2020 Lincoln Corsair Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Powertrain, suspension, visibility, and structure issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair is a brand-new SUV that’s designed to help owners “chart your course,” according to the automaker. However, customers are scared to go anywhere behind the wheel. It appears that this luxury SUV suffers from a defective powertrain, harsh suspension, poor visibility and shoddy structure.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021   2022

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Corsair

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
6
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
5
Service Brakes
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
Air Bags
2
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Engine
2
Suspension
2
Structure:body
2

Problems with the Powertrain

The powertrain consists of every part that takes the power from the engine and converts it to force that turns the wheels. The major component of this system is the transmission, which seems to be faulty on the Corsair.

Here’s an Edmunds review to reference. “Something I did not pay attention to while test driving is I feel every gear shift. On the highway, I feel like I am gliding on air. However, city/town driving with stop and go traffic acceleration is flawed. When I first got the car with 46 miles on her I felt every shift and stutter when pulling out of a stop. She is improving as we are nearing the break-in mileage but still, for a luxury vehicle one would expect a smoother shift versus the gentle jerk. I tried the various drive modes and excite does shift smoother.  I also feel like I can feel every bump in the road.”

This powertrain is so defective that there is even a recall for it. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V550000 states that there could be missing or loose bolts in the start-stop accumulator endcap that could cause a transmission fluid leak in select models. If this occurs, it could lead to the loss of transmission function and also a car fire. Maybe the Corsair was only meant to “chart a course” to the fire station.

Problems with the Suspension

Along with the rough transmission, customers are also complaining about the ride quality. Apparently, it’s not what’s expected for the price.

That is seen in this Edmunds review. “I should have test driven it longer as I find the suspension to be absolutely terrible. You really feel the road in this vehicle and it’s miserable on a bumpy road (my MKC was so smooth).”

It turns out that Lincoln had to issue another recall for the suspension. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V470000 states that there might not be enough clearance between the rear toe link brackets and rear coil springs, which could cause the springs to break. If this happens, the handling will be hindered dramatically. It could also cause a road hazard, either of which is an increased accident risk. At least if the owner charted a course, they would be able to find their way back thanks to the debris left behind like breadcrumbs.

Problems with the Visibility

There’s very little as important as seeing out of the car that’s being driven. However, when visibility becomes hindered, the drive is anything but enjoyable. 

Here’s an example from an Edmunds review. “When he drove the car and it was raining the wipers didn’t work properly, there was a noise inside that he could not locate. We drove the car for a while just to see if this would go away, but it didn’t.”

This is one condition that Lincoln decided not to issue communications about. Instead of helping owners see clearly, the company has chosen to keep everyone in the dark.

Problems with the Structure

One final look at the Corsair shows that the structure is anything but what was expected. 

Reference one more Edmunds review to see what’s happening. “This is hard to believe, but when it’s raining or just wet from a car wash and you have to pop the tailgate, water gets in the back and things get wet-the harder it’s raining the worse it is. I have to keep paper towels handy to wipe up!”

In this situation, Lincoln has issued more than one communication. The first, Service Bulletin #SSM 49121, states that customers are dealing with wind noise and a fluttering roof opening panel because the components weren’t adjusted correctly. Additionally, Service Bulletin #TSB 20-2233 discusses corrosion with the aluminum body panels. Imagine how disappointing it is to “chart a course” somewhere special only to show up in a luxury vehicle with rust. How embarrassing this situation could be and something that might be expected with a Ford, but not a Lincoln. Maybe it’s time owners chart their course to a different manufacturer instead.

