/Powertrain
1 crash17
Other
7
Electrical
4
Suspension/Wheels
1 crash1 inj2
Body/Structure
1
Brakes
1
Steering
1
Visibility
1
2021
2
2022
1
2023
8
2024
3
2025
9
2026
11
↑ 109% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +82%
20
Last 24 months
11
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Engine stalling3
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (5)Highway/high-speed (3)Rain/wet (2)Startup (2)Cold weather (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

34 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

34found
2
Crashes
1
Injury
ODI #11769861STRUCTURE

The driver's front door check-arm (door stay) mounting area has cracked: the reinforcement spot welds around the door check/hinge mounting point failed and the sheet metal is torn, as shown in the attached photos. There is a loud popping/cracking noise when opening the door and increased effort to close it. This is the same failure pattern as Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56 (front door check-arm reinforcement broken spot welds, 2020-2023 Ford Escape), but this VIN is not covered by that program. Multiple NHTSA complaints document the identical door hinge/check-strap cracking on 2019-2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles, including a 2020 Nautilus (NHTSA complaint 11709078). If the failure progresses, the door may not close or latch properly, creating a safety risk, especially in a side impact. The dealer has not yet been contacted. Requesting NHTSA investigate whether Nautilus vehicles should receive corrective action.

ODI #11759875SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Hennessey Lincoln in Atlanta repaired my car in June 2026. My Torque converter needed to be replaced. My car was there over 20 days. Two weeks after getting it back from shop it started jerking and smoking. It needed another torque converter replacement. Two weeks after getting this car back it did the same thing again. I contacted Ford Warranty they did not help. Lincoln iin Michigan did not attempt to help. I couldn't even get the car in the shop for repair because of lack of employees that work on transmissions and no loaner cars.

ODI #11750211POWER TRAIN

I bought my 2020 Lincoln nautilus in February 2025 soon after I noticed a jerking from my lower gears,it has 80000 miles.i took it to the dealer I bought it from and they said the transmission is falling and will cost $10,188 to replace. They told me there was no recall and it wasn't covered under any warranty.

ODI #11750212POWER TRAIN

I bought my 2020 Lincoln nautilus in February 2025 soon after I noticed a jerking from my lower gears,it has 80000 miles.i took it to the dealer I bought it from and they said the transmission is falling and will cost $10,188 to replace. They told me there was no recall and it wasn't covered under any warranty.

ODI #11748671POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

My 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has an intermittent jerk during light acceleration with no diagnostic codes. This was confirmed when I had a professional mechanic drive it.

ODI #11747499POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

While driving low speed between 1-55 mph my car feels like it’s stuttering, jerking or about to shut down.

ODI #11733790UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT IF REQUIRED AFTER DEALER EVALUATION

ODI #11731491ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3rd brake light not working , they have had this issue over several years such as recall on 2025 (25C39) burnt diode in the LED Driver Modules and may cause other lighting failures

ODI #11724795WHEELSCRASH1 INJURY

1. Vehicle Purchase I purchased a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve from Carvana on February 2, 2026. The vehicle was delivered to me on February 8, 2026. The vehicle was represented as inspected and safe to drive. Within 20 days of ownership, the vehicle experienced a serious mechanical failure involving the wheel assembly. 2. Major Safety Failure While driving, the wheel assembly failed due to damaged or missing wheel studs, causing the wheel to detach/loosen from the vehicle. This created an extreme safety hazard and risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle became unsafe to operate. Evidence includes: Photographs of the wheel hub and broken/missing studs Mechanical inspection documentation 3. Inspection Findings A professional inspection revealed mechanical issues with the vehicle, including: Fuel filter failure Engine air filter failure Evidence of wheel stud damage Potential improper installation or pre-existing mechanical defect These issues indicate the vehicle was not properly inspected prior to sale, despite Carvana advertising a comprehensive inspection. 4. Warranty Claim Denied A claim was submitted to Carvana's warranty department. The claim was denied under the explanation of “outside influence.” However: The vehicle had only been in my possession 20 days There was no accident or outside event The failure appears to be due to pre-existing mechanical issues 5. Resulting Harm Because of this defect and Carvana's refusal to repair the vehicle: I am currently without reliable transportation I am still responsible for the loan payments on a defective vehicle I have experienced significant emotional distress and physical symptoms My physician has prescribed Parafon Forte (muscle relaxer) due to stress-related muscle pain. I have also experienced: Sleep disruption Anxiety about driving Financial hardship due to being unable to use the vehicle 6. Attempts to Resolve I have attempted to resolve this matter with Carvana by: Filing a warranty claim Contacting BBB

