2021 Lincoln Nautilus

Routine

Owners filed 21 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body4
000
Power Train4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling2
000
Engine2
000
Electrical System2
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
100
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments1
000
Structure › Body › Door1
000
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Back Over Prevention › Software25V315000
Filed May 9, 20251,076,138 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical24V635000
Filed Aug 23, 202490,736 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 30, 2026GA

The driver's side door is cracked at the door hinge assembly. This is a widely documented defect. My door cracked at 50,000 miles. There are thousands of 2019-2024 Nautilus's with this defect. Lincoln wants $5,000 to replace the door. They offered $2,000 toward the repair. This should be a recall.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 23, 2026AL

The door broke and cracked the window when I opened the door to get in the car

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 3, 202692,800 milesOH

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 6, 2026LA

The transmission occasionally jerks/studders between second and third at acceleration and deceleration.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026ID

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 2026NC

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.

Power Train
Filed Jan 30, 2026NH

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.

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 22, 202674,000 milesMO

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 1, 2026PA

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.

Power Train
Filed Sep 26, 2025101,000 milesNC

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.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 10, 2025NC

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.

Power Train
Filed Jul 8, 202586,000 milesMI

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.

Structure › Body
Filed May 29, 2025AR

My doors are totally broke. Has no swing stop. Broke so bad the medal is torn

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 2025CA

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.

Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2025TN

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 7, 2025MI

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 5, 2025MS

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 i

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 20, 2024FL

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.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Feb 27, 20238,000 milesFL

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.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed May 12, 2022MI

My car had a 9-10 second delay from what was shown in the backup camera to what had already happened. It almost caused an accident as the camera didn't show any car in my path, but in reality, the car was stopped directly behind my car. Lincoln had me take it to a dealership, which didn't have time for a full software update, so I took it to another dealership and they re installed the software in 4 hours.

20 of 21 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268000Routine
202521600Routine
202422700Routine
20237300Routine
202213200Routine
2021 — this page21200Routine
202033500Routine
2019102800Routine

Compare every Nautilus year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 9, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.