Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Lincoln Nautilus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Lincoln Nautilus
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
725.9%
Median failure at 93,500 miles
Body & Structure
518.5%
Median failure at 83,400 miles
Engine & Cooling
518.5%
Fuel & Propulsion
311.1%
Electrical System
311.1%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
27.4%
Other & Unspecified
13.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
120.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
120.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
240.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
120.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD
15.5% risk
2021 Lincoln Nautilus SUV FWD
15.5% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2021peak 3Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA23002Opened 29 Sep 2023Closed 31 Oct 2024ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the su...
Recalls on the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
25V315000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
24V635000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2025260159,135 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display or to freeze when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the SYNC software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at a Ford dealership.
Recall 202449211,821 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the intake valves may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the valves could break and cause the engine to fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine. This problem would cause the engine to run rough and the engine malfunction indicator lamp to turn on. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 8,000 milesLauderhill, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, crashing into the handicap pole sign. There were no injuries. No air bags were deployed. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic results, or the repairs performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11509293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lincoln, AL
STRUCTURE:BODY
The door broke and cracked the window when I opened the door to get in the car
NHTSA complaint #11758830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,800 milesGrove City, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and trade-in, the contact was informed that the front driver’s side door had a crack and that the welding was cracked and loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,800.
NHTSA complaint #11754393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gretna, LA
POWER TRAIN
The transmission occasionally jerks/studders between second and third at acceleration and deceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11748565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gretna, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The transmission occasionally jerks/studders between second and third at acceleration and deceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11748565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
POWER TRAIN
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with coolant intrusion caused by a blown head gasket on cylinder #6. Vehicle would not accelerate properly and lurch forward when the gas pedal was pressed over 25%. The issue was taken to the shop and not found. The issue progressed and was taken to the shop a second time. The issue was found from a misfire code on cylinder #6. Vehicle is currently being repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11741378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
ENGINE
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with coolant intrusion caused by a blown head gasket on cylinder #6. Vehicle would not accelerate properly and lurch forward when the gas pedal was pressed over 25%. The issue was taken to the shop and not found. The issue progressed and was taken to the shop a second time. The issue was found from a misfire code on cylinder #6. Vehicle is currently being repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11741378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with coolant intrusion caused by a blown head gasket on cylinder #6. Vehicle would not accelerate properly and lurch forward when the gas pedal was pressed over 25%. The issue was taken to the shop and not found. The issue progressed and was taken to the shop a second time. The issue was found from a misfire code on cylinder #6. Vehicle is currently being repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11741378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glade Valley, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle died in parking lot. The electronics all worked, it just would not start and would not go into any gear. Had to have it towed to dealer for repair. They replaced the PCM but it still would not start. They again replaced the PCM and a fuse. The vehicle started. This is the FOURTH time for the exact same issue. It died twice on the previous owner, once while on the highway. It also died twice for the mechanic while trying to diagnose / test drive the unit for the previous owner. We were lucky it died where it could be towed as it's an all wheel drive unit. It has also had an O2 sensor replaced, and the previous owner suffered wiring issues (replaced the engine bay body harness), sunshade recoil failed, abnormal noise in rear end when turning, etc. All issues were corrected. However, I am uncomfortable that these issues may re-occur. Another failure of the PCM and/or electrical issue could cause the unit to die in a situation that could be life threatening.
NHTSA complaint #11733835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glade Valley, NC
ENGINE
Vehicle died in parking lot. The electronics all worked, it just would not start and would not go into any gear. Had to have it towed to dealer for repair. They replaced the PCM but it still would not start. They again replaced the PCM and a fuse. The vehicle started. This is the FOURTH time for the exact same issue. It died twice on the previous owner, once while on the highway. It also died twice for the mechanic while trying to diagnose / test drive the unit for the previous owner. We were lucky it died where it could be towed as it's an all wheel drive unit. It has also had an O2 sensor replaced, and the previous owner suffered wiring issues (replaced the engine bay body harness), sunshade recoil failed, abnormal noise in rear end when turning, etc. All issues were corrected. However, I am uncomfortable that these issues may re-occur. Another failure of the PCM and/or electrical issue could cause the unit to die in a situation that could be life threatening.
