Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus with NHTSA between 2023 and 2025.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 16
Against the median year of the Lincoln Nautilus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2023 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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
428.6%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Other & Unspecified
321.4%
Electrical System
321.4%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
17.1%
Brakes
17.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Steering
17.1%
Engine & Cooling
17.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2023 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD
15.5% risk
2023 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.
Aug 2023peak 5May 2025
Recalls on the 2023 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.
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 202335468 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: Under certain conditions, the rear shock absorbers could overextend and cause damage to the rear brake hoses. A damaged brake hose could leak and cause reduced braking. A shock absorber that overextends could also cause damage to the rear axle half shafts, wheel speed sensors, and/or stabilizer bar end links. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with continuous controlled damping (CCD) shock absorbers. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause an extended stopping distance 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 the rear shock absorbers. The dealer will replace the rear shock absorbers, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensors, and rear half shafts, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Centreville, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Centreville, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11661993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southport, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When vehicle is started, intermittently, rear view camera does not come on for approximately 45-60 seconds later. The screen remains completely black then appears to reboot The camera issue happens about once every two weeks
NHTSA complaint #11649750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southport, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When vehicle is started, intermittently, rear view camera does not come on for approximately 45-60 seconds later. The screen remains completely black then appears to reboot The camera issue happens about once every two weeks
NHTSA complaint #11649750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview Heights, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The backup camera freezes to a single still frame and does not show the accurate view of the rear of the vehicle while backing. Since the camera is frozen to a still frame, any moving object that moves to the rear of the backing vehicle would not be visible in the image that the driver sees on screen. This is extremely dangerous in parking lots where both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are present. This vehicle's rear back up camera can not be trusted in the mall or school parking lot. The entire infotainment screen, where many of the safety features can be found, also goes blank with a black or blue screen. This has been to the Lincoln dealership multiple time and no fix has been found. This is a KNOWN DANGER that has not been addressed and now in the NHTSA hands.
NHTSA complaint #11632776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview Heights, OH
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The backup camera freezes to a single still frame and does not show the accurate view of the rear of the vehicle while backing. Since the camera is frozen to a still frame, any moving object that moves to the rear of the backing vehicle would not be visible in the image that the driver sees on screen. This is extremely dangerous in parking lots where both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are present. This vehicle's rear back up camera can not be trusted in the mall or school parking lot. The entire infotainment screen, where many of the safety features can be found, also goes blank with a black or blue screen. This has been to the Lincoln dealership multiple time and no fix has been found. This is a KNOWN DANGER that has not been addressed and now in the NHTSA hands.
NHTSA complaint #11632776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview Heights, OH
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The backup camera freezes to a single still frame and does not show the accurate view of the rear of the vehicle while backing. Since the camera is frozen to a still frame, any moving object that moves to the rear of the backing vehicle would not be visible in the image that the driver sees on screen. This is extremely dangerous in parking lots where both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are present. This vehicle's rear back up camera can not be trusted in the mall or school parking lot. The entire infotainment screen, where many of the safety features can be found, also goes blank with a black or blue screen. This has been to the Lincoln dealership multiple time and no fix has been found. This is a KNOWN DANGER that has not been addressed and now in the NHTSA hands.
NHTSA complaint #11632776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doral, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
when connected to apple carPlay GPS is very unreliable and sometimes it stops following the car in seconds sending changing directions in seconds which sometimes if am not careful makes my driving very unsafe when traveling to an address i dont know since the GPS not working properly with the car SYNc4.0 infotainment system.
NHTSA complaint #11562969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Purchased vehicle 7/29/23 While driving 8/19, vehicle auto-shifted from drive into neutral and the check engine light appeared. I was in the process of accelerating from the on ramp & moving to the left lane. Attempts to return the vehicle to drive were unsuccessful & I coasted to the right shoulder of the highway. The brakes were functional. Once stopped, the vehicle functioned as if it were in accessory mode (radio & power windows working). I was unable to move the vehicle out of neutral to park gear. More lights & error messages flashed on the driver display (I have a video). The on/off button & the light at the neutral gear were flashing. I was able to engage the parking brake & remained in the vehicle on the narrow shoulder on the side of the highway. Tow operator arrived & was able to engage the park gear; however, it would not move back into neutral for him to begin the process to move it onto the rollback for the tow. Attempts were made to disconnect/reconnect the battery & to use the vehicle procedures for a low battery which were unsuccessful. There is an emergency release up under the dash; however, to reach the compartment it's in, the driver's door must be completely open & the operator must be on or near the ground. Due to the speed of the vehicles passing (est 60-70mph, most did not move over to the other lane), it was not safe for him to get into the position necessary to get to the compartment. He therefore had to pull the vehicle up on the rollback without being able to get the vehicle into neutral. At times during his attempts, the engine made a clicking noise and smelled as if something was burning. Fortunately, he was able to deliver it to the dealer where service staff were able to release the emergency cord to move the vehicle to neutral to get it off the rollback. As it was being moved, the engine started clicking again. The dealer's service team plans to look at it 8/21/23.
