YearToAvoid

2020 Lincoln MKZ Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2020 Lincoln MKZ has just 2 complaints on file with NHTSA and a complaint index of 0, ranking 15th (last, least complained-about) among 15 model years. It has 1 recall covering rearview camera software.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
0/100
#15 of 15 MKZ years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
2
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Steering
Best nearby year
2019
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 28 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2020 Lincoln MKZ problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other1 (50%)
  2. Steering1 (50%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • One owner reported the steering wheel and wheels became stuck while driving, making the vehicle difficult to control
  • The car had to be towed after the steering locked up on the road
2020 Lincoln MKZ complaints: complaints filed per month1Jun 2025Jan 2026
2 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2025 to Jan 2026; peak Jun 2025 (1).

2020 Lincoln MKZ recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

2020 Lincoln MKZ fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,950
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 MKZ years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Best2134222
2019Best1420122
2020No verdict02122

All Lincoln MKZ years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 MKZ has only 2 complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 15 model years with data. No verdict has been assigned yet, but the complaint record is very light.
What problems does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ have?
NHTSA lists Steering as the top problem area, based on 1 complaint (50% share) describing the steering wheel and wheels getting stuck.
Does the 2020 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 25V442000) affects the rearview camera software on the 2020 MKZ; dealers update the software free of charge.
How does the 2020 MKZ compare to other MKZ years?
The 2020 MKZ ranks 15th out of 15 years by complaint index, meaning it has fewer reported complaints than every other model year, including the Best-rated 2018 and 2019 MKZ.

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.