NHTSA complaint #11733835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Ipswich, NH
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway my transmission died. Had it towed to a nearby forwad dealershiop, Owens Ford in Jarrett VA and they confirmed the transmission died at 51,600 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11714494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesHannibal, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s door, there was a cracking sound coming from the door. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front driver’s side door check arm stop bracket and door hinge were faulty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who examined the vehicle and informed the contact that the front driver’s side door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11712734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easton, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Door check and spot welds are broken. The car has less the 20,000 miles on it. I was told by the mechanic that he saw this issue with Ford Escapes, there was a recall on the drive side door for the welds failing.
NHTSA complaint #11708212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesSwansboro, NC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while shifted to reverse(R) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then suddenly jerked backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle almost jumped into gear. The contact stated that later while driving and attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle hesitated and then jolted forward. The vehicle accelerated to approximately 60 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle was jerking while attempting to slow down. The contact was able to stop the vehicle at a traffic light. The contact stated that the "WRENCH" symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic had not diagnosed the vehicle but advised the contact that it was possibly a transmission failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN for the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. In addition, it was noticed that the VIN was no longer associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11686356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesPotterville, MI
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the transmission was slipping, and the RPM had increased significantly. The contact stated that the “Service Vehicle Soon” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11671941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawson, AR
STRUCTURE:BODY
My doors are totally broke. Has no swing stop. Broke so bad the medal is torn
NHTSA complaint #11663832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since 2023 there has been an ongoing issue with my vehicle. When Im in public parking lots and I am accessing the trunk. I’ve witnessed my trunk literally shutting down or closing as Im accessing the trunk. Ive recorded this safety concern and Ive reported it to the dealership and manufacturer. The last time this serious issue occurred was last Friday, May 9, 2025. I was loading the trunk with my purchases as the trunk began closing. Whatever is causing this to occur. Ive noticed that the safety feature that signals the trunk to stop closing when it detects an object in the way becomes disabled. The trunk does not stop closing when Im underneath it. Ive witnessed my trunk sporadically closing at least four to five times on Friday. I was able to record one time that it closed as I said it kept happening sporadically. On the same day, I called the dealership and left a message with one of the contact people. As of today, May 13, 2025. I haven’t not gotten a response. This is a safety and security issue that needs to not only be addressed but resolved. And I am not getting help with either of the two.
NHTSA complaint #11660662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since 2023 there has been an ongoing issue with my vehicle. When Im in public parking lots and I am accessing the trunk. I’ve witnessed my trunk literally shutting down or closing as Im accessing the trunk. Ive recorded this safety concern and Ive reported it to the dealership and manufacturer. The last time this serious issue occurred was last Friday, May 9, 2025. I was loading the trunk with my purchases as the trunk began closing. Whatever is causing this to occur. Ive noticed that the safety feature that signals the trunk to stop closing when it detects an object in the way becomes disabled. The trunk does not stop closing when Im underneath it. Ive witnessed my trunk sporadically closing at least four to five times on Friday. I was able to record one time that it closed as I said it kept happening sporadically. On the same day, I called the dealership and left a message with one of the contact people. As of today, May 13, 2025. I haven’t not gotten a response. This is a safety and security issue that needs to not only be addressed but resolved. And I am not getting help with either of the two.
NHTSA complaint #11660662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, TN
ENGINE
Recall 24S55/24V635 was issued in October 2024, the issue with intake valves was discovered prior to October 2021. My car was manufactured in July 2021 within the time of inefficient intake valves. The problem continues to exist as there is no remedy. No remedy and no problem dealer won't look at the car, (even with a clicking noise) I don't drive it with concern my engine will quit in the middle of the road and I could be 500 miles from home. It actually has to stop dead in the middle of the road to be looked at. I can't trade it because it's under recall. It's a catch 22. Why can't these vehicles be taken in and tested to see if the intake valves will crack. Consumer safety should be all that is concerned with, not the bottom line. Shame on Ford/Lincoln for hesitation and NHTSA for allowing it.
