Verdict
2020 Lincoln MKZ: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 3 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 85% of 2020 sedans. Electrical System leads the reports (33%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
3
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 85% of 2020 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (33% of 3 reports), followed by steering (33%).
Share of all 3 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11433686.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Back Over Prevention · 25V442000Details +Close −
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.
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2020 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 42 | 39 | 41 |
| MKZ FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 31 | 24 |
| MKZ AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 29 | 23 |
| MKZ FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 27 | 21 |
| MKZ AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 | 26 | 20 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Lincoln MKZ: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
Owners filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ — fewer complaints than 85% of comparable 2020 sedans, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (33% of complaints) and steering (33%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2020 Lincoln MKZ, covering components such as back over prevention. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Lincoln MKZ between 20 and 41 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.