VehicleVerdict

2020 Lincoln MKZ problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2020 Lincoln MKZ — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other MKZ years?

MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted328 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 305 complaints2008: 328 complaints2009: 129 complaints2010: 197 complaints2011: 180 complaints2012: 176 complaints2013: 146 complaints2014: 130 complaints2015: 100 complaints2016: 77 complaints2017: 176 complaints2018: 36 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 2 complaints
MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKZ years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Lincoln MKZ problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Steering150%

Does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V442000Driver AssistanceJune 27, 2025 · 200,237 units

Defect

Ford 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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My daughter almost killed herself in the car at [XXX]; the steering wheel and wheels got stuck. She's stuck at [XXX] close by [XXX] in the middle of the road, She's already called the mechanic and towing company and his assistant so I can get to work. The car is under my name [XXX] . Car was towed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 13, 2025

“While driving at freeway speed, my fully closed panoramic moon roof exploded with me and my 5 year old son in the car. Thankfully, the interior shade was closed so no shards of glass fell inside. It sounded like a gunshot and I have front and rear view dash cam video with audio of the incident. You…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 1, 2025

2020 Lincoln MKZ — common questions

Is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Lincoln MKZ. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKZ years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKZ years to avoid are 2008, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among MKZ years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Lincoln MKZ earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.