ODI #11710373POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

MILEAGE: 487,615 27TAWD On [XXX] at [XXX]., the weather was wet from rain. I pushed the reverse button and the car accelerated quickly forward with engine revving. The car kept moving forward while the brake pedal was not responsive for at least 10 times as the car drove through my fence and damaged my neighbor’s garage. The car finally stopped when it hit the garage. Estimate for repairs on vehicle $1485.25. Estimate for damage to wooden fence $2560, neighbor's garage $8000. Engine code scan report on Oct 10, 2025 engine code U3003-16 Battery Voltage Below Threshold. EEC test at dealer on Oct 14, 2025: "no codes in any systems..." Vehicle damage noted. No indicated warning lamps INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11709078UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Our 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with 60,000 miles will require replacement of the driver's door due to a crack in the door hinge area. This failure is similar to failures found in the Ford Edge and Lincoln Corsair of the same vintage. Online research proves this is a frequent failure due to inadequate door structural design in similar vehicles with as little as 30,000 miles usage. A 5 year old vehicle should not require door replacements due to a structural design especially when the design has proven to be faulty in other vehicles manufactured by Ford. Structural failure in this area can result in improper door closure and subsequent improper door opening resulting in possible occupant injuries.

ODI #11707732FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle jerked upon starting and shifting to drive(D) intermittently. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred after refueling the vehicle, but the failure had become consistent and was occurring erratically. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and accelerating between 35-40 MPH, the vehicle jerked. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had added a fuel additive to the vehicle, and the failure was reduced temporarily. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was contacted and advised that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

ODI #11706804WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

Manual Park--release cable escaped its locking position, locking front wheel brakes ON. The locked brakes resulted in the car being dragged until we noticed the problem and exited the motor home to reinstate the cable into its locking position (to re-seat the metal bead in the pocket, locking it in the override position). Dragging the locked wheels creates a fire and traffic hazard with large plumes of blue smoke, potential towed-vehicle fish-tail out of control affecting nearby/adjacent traffic lanes. This issue was confirmed by my long-time mechanic (Deckard Pham) as a design deficiency that could fail due to road vibrations, that it was intended for limited use for emergency towing. This incident has occurred four times over the past year; twice, at low speed (so tire damage was minimal). Most recently, it was discovered too late to prevent tire damage -- [XXX], while traveling at 45 mph, severe flat spot (7" long, full width of both front tires), wore tread down to the steel belts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11702537POWER TRAIN

Hard shift stuttering when driving About 30000 miles ago Called Lincoln they said $150 to diagnose it No warning lights

ODI #11695215POWER TRAIN

Transmission complete failure. It is available at the dealer. Where I had it towed. Went out on highway. Everyone using the turnpike highway was in danger. Slowed vehicle to little more than idle speed, in road construction. Little rough being slowed from 75mph to 10 mph. One dealer diagnosed it. I had it towed to the original dealer after having it towed to the closest dealer. Warning light came on during the turnpike travel. Limited access highway. October 19, 2025

ODI #11689032POWER TRAIN

Transmission bucking and slow under 40 mph. brought to dealers attention. Car only 5 years old. Diagnostics resulted in internal fault , excessive slippage and torque converter chatter. Told that I could easily breakdown at any time if transmission not replaced.!!!! No warnings or messages. Occurring approx 2 months. Noted a class action investigation into this issue on 2020 Nautilus !

ODI #11684050POWER TRAIN

Car jerks/ shifts hard up to 35 miles per hour.

ODI #11683754POWER TRAIN

2/4/25 purchased 2020 Nautilus from Dick Hannah Jeep Vancouver, WA 3/12/25 I noticed some issues developing with uneven revving. Inconsistent in cruise control, feeling like the road is bumpy. Also revving up to 3,000 RPM when breaking to stop. 3/28/25 Kendall Ford did software update issues still happening, they said it's adaptive learning and needs time to adjust to my style of driving. Made appointment for Courtesy Lincoln. 4/8/25 - 4/26/25 Courtesy Lincoln let me know on the 10th transmission needed to be replaced, so they ordered parts which arrived 4/14. Time passed and I finally had to check in 4/22 to be told it was in the shop now. When I asked if there had been a delay, they said the transmission technician quit. Things happen, but communication goes a very long way when rentals and/or loaners are coming out of my pocket. I picked up finally 4/26, and immediately noticed it still had the same issues. 4/26/25 Immediately noticed the issues were not fixed. 5/19/25 Finally got back in for a recheck. They did some software/transmission updates and explained adaptive learning, so give it time to re-learn. 6/4/25 Began trying to get it back to the shop, as nothing was changed or better 6/25/25 Finally got it back in to be diagnosed with a bad torque converter 7/28/25 Picked up with the same issues 8/28/25 Finally back to shop to be told there is nothing wrong with it. It is normal for it to rev so high it is battling me braking at stop lights/signs. I am going back next week to have them check the EVAP, as there is also an issue with putting gas in. It stops the pump after a couple of dollars. I have to continue to rearrange the nozzle until it is happy, so I am hoping that may also have something to do with the uneven revving and down shifting. I may call to speak with another Lincoln service manager to possibly get a 2nd opinion. I have asked for the last 2 service records a few times, but have not gotten them.

