2020 Lincoln Nautilus

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, categorized by component and engine/transmission configuration. The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus offers a blend of luxury and comfort, appreciated for its quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. However, some owners have reported issues affecting their ownership experience. Available engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some common complaints include infotainment system glitches, and issues with certain driver-assist features.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. This may manifest as a low oil level warning light or visible blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels regularly, conducting a compression test to check for internal engine damage, and potentially replacing piston rings or other internal components if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A faulty purge valve can cause the engine to run roughly, stall, have difficulty starting, or trigger the check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L Twin-Turbocharged V6

• Coolant Intrusion into Engine
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported coolant leaking into the engine cylinders, causing white smoke from the exhaust, rough running, and potential engine damage. This can be caused by cracked cylinder heads, or cracked block.
  • Solution: The solution to this problem is often to replace the entire engine, depending on the severity of the damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (8F35, 8F57)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced rough or jerky shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. Hesitation when shifting or a delay in engagement can also be present.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The SYNC 3 infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and other functions.
  • Solution: Performing a “master reset” of the system, updating the SYNC 3 software to the latest version, or in some cases, replacing the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500 - $1,500+ (APIM replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may display a distorted image, a blank screen, or fail to activate when the vehicle is put in reverse.
  • Solution: Checking the camera wiring and connections, replacing the camera unit, or diagnosing issues with the vehicle’s computer system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close completely. Water leaks into the cabin, or abnormal noises when operating the sunroof.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks, replace the sunroof motor, or reseal the sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heated/Cooled Seat Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The heated or cooled seats may fail to function properly, providing insufficient heating or cooling, or not working at all.
  • Solution: Checking the seat heating/cooling elements, verifying the wiring connections, or replacing the seat control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus presents a mixed bag in terms of reliability. While the vehicle offers a comfortable and luxurious experience, owners have reported issues ranging from minor infotainment glitches to more serious engine and transmission problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary significantly, with engine and transmission repairs potentially costing several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to assess the vehicle’s condition.