2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes with 0 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 7 | 37% |
| Structure | 4 | 21% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 16% |
| Engine | 3 | 16% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 16% |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 11% |
| Unknown OR Other | 1 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Structure · filed Aug 3, 2026
“The transmission occasionally jerks/studders between second and third at acceleration and deceleration.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Jul 6, 2026
“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…”
Power Train · filed Jun 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Loss of Motive Power
Engineering Analysis EA23002 · opened Sep 29, 2023 · closed Oct 31, 2024 · led to recall 24V635
Technical service bulletins
130 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The 10 most recent:
Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster…
SSM 55031 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 26-2171. Reasons for update: update the Parts list to add a note to clarify the application of the part numbers W520102-S442 and 4S4Z-3N324-AA "FWD Only". Some of the vehicles listed in the…
TSB 26-2341 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 26-2194. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct a part description " Loctite 638", update the claim quantity for the drain/fill plug, update the claim quantity of the wheel hub…
TSB 26-2328 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 15, 2026
Quality improvements include: - Enhanced system performance, disk usage limits and memory monitoring
ECG-26.2.11.4.1 Nautilus · Over The Air · issued Jul 8, 2026
Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when…
TSB 26-2297 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the all-wheel drive (AWD) module for Bronco Sport vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the…
TSB 26-2194 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 26, 2026
Some 2021-2023 Nautilus vehicles may exhibit inoperative phone as a key and no communication with the remote function actuator (RFA) module. There may also be diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0214 stored in various…
SSM 54773 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
This article updates TSB 25-2154. Reasons for update: *Parts List *Service Procedure to replace the output planetary carrier assembly *Added 2023-2024 model year vehicles Some of the vehicles listed in the Model…
TSB 26-2171 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2026
Certain 2021 - 2022 Model Year Various Vehicles Engine Valve Inspection Test This submission includes : Technical Instructions Updated wording and description with additional photo.
24N12 S2 · Other · issued Mar 31, 2026
"25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens"
SYNC-25.1.7.10.1 Nautilus · Over The Air · issued Mar 13, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.