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Complaint Data

CategoryAir Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateJan 30, 2023
StateSD
Description
I was involved in a front-end collision a ~7 ton commercial vehicle, their fault due to distracted driving while using a cell phone, in which the forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and air bags failed. My corsair had to be towed since it did not run after the accident, the drivers door could not open, so had to crawl out the passenger side. The corsair was taken to an autobody shop that day and within a week their preliminary visual estimate without tearing down was over half the value of the vehicle and has since been declared a total loss. I sustained injuries in the accident that will be treated for some time and can only speculate that had systems worked, there could have been a chance for less severe injuries or potentially avoided the collision altogether. The autobody shop and insurance has all commented they were surprised none of the safety features worked, but no root cause has been documented as to why. At the time of the accident, all recalls were considered up-to-date and the vehicle has been very well maintained to by a ford dealer and to the specifications of the owners manual. There were no warning lamps.
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera, Electrical System
DateJan 27, 2023
StateNC
Description
Camera blur during reverse
CategoryElectrical System
DateOct 16, 2022
StateVA
Description
Electrical system totally shuts down and car is dead. This happened 4 times. The battery is not dead but the electrical system shuts it down. You have to jump or separate battery to re activate system. Last incident not even emergency key worked to open the car. Danger is if someone is in the car and you cannot get them out. The car was so dead I had to call road service. They towed to dealer. Last time we took to the dealer they said no problem with the car. This time we had to tow and the lincoln assist driver could not opeit. Definite safety issue if child or animal got locked in by accident someone outside cannot get in even with key ,for the key does not work. Nothing will open this car. A huge danger.
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Warnings
DateJun 22, 2022
StateTX
Description
The rear video camera when I attempted to back up failed and no rear video image just a blue screen. This happened today (06/22/2022).
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
DateMay 20, 2022
StateTX
Description
Vehicle had recall 21v735 completed. Rear camera fail/blue screen both when engaged in reverse and using camera button. Failure resulted in warning messages of reverse brake assist unavailable. Video taken showing current software version while parked and camera failure for proof and uploaded to manufacture social media account in direct message. Additionally, local fmco dealership was called to ask if can bring in for troubleshooting while error was occurring before closing. Dealership stated to make service appointment that was approximately 9 business days later. Camera has been operational since recorded incident but vehicle not taken for servicing due to unavailable loaner vehicle.
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
DateMar 30, 2022
StateFL
Description
The camera often turns blue/black when backing up.
CategoryService Brakes
DateAug 18, 2021
StateMI
Description
The contact owns a 2020 lincoln corsair. The contact stated while reversing from her driveaway, the vehicle seized. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the local dealer picked up the vehicle from her residence and drove to their location, where it was diagnosed with needing updates on the brakes to be completed. The vehicle was repaired but experience the failure for a second time. The contact took the vehicle again to the dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending the repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJul 30, 2021
StateTX
Description
The moon roof (the rear one that does not open) shattered for no apparent reason! The glass broke into many pieces and fell inside the car . I have no idea what could have caused this I was not driving and was not parked beneath anything?
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateJul 27, 2021
StateCA
Description
Issue with damage done to wiring by rats, because of soy based wire covering. Vehicle will intermittently not start, all dash board lights flash, or engine will turn off. The service advisor knew this as well as salesperson. This is an issue as if driving car could power off and cause an accident. This has happened on various dates. I have requested the wiring to be fixed at dealers cost, no reply yet
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJul 26, 2021
StateNY
Description
Confirmed mold inside the car on the floor carpet and mat on front passenger side. Evidence of water leak inside the car from around center console to the front passenger side. Car is currently in the repair shop for 9 days
CategoryEngine
DateJun 22, 2021
StateOH
Description
Knocking in the driver's side footboard when accelerating.
CategoryElectrical System
DateMay 16, 2021
StateNY
Description
20e03 & 20ci9 both recall have not been done and do not work
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
DateApr 26, 2021
StateNY
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 lincoln corsair. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the electrical system failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the back-up camera would malfunction along with other electrical components in the vehicle. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to west herr ford lincoln service (10 campbell blvd, getzville, ny 14068) where it was diagnosed with rodents chewing some of the electrical wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the plastic covering the electrical wiring was soy based which became an attractant to the rodents. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,529.