ODI #11659120POWER TRAIN

When taking my car in for diagnostics, I was informed of a transmission failure. My VIN was not included in a transmission recall but has the same issue . Mileage on my 2020 Lincoln Natilus is 94,000. The same type of transmission is in my car that was recalled in 2021. There is discrepancies with who is allowed to get the transmission. The problem I was having was with the Auto Hold not working at all times. My car has been stalling after stopping at a traffic light or sign and trying to accelerate . The vehicle service report showed no issues, warnings, or service needs. There was no engine warning light, nor code. Lincoln denied responsibility for fixing it. My extended warranty company sent an adjuster and verified it needs a transmission. The computer monitoring smart system failed to detect this issue. The dealership notified me six months earlier to have the service department see why my fluid level was low. The service department was notified. I was put off and told they were backed up and would contact me when I hey had a slot available and a loaner. The failed to contact me. Six months later, reached out again only to have to find another Ford Lincoln Dealership. I have had all service done at the dealership, yet the did no inspect my car at the first anomaly. I believe my car should be included in the transmission recall.

ODI #11654454POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

ODI #11617686VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving downhill at 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle failed to maintain the set speed and accelerated to 70-75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had standard cruise control; not adaptive cruise control that could automatically apply the brakes while driving and maintain the set speed. The vehicle was then taken to Ellsworth Ford, Inc. (424 Industrial Rd, Ellsworth, WI 54011), where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

ODI #11601751WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I took the vehicle in for service, I had to replace all 20 lug nuts as the dealer service department reported they were "swollen" and they were unable to complete the tire rotation. This also poses a safety risk as if I had a flat tire, I could not get them off to change a tire. They could also break causing stress on others and cause a wheel to come off of the vehicle. I was advised that this is a common problem with Ford/Lincoln vehicles, however there didn't seem to be any warranty coverage or safety recalls. If this is a common problem or some type of defect, it seems that I should not have had to spend $240 to replace them.

ODI #11570397POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

When taking off from stop light or stop sign between the speed of 35-45 the car feels like it’s seizing!

ODI #11561745EXTERIOR LIGHTING

High mount brake light failure (2nd occurrence) November 2023 at 13,400 miles. Vehicle was repaired under warranty. This occurrence appears to be a repeated faulty part. Failure of high mount brake light creates rear collision potential in low visibility scenarios. The part (13613A High Mount Stop Lamp Assembly) appears to be a known faulty part by manufacturer or vehicle design. There are no warning lamps or messages to warn driver that failure has occurred. Problem could go unnoticed for an extended time.

ODI #11556002EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the Hollywood Destination E Rack Bicycle Carrier had detached and fell onto the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E085000 (Equipment) as the cause for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. The contact requesting the complaint be closed with a satisfactory outcome.

ODI #11553530EXTERIOR LIGHTING

High mount brake light (or third brake light) failure occurred September 2022 at 8,000 miles. Vehicle was repaired under warranty. Failure of high mount brake light creates rear collision potential in low visibility scenarios. The part (13613A High Mount Stop Lamp Assembly) appears to be faulty by manufacturer or vehicle design. There are no warning lamps or messages to warn driver that failure has occurred. Problem could go unnoticed for an extended time.

ODI #11528446BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing in the rain, the back-up camera image was distorted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure might be due to a leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 40,009.

ODI #11523075STEERING

According to Lincoln, in their manual, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is designed such that it can be recreational towed behind a motorhome. My first experience towing this vehicle resulted in a violet "wobble" that shook a 43 foot motorhome when making a normal left hand turn. A second incident occurred when a dip in the road caused the wobble. In both incidents it was necessary to come to a complete stop and then proceed and the wobble disappeared. This problem has been discussed on RV Forums over the years but I'm not sure if it has been report. It was stated that in one incident the hitch of the RV snapped causing the towed vehicle to crash. I believe this is a potential danger on our roads.

