Lincoln Nautilus Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years
Own a Lincoln Nautilus? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Lincoln Nautilus — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2025 | Good | 1 | 15 | — | — | — | Service Brakes | Full report → |
| 2024 | Good | 3 | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2023 | Good | 1 | 8 | — | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2022 | Good | 1 | 5 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2021 | Good | 1 | 10 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2020 | Good | 2 | 17 | 1 | 1 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2019Worst | Avoid | 2 | 67 | 3 | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
8 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Lincoln Nautilus Problems
Based on 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Recent Safety Recalls — Lincoln Nautilus (2022–2026)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, and/or stabilizer bar end links.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S32.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 13, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C24.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction, and the window reversal distance does not meet the minimum requirement. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C10.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Nautilus vehicles. The multimedia module software may cause the panoramic and center displays to reboot, resulting in a blank screen. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 111, "Rear Visibility," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, 101, and 305.
Remedy: The multimedia module system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C21.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 11, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. The parts are anticipated to be available April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V953. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C36.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the affected headlight. On Nautilus vehicles only, this condition may also cause the rear tail light, rear turn signal, and rear position light to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C39.
Showing 13 recalls from 2022–2026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.
Recent Owner Complaints
Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Lincoln Nautilus owners — 2022–2026 model years.
The rear hatchback window shattered with the vehicle sitting still overnight. All of the glass was shattered and most of it was in place and many pieces behind the vehicle on the driveway (as if it happened from inside the vehicle). Low temperature for the night was about 45 degrees, so nothing significant. The only explanation I can think of is the rear glass defroster turned on and overheated?
The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. While the vehicle was parked, the rear hatch unexpectedly opened and struck a building, causing the taillight to crack and leaving scratches and a crack on the bumper. Additionally, the contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift to drive or reverse while attempting to drive into a driveway. The vehicle was turned off and restarted five times before it operated as intended. On another occasion, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights started flashing erroneously. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle shut off. The radio occasionally activated, and the lights would turn on while the vehicle was turned off and unoccupied. The contact also stated that the front windshield and the rear glass had developed large cracks without impact, and that the panoramic sunroof often opened independently while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and was deemed to be in good operating condition. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,596.
The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V953000 (VISIBILITY), 25V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT), 26V165000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 25V691000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repairs; however, the dealer was unable to complete the APIM recall repair successfully. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for approximately 7 weeks. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact that the dealer was making every effort to resolve the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Driving on Interstate Highway 10 just west of Jacksonville Fl the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure systems were on and functioning and then suddenly the system shut itself off and a warning that the Driver Facing Camera cannot detect face, see manual appeared on the dash.
Driving the vehicle with the cruise control on to remain at the posted speed limit and suddenly the vehicle went into Resume Control mode, began pulsing the brakes and engaged the flashers due to the Facial Recognition camera failed to recognize that I was looking straight ahead, and even pressing the accelerator pedal to override, nor pressing the "OK" button on the steering wheel to override operated, I had to shut the cruise control completely off in order to regain control of the vehicle driving. I have a video from my camera of the incident as it was occurring, however the file size due to being video is too large to upload per the instructions.
Backing out of a parking stall at the store and as I was moving, two pedestrians walked behind the vehicle and no alert sounded in the vehicle while backing up, nor did the vehicle brake as it should to avoid hitting them. Vehicle was in electric mode and I did not notice if the rear beeper was operating at the time or not.
The contact's husband owns a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that the windshield had cracked on four occasions between February 2025 and April 2026 and was replaced three times. The contact stated that the windshield started cracking from the bottom without impact, and the crack expanded, requiring the windshield to be replaced. The contact stated that the windshield cracked on one occasion after a bug struck the windshield. The windshield was replaced three times by Safelite Auto and Glass; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a refund for one of the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was an unknown issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ongoing Electrical Failures (2024 Lincoln Nautilus) This vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures despite being brought in for service at least seven times. The issues remain ongoing and impact both safety and reliability: 1. Rear driver-side window defect – window reverses and will not remain closed, creating a safety and security concern. Multiple repair attempts have failed to resolve the issue. 2. False reverse braking alerts – system triggers warnings (“Reverse Brake Assist not available”) and audible alarms when no obstacles are present, creating a potential safety hazard. 3. Intermittent display failure – panoramic display screen goes black while driving, reducing driver awareness and functionality. 4. Rear hatch malfunction – requires repeated attempts to open; previously attributed to battery drain, but not permanently resolved. 5. Lighting system failure – exterior and interior approach lighting no longer activates with key fobs, indicating continued electrical system malfunction. 6. Forward Collision Warning – alarms go off when no oncoming vehicles are present. 7. Lane Departure Warning – goes into action when not leaving lanes causing vehicle to correct itself. Despite numerous repair attempts, these defects persist, indicating a systemic electrical issue. In my opinion, this raises serious concerns regarding vehicle safety, reliability, and manufacturer accountability. A permanent resolution has not been provided by Lincoln customer client care and denied Lincoln buy back.
Good afternoon, I am an owner of a 2002 Lincoln Nautilus. I wanted to report an electrical/battery issue with the vehicle that started a year and a half ago. In the past year and a half I have had 2 battery replacements with the most recent one being changed end of December of 2025 and in early March the battery went again so it's not even 3 months that it lasted. The battery completely dies and each time I have to jump start it in order to have a vehicle to work or take my kids places. As a single mom I do not want to put my safety or my kids safety at risk if I get stranded somewhere at night time with no means of getting it jump started. Upon reading some reviews online, I have noticed a lot of Lincoln owners especially the years of 2022-2023 have complained and reported the same issues with dealerships just changing out their batteries and not looking for the deep problem. I have dropped off the car at the dealership and they do not what's causing the issue. My car warranty has 300 miles left and they told me after my bumper to bumper expires there is not much they can do to cover it. I was wondering if this was ever reported or has there been previous recalls on it. Thank you very much for your time.
The door jam and hatchback seals are letting dust and emission fumes inside the vehicle. When driving down a dirt road the seats are covered with dust. The dealership says that the seals are properly installed they said to the cabin fan on high to pressurize the vehicle which has not helped. When sitting stopped in traffic you can smell the exhaust fumes. This has been an ongoing issue since the date of purchase and the dealership has admitted that other Nautilus vehicles are doing the same. I wanted to add more door seals but was told that would void my warranty.
The rearview camera appears foggy with poor visibility even in clear weather. The problem was reported to the dealer during the December - February snowy weather; their suggestion was to keep the camera clean. At [XXX], getting out to clean a camera presents additional health and safety risks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The transmission jerks at low speeds between 10mph-60mph. Has been duplicated at Lincoln dealership. A torque converter was replaced , but did not correct problem. I know that there is a class action suit for this problem for 2019-2021 it needs to add the 2022 suv also. Lincoln paid for parts , I paid labor . Total repair was 2200$
43 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 2022–2026. For older model years, see individual year pages.
Nautilus Years to Avoid
Best Nautilus Years to Buy
Lincoln Nautilus Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Lincoln Nautilus Reliability
What year Nautilus has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 67 complaints and 2 safety recalls. See the full 2019 report for specific defects.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
The Lincoln Nautilus has accumulated 132 owner-filed complaints and 11 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Nautilus.
What are the most common Nautilus problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Electrical System (24 reports), Power Train (23 reports), Unknown Or Other (14 reports), Engine (10 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Nautilus has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Lincoln Nautilus VIN
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