CategorySuspension
DateMar 25, 2021
StateMI
Description
In september, 2020 I received recall notice #20s41 for a safety issue with the rear coil spring and the rear toe link bracket. I received follow up notices that I still had not acted on this recall in october 2020 and march, 2021. I have attempted to schedule the repair of this issue 4 times. Varsity lincoln dealership in wixom, mi had inspected my corsair on 10/18/20 and determined that the rear coil did not pass the inspection and that I would have to wait for parts. In november I had other services done on my vehicle and they could not repair the recall issue because of lack of parts. I called the dealership on 03/19/21 to schedule service for the recall as I had received another notice from lincoln motors that my corsair needed inspection and repair. I tried to schedule an appointment for repair but I was informed by the appointment scheduler that the dealership did not have the necessary parts to do the repair and further that the dealership had no information as to when the parts would be available. So I am driving a vehicle that has a safety issue and can't get it repaired due to lack of available parts.
CategoryElectrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateFeb 21, 2021
StateNY
Description
Incident #1: I was driving on a 45 mph road that I frequently drive. Alarm and lights flashing to warn me of an impending crash. **there were no other vehicles on this road driving in either direction. 1/15/2021 incident#2. I was driving on a 45 mph road near home. Navigation started on its own giving directions given to drive to a location that was never entered previously into the system. 2/4//21
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes
DateDec 17, 2020
StateNY
Description
See attached pdf for full description of the problem
CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateDec 17, 2020
StateTN
Description
Could "not" fill tank with first attempt to fill-up with gas.. Hoes kept spilling out and shutting off as if it was full. Had to return to dealer for repairs. One week later on second fill-up, that was successful, I now have a very strong gas smell in garage. Taking back to dealer today for check engine light and gas smell.
CategoryAir Bags, Service Brakes, Structure:body
DateOct 23, 2020
StateFL
Description
I was in an accident approximately 7 months ago with my 2020 lincoln corsair? A vehicle hit my driver side door and t-boned my vehicle. The car is still in the process of being repaired but none of the airbags deployed at the time of the accident even though many driver side components were damaged and over 28k worth of damage was sustained. I was driving through to an intersection attempting to merge into traffic. And the proximity alarms went off but no air bags deployed. It was on a city street I attempted to get information about the airbags from lincoln directly but no information to date.
CategoryElectrical System
DateOct 07, 2020
StateNV
Description
2020-08-29 car was purchased, due to current covid-19 situation the car is just driven occasionally. After the car was not moved for over 14 days the car went into deep sleep mode. According to the warning (see attached pic) it requires to manually turn on the car to deactivate this mode. This is not the case of the corsair because on daily basis the car continues going into the deep sleep mode draining the battery. In two occasions between the week of sep 14th and sep 21st I was required to jump start the battery to turn the car on. 2020-09-21 remote features disabled for battery optimization. To conserve battery life for the corsair, remote features are temporarily unavailable. This happens been driven in a while. 2020-09-22 your scheduled start failed. The corsair start failed because your vehicle inactivity has put it in deep sleep mode in order to conserve battery power. 2020-09-23 your scheduled start failed. (same as above) 2020-09-23 car was taken to the dealer to fix deep sleep / battery drain known issue 2020-09-24 remote features disabled for battery optimization. (same as above) 2020-09-24 antilock brake fault. The brake control system detected low battery. 2020-09-24 pre-collition assist not available. The collision warning system detected either a system fault or an obstructed radar sensor. 2020-09-24 hill start assist warning. The anti-lock brake system module has a battery voltage fault. 2020-10-07 the car still in the dealer according to the service department waiting for new battery and some parts that ford has in back-order. They estimate three weeks to get the parts. I don't understand if this is a known issue for ford for quite some times (since last year) why ford has not been done anything to fix it or to call it a recall. You can validate by searching google 2020 ford explorer or 2020 lincoln corsair deep sleep, battery drain issue
CategoryService Brakes
DateOct 07, 2020
StateTX
Description
We have a recall notice from lincoln concerning the anti lock brake system, but this recall is not shown in your system.
CategorySteering, Wheels
DateOct 01, 2020
StateOH
Description
While driving a random pop noise is heard and felt under the driver side floor board. When parking and putting car in reverse or in drive can replicate the same popping noise as well as and feel the pop under the foot on drivers side.
CategorySuspension, Visibility/wiper
DateSep 17, 2020
StateNC
Description
New corsair 2020 purchased on the 4th aug 2020. I have been experiencing issues with suspension, inbalance while driving, and wiper issue with visibility.
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
DateAug 08, 2020
StateKS
Description
My camera stopped working multiple times. Error contact dealership. Camera scattered screen. System deletes saved settings. Mirror. I adjusted it for myself. Then the mirrors automatically closed the driver mirror cracked.
CategoryStructure:body
DateApr 09, 2020
StateFL
Description
Hood does not close properly after opening. It seems that the latch is misaligned. *tr

