YearToAvoid

2020 Lincoln Continental Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

0/100

#4 most-complained of 4 Continental years

The 2020 Lincoln Continental ranks best of 4 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 0, 7 complaints, and 2 recalls. Its top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras, but no crashes, fires, or fatalities were reported.

Complaints
7
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
19.5
16.5 city / 24.5 hwy

Top 2020 Lincoln Continental problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (29%)
  2. Other2 (29%)
  3. Brakes1 (14%)
  4. Electrical System1 (14%)
  5. Structure & Body1 (14%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the trunk lid closing on its own while loading groceries, with no chime warning, in one case causing head and shoulder injuries.
  • Owners describe the brake pedal sitting noticeably higher than the gas pedal, causing a momentary delay when trying to stop.
  • Owners report the rear-view camera fogging up when shifting into reverse, tied to recall 22V644000 for the back-over prevention camera.
  • Owners waiting on the same camera recall report the dealer had no replacement parts available for an extended period.
  • Owners report doors that will not open, including a front driver's door that would not open from inside and a rear passenger door that would not open from outside.
2020 Lincoln Continental complaints: complaints filed per month1May 2020Oct 2020Apr 2021Apr 2023Jul 2023Apr 2024Jul 2025
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2020 to Jul 2025; peak May 2020 (1).

2020 Lincoln Continental recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles

    Back over prevention:software

    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.

  2. NHTSA 22V644000Aug 26, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras277,040 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.

    Risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.

2020 Lincoln Continental fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16.5 MPG
Highway
24.5 MPG
Combined
19.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,325
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other Continental years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Good3320220
2019Caution6732319.5
2020Best07219.5

All Lincoln Continental years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Among the 4 Continental model years tracked, 2020 ranks best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 7 complaints filed with NHTSA.
What problems does the 2020 Lincoln Continental have?
The top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras (29% of complaints), followed by Brakes, Electrical System, and Structure & Body, each at 14%.
Does the 2020 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Continental, both involving the camera system: rearview camera software (25V442000) and 360-degree camera replacement (22V644000).
What year Lincoln Continental should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA data, 2017 is the year to avoid, with 75 complaints and a complaint index of 100, compared to 0 for 2020.
Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2020 Lincoln Continental?
NHTSA lists 1 injury and no crashes, fires, or deaths for the 2020 Continental.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.