ODI #11521005POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE HAS AN ERRATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUE. DDOES NOT RESPOND AT TIMES WHEN IN TRAFFIC AT LOW SPEEDS. DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THIS. WORRIED IF IT WILL RESPOND WHEN ASKED TO DO SO. NO CODES OR OTHER WARNINGS ARE GIVING BY THE VEHICLE. BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3X AND ONCE THE RESET THE COMPUTER BACK TO FACTORY SETTINGS ONLY TO HAVE IT MORPH BACK INTO ITS UNRELIABLE STATE AFTER 2K MILES WERE ADDED. THE DEALER ART HILL FORD CLAIMS THEY ARE BACKED UP WITH WORK AND DONT NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WHEN DRIVING IT ON A FEW OCCASIONS. BUT ADMITTLEY STATE THAT THE 10 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS ARE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACUTER LICOLN OFFERED A BUY BACK BUT CHANGED IT TO 10 FREE OIL CHANGES

ODI #11513492VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

We were driving down the highway, when a huge explosion sound occurred. We pulled off at the next safe spot to look what happened. The sunroof had exploded and a huge hole was in the sunroof. Glass shards were everywhere. Thankfully the interior cover was shut. We might not be alive today if it would have been open. Glass in my eyes, crash into other vehicles, use your imagination on how bad this could have turned out. Looking online reveals this is happening a lot. Someone will eventually get killed.

ODI #11503290ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

My car won't start when I press the brake and hit the start button, which then flashes green instead of staying green. I have to go through the same steps several times before it will turn on. The menu goes through the entire functions of the engine. For me, I never know if the engine will start or I will be stranded. I thought after two visits to service, it was fixed. Today, it stalled at a green light, and when I powered off and powered back on, the start button started the flashing light, the function menu again. My car wouldn't start and there was a long line behind me. I bought my car in Feb 2021 and only have 17,500 miles because I'm afraid of being stranded. I paid $52,000 cash for this car and expect that when I turn it on, I'll be able to drive to my destination without problem. This will be the THIRD TIME MY CAR IS IN SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP WON'T GIVE ME A LOANER BECAUSE OF COVID. I've never been so disappointed over something I've bought. The dealership is of very little help or empathy.

ODI #11484267VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

When accelerating onto the interstate the traction control engages without a warning light. It occurs on dry pavement. The acceleration is not excessive and there is no loss of traction. The traction control disengages when the accelerator pedal is released.

ODI #11427694BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V575000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted on multiple occasions and informed him that the part was still unavailable. The contact also stated that soon after receiving the recall notice, the back over prevention camera failed to operate. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11420872POWER TRAIN

I’ve only had the car 2 weeks brought brand new from Crest Lincoln on May 28,2020. Every time I try to accelerate the car doesn’t want to move , it sounds like it’s trying to get power. It makes a humming noise then it slowly starts to move and the care jerks and pick up speed. I don’t like it, I’m afraid that when i come to a light and it doesn’t accelerate I might get hit from behind. I contacted the sales person Paul Smith (on vacation) then I spoke to the Sales Manager (Deno Martino) told him my story. He said he believes its the software. And that he will tell the Service Manager to reach out to me ( Bob Elliott) I honestly believe that the car shouldn’t been sold and the sales person and sales manager knew it. It was a sale for them and a bad experience for me. I didn’t test drive the car because I test drove the 2021 and it drove good so I didn’t even think about test driving the 2020. Lesson Learned.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for LINCOLN Nautilus — recall years marked in red
0611050100202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 34 total NHTSA complaints filed over 6 years, with the worst year being 2026 (11 complaints, including 2 crash reports).

The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 90/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.

Notably, despite 34 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2026, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$31,584
~$526/mo over 5 yrs
$0.4/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,584 (~$526/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

5 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$2,500
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$2,900

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2020 LINCOLN Nautilus — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit,
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Co
HIGH
Verify recall SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150,
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Linco
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STRUCTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

30%
18-month
51%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 51%

30% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 6-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN2LMPJ8K93LBL00351
Model Year2020
MakeLINCOLN
ModelNautilus
TrimReserve
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD.
Assembly CityOAKVILLE
Assembly CountryCANADA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)2LM
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)L
Plant Code (Char 11)B
Sequence (Chars 12–17)L00351

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count5
NHTSA Complaint Count34

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

2
1
L
2
M
3
P
4
J
5
8
6
K
7
9
8
3
9
L
10
B
11
L
12
0
13
0
14
3
15
5
16
1
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
2
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
L
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
M
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
PJ8K9
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
L
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
B
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
L00351
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Canada
From VIN position 1 (2)
Model Year Character
"L" → 2020
Could also be 1990
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/3/2026, 3:09:30 AM.