NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Most complaints involve structure (9) and power train (8). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Drivers front door inner sheet metal structure has failed/torn at the hinge and check arm mounting points under normal operating conditions.. safety hazard. Dealership and Lincoln will not take full responsibility after known structural defect exists”
“Transmission was shuddering when it shifted gears. It would lose power and jerk between each gear. We paid for diagnostic at the dealership and they diagnosed as torque converter shudder under 2 separate TSB's. Dealership offered to fix at a cost of $6400. Told not to drive the vehicle or at least as little as possible. They refused to cover this under the TSBs. Contacted Lincoln Client Care. The shudder became worse even driving through town and it would jerk and the RPMS were jumping all over. Also took it to AAMCO after dealership stated they would not cover it under a TSB. AAMCO provided free diagnostic and came to the same conclusion of the torque converter and estimated cost of $3300, which was 3100 less than dealership. Asked Lincoln for goodwill fix and they spent a month talking to the dealership trying to get the dealership to a lower price, to whichthe dealership raised the price to $6800 and they offered 4k in goodwill, but said that it would take 4 to 6 weeks to get the parts. By this time AAMCO already had the parts after waiting3 weeks on backorder and AAMCO made te fix at an out of pocket cost of $3300. Total out of pocket costs were the 300 for…”
“The transmission occasionally jerks/studders between second and third at acceleration and deceleration.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautilus FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 387 |
| Nautilus FWD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 384 |
| Nautilus AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Nautilus AWD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Nautilus AWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (9), power train (8), fuel/propulsion system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus 5 out of 5 stars overall.