Recall 20V414 affects 19,299 2016-2020 Lincoln Mkx and Nautilus vehicles for seat wiring damage. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 19,299 2016-2020 Mkx and Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats because the seat cushion frame edge can contact and damage the seat wire harness. Damaged wires can trigger an air bag inadvertently or keep it from deploying in a crash, and Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 16-way power seat in affected 2016-2020 Lincoln Mkx and Nautilus vehicles uses a wiring harness under the seat cushion. That harness carries electrical signals for the seat and air bag system, including communication between the occupant classification system and the restraint control module. The harness needs clearance from the metal seat cushion frame as the tilt function moves.
On these vehicles, the seat cushion frame edge sits too close to the harness, and that edge was not fully checked through the seat's full range of motion before launch. When an occupant uses the tilt function, the frame edge can rub or press against the harness. Damaged wires can interrupt air bag communication, which can lead to an unintended air bag deployment or no air bag deployment in a crash.
If the harness is damaged, the air bag light on the driver or passenger side can turn on. That light is the warning sign that the seat wiring needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Spans the Mkx and Nautilus across 2016-2020, with the same flocking tape tied to seat adjustment, air bag, and interior wiring systems.
| 2016 Lincoln Mkx | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2016 Lincoln Mkx | air bag system |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkx | wiring |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkx | seat assembly |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkx | air bag system |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkx | wiring |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | seat assembly |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | air bag system |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | wiring |
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | seat assembly |
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | air bag system |
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | wiring |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | seat assembly |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | air bag system |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | wiring |
| Units affected | 19,299 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged seat wiring harness can trigger unintended air bag deployment, increasing crash risk. It can also prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. Watch for a driver or passenger air bag warning light, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Lincoln Mkx or Nautilus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free seat-frame edge tape and wire-harness inspection that addresses air bag deployment risk from damaged seat wiring.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V414 when you call.
- Avoid using the electric seat tilt function until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician installs protective flocking tape on the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frame. The technician also inspects the seat wire harness and repairs or replaces damaged wiring as needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford's reimbursement plan covered eligible owner-paid remedy costs before notification, with eligibility ending August 20, 2020. If you already paid for this seat harness repair before the recall notice, contact Lincoln customer service or the dealer with repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 17, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 20, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 12, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V414?
Recall 20V414 covers 19,299 2016-2020 Lincoln Mkx and Nautilus vehicles with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge can damage the seat wire harness, which can cause unintended air bag deployment or prevent air bag deployment in a crash.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Lincoln Mkx or Nautilus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V414. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the seat frame tape installation and wire harness inspection. Reference recall 20V414 or Ford recall number 20S37 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lincoln dealers will install protective flocking tape on the exposed seat cushion frame edge, inspect the wire harness, and repair or replace damaged wiring free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tied to the front seat wire harness and air bag system. If the harness is damaged, the air bag can deploy when it should not, increasing crash risk. It can also fail to deploy during a crash, increasing injury risk.
What if I bought my Lincoln Mkx or Nautilus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mkx or Nautilus is included, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer with recall number 20V414 or Ford recall number 20S37.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V414000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V414 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V414000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →