Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ peaked in 2025, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 Lincoln MKZ
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Jun 13, 2025 to Jan 20, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1200k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2020 sedan
Severity index0.02020 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ name steering
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2020 Lincoln MKZ
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-442 | Jun 27, 2025 | 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 | Back-over prevention | 200,237 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jan 20, 2026Failure Nov 1, 2025Southgate, MIUnknown or other
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 can see glass flying off the back of the car that could have easily damaged another vehicle if one happened to be close enough. I have been without my car for almost three months as it sits in a glass repair shop waiting for a part that is supposedly nationally back ordered. The Lincoln dealership wouldn't even help me. They just pointed me straight to the glass shop while adamantly saying a rock must have hit the top of my car to cause the damage.
NHTSA complaint 11712156 - Filed Jun 13, 2025Failure Jun 13, 2025Coconut Grove, FLSteering
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 to a mechanic shop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11666748
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
82 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- SSM 54589 Feb 17, 2026 · Other
Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to … - SSM 54366 Nov 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions D… - SSM 54116 Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference fro… - 24B47 S1 May 10, 2025 · Other
CERTAIN 2018-2024 MODEL YEAR VARIOUS VEHICLES — UPDATE SYNC SOFTWARE - 24B47 S1 Dec 4, 2024 · Other
Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software - SSM 53174 Nov 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement d… - SSM 53040 Oct 10, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. … - SSM 52820 Aug 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. - 24B47 Jul 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles… - SSM 52722 Jul 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate… - SSM 52704 Jul 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/respo… - SSM 52675 Jun 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response fr… - TSB 24-2182 Jun 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, … - SSM 52410 Apr 3, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the d… - SSM 52335 Mar 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for … - SSM 52314 Mar 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking… - SSM 52307 Feb 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has n… - TSB 23-2307 Oct 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 … - SSM 51838 Aug 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embe… - SSM 51725 Jun 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not… - 22N12 S1 May 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge, 2019-2020 Fusion and MKZ Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine and 6F35 Transmission Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area Flexplate Cracks REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Aftermarket torque converters are… - SSM 51536 Apr 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a di… - SSM 51449 Mar 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has n… - SSM 51261 Dec 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined i… - TSB 22-2396 Oct 25, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is movin… - SSM 51120 Oct 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined i… - 22N12 Aug 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge, 2019-2020 Fusion and MKZ Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine and 6F35 Transmission Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area â“ Flexplate Crack In some of the affected vehicles, a cracked flexplate may c… - SSM 50975 Jul 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPassÃÂî/LincolnWayÃÂî app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/bel… - TSB 22-2254 Jun 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 … - TSB 22-2225 Jun 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 … - SSM 50804 May 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as … - SSM 50744 May 4, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with HF35/HF45 hybrid transmissions can now be disassembled to repair and clean any contamination that may have been the result of a differentia… - SSM 50651 Apr 5, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In various 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating "Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Emb… - SSM 50726 Apr 27, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prio… - TSB 22-2104 Mar 21, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 21-2236 to update the models and year affected. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2022 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2022 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty,… - SSM 50502 Feb 17, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2018 Focus/MKX/C-MAX, 2017-2019 MKC/Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ/Continental, 2017-2022 Mustang/Edge/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Escape/F-150/F-Super Duty, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2022 Ranger/Nautilus, 2020-2022 Corsa… - SSM 50439 Jan 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ and 2017-2019 Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may require replacement of the long block engine assembly. New service kits have been released which include all the one-time-use components required in the ser… - SSM 50375 Dec 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the … - SSM 50346 Dec 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control … - SSM 50251 Nov 2, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prio… - TSB 21-2411 Nov 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 21-2342 to update the Issue, Action, and Service Procedure. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/C… - TSB 21-2347 Oct 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2020 Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rattle noise from the transmission bellhousing area. This may be more noticeable at idle. This may be due to a flexplate crack around the mounting area. To correct the con… - TSB 21-2342 Oct 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC … - TSB 21-2294 Sep 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC … - SSM 50067 Aug 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to… - SSM 50064 Aug 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be … - SSM 50049 Aug 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embe… - SSM 50039 Aug 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transpor… - TSB 21-2263 Aug 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC … - TSB 21-2236 Jul 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco Sport… - SSM 49885 Jun 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the conc… - TSB 21-2150 May 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC … - SSM 49821 May 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to… - SSM 49803 May 18, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control … - SSM 49541 Feb 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with TCU and WiFi Hotspot, May display Vehicle Hotspot feature not enabled on this vehicle when attempting to enter the Hotspot menu. When using the FordPass/Lincoln Way application, the customer may receive… - SSM 49477 Jan 20, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 F-150, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2015-2021 Edge, 2017-2019 Fusion, 2017-2020 MKZ And 2017-2020 Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not … - SSM 49426 Jan 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit the vehicle locator feature display the vehicle location incorrectly when using the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app. Customers may report that the vehicle location that is displayed is the Ford manufacturing … - TSB 21-2004 Jan 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles may need the exterior rear view mirror replaced. The replacement exterior mirror will have different wiring than the originally equipped mirror. Follow the Service Procedure steps below to modify the vehicle-side wiring harness t… - TSB 20-2386 Nov 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles may need the exterior rear view mirror replaced. The replacement exterior mirror will have different wiring than the originally equipped mirror. Follow the Service Procedure steps below to modify the vehicle-side wiring harness t… - TSB 20-2372 Oct 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes 17-2225 to update the vehicle model years affected and Service Procedure. Some 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles may exhibit unintended exterior mirror movement in wet weather conditions. This may be due to water intrusion …
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.