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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9 COMMENTS
  • Toni

    Transmission going bad on a 2020 Lincoln Corsair

  • Mary K

    I have a 2020 Corsair, I have not had any problems with my suv. I have had it on two 1800 mile trips . It now has 14,000 miles on it. Pleased as of right now. Who know what could happen tomorrow with all the things folks are saying they have problems with.

  • MARVIN F

    2020 LINCOLN CORSAIR: ELECRICAL PROBLEMS AND HAD TO USE TRICKLE CHARGER. BATTERY REPLACED ONCE BY FACTORY. NO MATTER HOW MUCH DRIVING, THE ELECTRIC CUTS OFF AND CANNOT OPEN ANY DOOR BUT DRIVER’S. TOLD BY DEALER TO DRIVE CAR MORE OFTEN BUT OVERNIGHT THE BATTERY GETS DRAINED. ALSO….LAST WEEK FOUND HATCH OPENED BY ITSELF IN GARAGE. SPOKE WITH LINCOLN CONCIERGE SERVICE AND THEY ADVISED “TAKE CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALER”…… PLANNING TO HAVE CAR SERVICED NEXT WEEK BY NEW DEALER. ALSO CONTACTED THE MAIN LINCOLN SERVICE RECENTLY AND THEY PROMISED TO SPEAK WITH NEW DEALER.

  • Dena G

    I love my Corsair but quite honestly I’ve had problem after problem none of which “really” affected its ride but it’s multi and continuous problems concerns me especially for the money. It made a rubbing or dragging sound when turning 2 times I took it in couldn’t find problem then a recall the RDU had to be replaced 2 different times only after putting all new tires on first to see if that fixed it! I finally get it back and now engine coolant over temperature and white smoke rolling out of exhaust DONT SOUND GOOD!!! Computer won’t say the issue now they are having to tear into the motor. Mind you I just got vehicle back when engine problem occurred. Lemon or just my bad luck?

  • John P

    I have had no issues with our Lincoln Corsair, the ride is great, like you are driving on a cloud very quite and the acceleration is awesome. This is our third Lincoln, the MKS and MKZ are very quite to traded them in for the Corsair I am getting old . I give our car 5 for ride

  • Raphael G

    We have had no issues at all with our Lincoln Corsair, the ride is great, like you are driving on a cloud very quite and the acceleration is awesome. This is our third Lincoln. I give our car 5 stars

  • Lynn N

    I’ve had my Cosair since November 2020. The back break pads fell off. The front break pads are now bad and they won’t have parts until the end of the month. It needs new tires already. I’ve also had several issues where the hatch won’t open and service acts like I’m making it up. The screen has went black several times as well. I hate this car and I’m trading it in ASAP!

  • Mark G

    We had multiple problems with our Corsair. The first day we pick up the car, the rear hatch jammed and wouldn’t open. We returned to the dealer and had to get a loaner. The car was ready the next day.
    We had a recall done for anti lock brake system. Had to get a loaner, with the car ready the next day.
    We also had a recall for the rear suspension clearance issue. It took over 7 months before the parts were available. We traded the car before the service was performed. We had several long trips planned and did not want an unreliable car.
    There were also several gremlins that kept coming up. A tail light developed a leak and had to be replaced. ( again, requiring a loaner). The driver seat control for forward/reverse kept shorting out. We also has several times the front and rear brake controls would stop functioning and send a dash message to say auto braking would not function.
    It was time to cut our loses and find a reliable SUV!

  • Gary H

    We also have a bad vibration in passenger seat . Not very quiet ride noisy inside. Foot keeps sliding off Gass pedal. Shld b able to adjust it.

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