NHTSA complaint #11539627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased vehicle 7/29/23 While driving 8/19, vehicle auto-shifted from drive into neutral and the check engine light appeared. I was in the process of accelerating from the on ramp & moving to the left lane. Attempts to return the vehicle to drive were unsuccessful & I coasted to the right shoulder of the highway. The brakes were functional. Once stopped, the vehicle functioned as if it were in accessory mode (radio & power windows working). I was unable to move the vehicle out of neutral to park gear. More lights & error messages flashed on the driver display (I have a video). The on/off button & the light at the neutral gear were flashing. I was able to engage the parking brake & remained in the vehicle on the narrow shoulder on the side of the highway. Tow operator arrived & was able to engage the park gear; however, it would not move back into neutral for him to begin the process to move it onto the rollback for the tow. Attempts were made to disconnect/reconnect the battery & to use the vehicle procedures for a low battery which were unsuccessful. There is an emergency release up under the dash; however, to reach the compartment it's in, the driver's door must be completely open & the operator must be on or near the ground. Due to the speed of the vehicles passing (est 60-70mph, most did not move over to the other lane), it was not safe for him to get into the position necessary to get to the compartment. He therefore had to pull the vehicle up on the rollback without being able to get the vehicle into neutral. At times during his attempts, the engine made a clicking noise and smelled as if something was burning. Fortunately, he was able to deliver it to the dealer where service staff were able to release the emergency cord to move the vehicle to neutral to get it off the rollback. As it was being moved, the engine started clicking again. The dealer's service team plans to look at it 8/21/23.
NHTSA complaint #11539627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
ENGINE
Purchased vehicle 7/29/23 While driving 8/19, vehicle auto-shifted from drive into neutral and the check engine light appeared. I was in the process of accelerating from the on ramp & moving to the left lane. Attempts to return the vehicle to drive were unsuccessful & I coasted to the right shoulder of the highway. The brakes were functional. Once stopped, the vehicle functioned as if it were in accessory mode (radio & power windows working). I was unable to move the vehicle out of neutral to park gear. More lights & error messages flashed on the driver display (I have a video). The on/off button & the light at the neutral gear were flashing. I was able to engage the parking brake & remained in the vehicle on the narrow shoulder on the side of the highway. Tow operator arrived & was able to engage the park gear; however, it would not move back into neutral for him to begin the process to move it onto the rollback for the tow. Attempts were made to disconnect/reconnect the battery & to use the vehicle procedures for a low battery which were unsuccessful. There is an emergency release up under the dash; however, to reach the compartment it's in, the driver's door must be completely open & the operator must be on or near the ground. Due to the speed of the vehicles passing (est 60-70mph, most did not move over to the other lane), it was not safe for him to get into the position necessary to get to the compartment. He therefore had to pull the vehicle up on the rollback without being able to get the vehicle into neutral. At times during his attempts, the engine made a clicking noise and smelled as if something was burning. Fortunately, he was able to deliver it to the dealer where service staff were able to release the emergency cord to move the vehicle to neutral to get it off the rollback. As it was being moved, the engine started clicking again. The dealer's service team plans to look at it 8/21/23.
NHTSA complaint #11539627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, OH
STEERING
My 2023 Nautilus is currently at the dealership I purchased from.Shults Lincoln. Steering column, tilt and telescopic adjustments. While driving vehicle the tilt and telescopic moves on its on. This has happened mulitudes of times. The most danderous event occured while my wife was driving and the telescopic feature pinned my wife in the seat. She had no control of steering the vehicle when the this happened. She was in a S turn and it could of been a bad accident, thank God there was no oncoming traffic. She had no control of steering when it telescoped all the way out. She came ever so close of rolling the vehicle. Yesterday 8/16/2023 it happened at the dealership with the salesman and service manager driving the vehicle. This was at the dealership where I purchsed. On 8/14/23 it had a new top steering column cover replaced at Family Ford/Lincoln dealership. They are in Marietta Ohio. I purchased at Shults Lincoln in Wexford PA.. There is no warning lights or caution before this steering column moves on its own. This has been going on sine July 20, 2023. Within the last week the battery has drained completely on 3 different times. 1500 miles registered and I had to jump start the vehicle. Shults Lincoln picked up the vehicle yesterday. This problem is going to get someone seriouly hurt. Its happened well over a dozen times. Its done it twice in one drive.
NHTSA complaint #11539070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2023 Nautilus is currently at the dealership I purchased from.Shults Lincoln. Steering column, tilt and telescopic adjustments. While driving vehicle the tilt and telescopic moves on its on. This has happened mulitudes of times. The most danderous event occured while my wife was driving and the telescopic feature pinned my wife in the seat. She had no control of steering the vehicle when the this happened. She was in a S turn and it could of been a bad accident, thank God there was no oncoming traffic. She had no control of steering when it telescoped all the way out. She came ever so close of rolling the vehicle. Yesterday 8/16/2023 it happened at the dealership with the salesman and service manager driving the vehicle. This was at the dealership where I purchsed. On 8/14/23 it had a new top steering column cover replaced at Family Ford/Lincoln dealership. They are in Marietta Ohio. I purchased at Shults Lincoln in Wexford PA.. There is no warning lights or caution before this steering column moves on its own. This has been going on sine July 20, 2023. Within the last week the battery has drained completely on 3 different times. 1500 miles registered and I had to jump start the vehicle. Shults Lincoln picked up the vehicle yesterday. This problem is going to get someone seriouly hurt. Its happened well over a dozen times. Its done it twice in one drive.
NHTSA complaint #11539070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.