NHTSA complaint #11642159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mattawan, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11641344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksdale, MS
POWER TRAIN
I bought the 2021Lincoln Nautilus in Aug 2024 with only 54000miles. I was leaving the dealership and driving home with my suv & noticed that the suv was slightly trembling. Since then, I realized that my vehicle would tremble once I put gas in it, and this would happen at any gas station. Secondly, once I pump my gas, the truck does not cut on at first. I have to attempt cranking it two times before I can leave the premise. I’ve realized that my truck burns fuel quickly as well. Thirdly, my 2021 Lincoln Nautilus will hesitate and jerk when I accelerate leaving from traffic lights. This also happens when I leave my driveway in the mornings. Fourth, the display has frozen quite a few times, and it began the second week of me having my vehicle. Even if I cut the truck off, wait, then on, the display may not go off, or it would glitch and freeze before working properly; this also happens in the mist of me driving; this has happened since Sept 2024. Fourth, the connect to my radio will glitch horribly that it has connected and disconnected my phone approximately 8xs in a 30 min span/drive; this occurred the end of November. My check engine light came on in October, and I took it to Autozone immediately, especially since I had been having problems with the truck since I bought it. The results read “small leak in emission evaporative system.” I scheduled an appointment with my dealerships that is located in Savannah, TN. Although I have a powertrain warranty, they informed me that if it was related to internal problems, then warranty could be used, but I would have to pay for the diagnostic exam which was $250. Although I told them about the transmission possibly slicking, the small leak in the fuel tank, and my display blacking out before my appt, they informed me that they charged per complaint. Therefore, after 3 hrs of being there, they only could inform me that my purge valve wasn’t closing, and they would check the engine and put on the $611 valve at my next appt.
NHTSA complaint #11634165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksdale, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought the 2021Lincoln Nautilus in Aug 2024 with only 54000miles. I was leaving the dealership and driving home with my suv & noticed that the suv was slightly trembling. Since then, I realized that my vehicle would tremble once I put gas in it, and this would happen at any gas station. Secondly, once I pump my gas, the truck does not cut on at first. I have to attempt cranking it two times before I can leave the premise. I’ve realized that my truck burns fuel quickly as well. Thirdly, my 2021 Lincoln Nautilus will hesitate and jerk when I accelerate leaving from traffic lights. This also happens when I leave my driveway in the mornings. Fourth, the display has frozen quite a few times, and it began the second week of me having my vehicle. Even if I cut the truck off, wait, then on, the display may not go off, or it would glitch and freeze before working properly; this also happens in the mist of me driving; this has happened since Sept 2024. Fourth, the connect to my radio will glitch horribly that it has connected and disconnected my phone approximately 8xs in a 30 min span/drive; this occurred the end of November. My check engine light came on in October, and I took it to Autozone immediately, especially since I had been having problems with the truck since I bought it. The results read “small leak in emission evaporative system.” I scheduled an appointment with my dealerships that is located in Savannah, TN. Although I have a powertrain warranty, they informed me that if it was related to internal problems, then warranty could be used, but I would have to pay for the diagnostic exam which was $250. Although I told them about the transmission possibly slicking, the small leak in the fuel tank, and my display blacking out before my appt, they informed me that they charged per complaint. Therefore, after 3 hrs of being there, they only could inform me that my purge valve wasn’t closing, and they would check the engine and put on the $611 valve at my next appt.
NHTSA complaint #11634165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksdale, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought the 2021Lincoln Nautilus in Aug 2024 with only 54000miles. I was leaving the dealership and driving home with my suv & noticed that the suv was slightly trembling. Since then, I realized that my vehicle would tremble once I put gas in it, and this would happen at any gas station. Secondly, once I pump my gas, the truck does not cut on at first. I have to attempt cranking it two times before I can leave the premise. I’ve realized that my truck burns fuel quickly as well. Thirdly, my 2021 Lincoln Nautilus will hesitate and jerk when I accelerate leaving from traffic lights. This also happens when I leave my driveway in the mornings. Fourth, the display has frozen quite a few times, and it began the second week of me having my vehicle. Even if I cut the truck off, wait, then on, the display may not go off, or it would glitch and freeze before working properly; this also happens in the mist of me driving; this has happened since Sept 2024. Fourth, the connect to my radio will glitch horribly that it has connected and disconnected my phone approximately 8xs in a 30 min span/drive; this occurred the end of November. My check engine light came on in October, and I took it to Autozone immediately, especially since I had been having problems with the truck since I bought it. The results read “small leak in emission evaporative system.” I scheduled an appointment with my dealerships that is located in Savannah, TN. Although I have a powertrain warranty, they informed me that if it was related to internal problems, then warranty could be used, but I would have to pay for the diagnostic exam which was $250. Although I told them about the transmission possibly slicking, the small leak in the fuel tank, and my display blacking out before my appt, they informed me that they charged per complaint. Therefore, after 3 hrs of being there, they only could inform me that my purge valve wasn’t closing, and they would check the engine and put on the $611 valve at my next appt.
NHTSA complaint #11634165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11631841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLauderhill, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, crashing into the handicap pole sign. There were no injuries. No air bags were deployed. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic results, or the repairs performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11509293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.