2021 LINCOLN Nautilus

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
βœ“Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the LINCOLN brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Powertrain issues affect both daily reliability and long-term ownership costs. Unexpected stalling creates inconvenience at best and safety hazards at worst.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:powertrain reliability
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Acceleration Issues
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (6.2)
    πŸ“
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

83/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.6
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus

Model Year2021
MakeLINCOLN
ModelNautilus
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

4 complaints (33% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 12 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(8%)
🟑Medium
2(17%)
🟒Low
9(75%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 62,250 miles.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 4 of 12 complaints (33% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (25%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (25%)
100k+
1 reports (25%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 24V635000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V315000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

12 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Nautilus.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Acceleration Issues33%
Display25%
Jerk17%
Hesitate17%
Noise8%
Crack8%
Dead Battery/Car8%
Burn8%
Leak8%
Check Engine Light8%
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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.

Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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 β€œService 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.

Body/InteriorπŸ”΅ Low
STRUCTURE

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

ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

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/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 β€œsmall 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 if it was related to internal problems, then warranty could be used, but I would have to pay for the diagnostic exam which was $250. Although I told them about the transmission possibly slicking, the small leak in the fuel tank, and my display blacking out before my appt, they informed me that they charged per complaint. Therefore, after 3 hrs of being there, they only could inform me that my purge valve wasn’t closing, and they would check the engine and put on the $611 valve at my next appt.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus?

Yes, the 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE.

Is the 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus safe to drive?

The 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 LINCOLN Nautilus has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local LINCOLN dealer.

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine and engine cooling

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm engine and engine cooling recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all engine and engine cooling recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:24V635000
2

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:25V315000
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LINCOLN dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your LINCOLN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.