Carlexica

2021 Lincoln Nautilus: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 2023 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2025

2
recalls
23
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 23 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)7 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)2 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints
Back Over Prevention (backup camera, parking sensors)2 complaints
“Door check is broken in high winds the door pulled out my hand. Could have injured someone of that person was standing near the opening path of the door.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
“Noticed cracking sound when opening and closing front drivers door. Subsequently discovered same issue on Ford Edge (recall in place) and many other owners having same problem (FaceBook posts).”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2026
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2026
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2026
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2025
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2025
“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.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Sep 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2025

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

Software (back over prevention)25V315000 · May 2025

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.

Hard parts internal/mechanical (engine and engine cooling)24V635000 · Aug 2024

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.

How other years compare

Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Nautilus years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.

Check your exact Nautilus by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The most complained-about area is structure.

Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning back over prevention. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.