29 of the
307 complaints filed about the Lincoln Nautilus
are about the engine —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
There is a class action lawsuit regarding the transmission on my vehicle. The transmission is shuddering. My mechanic alerted me of the lawsuit, Lincoln Mercury has not put out a recall, but is aware of the problem. There are no error codes, tried a reset on the transmission. So it is not a software problem, but mechanical. I am concerned my transmission will go out while driving. This started at about 98000 miles, I am now at 106000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11758149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unsure which individual or multiple system components failing. All occurred within 5 miles of home. Driving to destination noted that vehicle was acting or responding weird but did not show signs of any failure reported to daughter while speaking to her on the hands free system in vehicle but did not really pay much attention to what was happening because it did not affect the driving at that time. Approx. 1hr later left destination to head home and vehicle decided it had a mind of its own and would not respond to most physical commands ie, braking, slowing down, etc. and was actually increasing in speed. attempted to change the vehicle shifter to park, push the engine on / off button, depress brakes but no response to any of the commands. At this point so not to hurt anyone else drove into a fenced field and back out eventually hitting a tree head on. Prior to this occurring there was reporting to dealership of hard shifting but nothing else and dealership wrote off to the adaptive learning of the transmission. Vehicle was inspected by the Lincoln rep with assistance from the dealership / svc dept. and was deemed nothing was found to be wrong with car per the data box of vehicle, BUT the dealership noted in the finding in emails that the black box was only scanned for the day the Lincoln rep was at vehicle NOT the day the vehicle was in accident. as noted above the vehicle did appear o not be responding correctly driving the destination that day but it was minor not something that would have caused concern at that time BUT again on the way back home is when the incident occurred and was on phone at that time panicking on what to do hence ended up driving off road and ending up stopping due running into the tree.
NHTSA complaint #11757247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has an intermittent jerk during light acceleration with no diagnostic codes. This was confirmed when I had a professional mechanic drive it.
NHTSA complaint #11748671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine stalls and shuts down every time the car is stopped. This car has had so many problems and Lincoln has been unresponsive to the multitude of major safety problems
NHTSA complaint #11745007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument cluster intermittently blinked and flickered. The "Adaptive Steering Fault" warning message was displayed, and the steering wheel became misaligned. Additionally, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, and the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
There was one alert soon after I left Gallup NM, the engine heat light went off very briefly then went off (mile marker 6). The close to Miler marker 340 in AZ the card complete shut down and I had no control over the car. I had to pull over. I was in the middle of no where with no cell service. I was eventually able to reach my father Via Whatsapp/ I tried multiple times to call my husband but had no service. I added water to the radiator and sat the car for several minutes. The outside temperature was 41. I was not near anything. I was able to start the car and drive very slow without the engine light alerting me. I pulled over at the next exit that had a gas station and purchased Antifreeze and water. I called my father again and did a video call to make sure I was doing it correctly. I then drove only 40 miles when the engine light alerted and added more coolant. I drove slowly and once in Flagstaff checked my oil. I was in constant contact with my father and husband. I stopped 8x to fill the vehicle's radiator. I arrived home very late and exhausted. On March 2 I contacted my mechanic but could not get the vehicle into him for inspection until March 9. On March 10, I was notified that there had been recalls and the head gasgette for my car but I do not see any recalls in the system at this time. My mechanic reported the engine was done and he would purchase a used enghine to start a rebuild. He was later alerted to the turbo charge having damage and it needed to be replaced as well. The transmission fluid was black. There are concerns that this car has higher milage on the vehicle due to rust, dark trans fuild and the overall appearance of the engine once it was removed. I proceeded to pay for a Car Fax report. This vehicle has only 53,900 miles and too low for this much damage and concerns. The car was purchased in Nevada and undetermined if known concerns were apparent. It is quite concerning being stranded in the middle of no where and your car stopping.
NHTSA complaint #11725408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component: Engine Vehicle: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus – 2.0L EcoBoost Mileage at failure: ~76550 Incident date: August 2025 Narrative (paste this): My 2019 Lincoln Nautilus equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced a sudden low-coolant warning followed by rapid overheating and complete engine shutdown in August 2025 at approximately 70,000 miles. After adding coolant, the warning immediately returned and the vehicle entered reduced-power mode and became inoperable within about 20 miles, requiring towing. An independent repair facility performed diagnostic testing confirming coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, internal engine failure, and coolant pooling in the cylinder head area. Diagnostic trouble codes included P0217, P0316, and P0128. The engine and turbocharger required full replacement at a cost exceeding $6,900 paid out of pocket. This failure matches Ford Technical Service Bulletins TSB 19-2172 and TSB 19-2346, which acknowledge coolant intrusion in 2.0L EcoBoost engines requiring long-block replacement. The failure created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle overheated and shut down during travel in extreme Arizona summer heat, leaving occupants stranded for hours awaiting a tow truck. This appears to be part of a widespread known defect involving coolant intrusion in Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engines. I am reporting this for safety investigation and defect tracking.
NHTSA complaint #11716472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car consistently jerking as soon as you accelarate. The acceleration takes along time to pick up speed.Can feel the car missing gears or slipping while driving even on the freeway.
NHTSA complaint #11707296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure recurred while parking the vehicle and while at a complete stop. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH downhill, a coolant message was displayed. The contact decelerated and drove to the residence. The contact's neighbor assisted the contact in adding coolant to the vehicle. The contact stated while driving to an independent mechanic, the contact noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine was blown due to coolant intrusion in the cylinders and needed to be replaced. The mechanic ordered the part and replaced the engine. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be reprogrammed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the new engine had failed due to coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and ordered the part. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11671774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle began shaking violently with the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered off the road and restarted; however, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband test drove the vehicle and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had sucked in the spark plugs and caused internal damages, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I brought my Lincoln Nautilus to an authorized Lincoln dealership due to a serious transmission issue. The dealer kept the vehicle for four days, diagnosed a potential transmission failure, and told me that the transmission could “blow.” However, they returned the car to me unrepaired and admitted they could not fix it anytime soon. The reason: the dealership has only one transmission technician, and that person is currently working through a backlog of transmission jobs from March. My vehicle — with a known safety risk — was effectively placed at the back of a months-long line, with no estimated repair date. I contacted Lincoln Concierge, who opened a case but informed me there was “nothing they could do.” I now have a car that is unsafe to drive due to a transmission issue that the manufacturer and dealership both acknowledge but are unable to address in a timely or safe manner. This presents a serious safety risk. A transmission failure while driving could result in loss of control, sudden deceleration, or breakdown in active traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a systemic safety failure — both in terms of the defect itself and Lincoln’s inability to service it promptly.
NHTSA complaint #11666735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and losing motive power. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 12-Volt battery and the EGR system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that has failed is the Transmisson. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. We are at risk of being stranded on major highways with small children every day. This vehicle problem has been inspected by both the dealer and two independent service centers. There was one symptom noted that behaved like there may have been water in the gasoline tank. After several attempts to solve the problem, including a Tune-up, we began to see symbols that suggested a more severe problem. These symptoms began the Spring of 2024. There are still warning lamps, messages and frightening symptoms that have resulted from this system failure. I LOVE my vehicle. Imagine my disappointment to learn that many FORD vehicles are under a "silent recall" for such repair that the company is well aware of, yet you sold me this vehicle anyway. Please notify me that you will replace the Transmission or give me full trade in value toward a 2025 Lincoln Nautilus. Our family has been a FORD family for many years. We'd like to remain. What can you do? Thank you for your careful consideration.
NHTSA complaint #11656351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.