2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems

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The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. The Nautilus was initially renamed from the MKX as part of a mid-cycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year, as Lincoln phased out its use of "MK" model names. The name 'Nautilus' is derived from the ancient Greek word nautes, meaning "sailor," as in nautical or astronaut.

The first generation is based on the CD4 platform, and was manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT and manufactured in Hangzhou Assembly in Zhejiang, China by joint venture Changan Ford from 2021 to 2023. The second generation is solely produced by Changan Ford in China, as Ford is retooling the Oakville Assembly plant to produce electric vehicles.

First generation (U540; 2019)

The Lincoln Nautilus was released as the mid-cycle revision of the second-generation MKX in November 2017 for the 2019 model year. Adopting the styling of the newly introduced Continental and Navigator, the Nautilus transitioned from the previous split-wing grille to a large rectangular grille with a large Lincoln star emblem.

The counterpart of the updated Ford Edge, the Nautilus is slotted between the Aviator and the MKC (which was replaced by Corsair for the 2020 model year) in Lincoln's lineup. A 245-horsepower (248 PS; 183 kW) 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is the standard engine, with a 335-horsepower (340 PS; 250 kW) 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 carried over from the MKX as an option; both engines are fitted with start-stop capability. An 8-speed automatic transmission is paired to both engines (replacing the previous 6-speed).

For the 2021 model year, the Nautilus was once again refreshed with a new interior similar to the new Navigator, Aviator, and Corsair, featuring a larger 13.2" touchscreen and Ford's latest SYNC 4 system. Minor changes were also made to the front bumper.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

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Common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems

Based on the search results, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has only one complaint on record with the NHTSA, making it one of the more reliable SUVs on the market.

The most common problem with the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus was the transmission system, with owners reporting issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission, including hard shifting and unresponsive acceleration.

While the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has fewer reported issues, it is essential to note that every used vehicle's condition depends heavily on its maintenance history and how it was driven. Therefore, a well-cared-for Nautilus from any model year could potentially offer a more reliable ride than a neglected one from a later year.

In summary, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has a relatively clean record with only one complaint on file. However, if looking at the Lincoln Nautilus model years as a whole, the 2019 model year had the most reported problems, particularly with the transmission system. It is crucial to consider the maintenance history and driving habits of any used vehicle before making a purchase.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus engine

What is the most common problem with Lincoln Nautilus?

The solution is adequate. If you decide to purchase a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Keep an eye on the vehicle's history of recalls. And look for any frequently.

Is Lincoln Nautilus a reliable car?

Other than its stellar reliability, Consumer Reports praised the Lincoln Nautilus for its “effortless power,” solid fuel economy, agile handling, comfortable ride, quiet interior, and “swanky” cabin.

Does Lincoln Nautilus hold its value?

Lincoln Nautilus Depreciation

A Lincoln Nautilus will depreciate in value by $24,836 after 5 years. Depreciation is difficult to avoid, but it can be managed.

Is Lincoln Nautilus expensive to maintain?

A Lincoln Nautilus will cost about $11,326 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury SUV models by $4,388. There is also a 33.36% chance that a Nautilus will require a major repair during that time.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln Nautilus?

The solution is adequate. If you decide to purchase a used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Keep an eye on the vehicle's history of recalls. And look for any frequently.

Does the Lincoln Nautilus have transmission problems?

Faulty Transmission: The most common problem with the 2019 Nautilus was the transmission system. Owners reported issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission, including hard shifting and unresponsive acceleration. Infotainment System Issues: Another problematic area was the infotainment system.

Is Lincoln Nautilus a reliable car?

Other than its stellar reliability, Consumer Reports praised the Lincoln Nautilus for its “effortless power,” solid fuel economy, agile handling, comfortable ride, quiet interior, and “swanky” cabin.

Will Lincoln Nautilus be discontinued?

Is the Lincoln Nautilus being discontinued? No, the Lincoln Nautilus is not being discontinued. Instead, it is receiving an all-new version for the 2024 model year. The completely redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus midsize luxury SUV will arrive nationwide at Lincoln dealerships starting in early 2024.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Nautilus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Back over prevention problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Lincoln Nautilus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.

2023-02-27

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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.
2022-05-12

BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-25
  • VIN: 2LMPJ8KP0MB
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: My car had a 9-10 second delay from what was shown in the backup camera to what had already happened. It almost caused an accident as the camera didn't show any car in my path, but in reality, the car was stopped directly behind my car. Lincoln had me take it to a dealership, which didn't have time for a full software update, so I took it to another dealership and they re installed the software in 4 hours.
2021-11-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-29
  • VIN: 2lmpj8kp4mb
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: My Lincoln has been in the shop due to a hard AWD System Disabled Message since 10/29/2021. Lincoln Concierge and dealership has kept us updated that NHTSA has not approved the latest AWD control module.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.

2024-08-23
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Negative 2021 Lincoln Nautilus car reviews

  1. Jason Trantow 2024-10-12

    The audio system in the vehicle is not up to my expectations. It is difficult to set up for surround sound and the sound quality is very tinny. As a result, I no longer listen to music in the car. The seats are not very comfortable and require more adjustments to suit personal preferences. However, I must say that the size of the car is perfect for me and the interior looks very appealing. The driver's seat is adjustable and the steering column lifts up, making it easy to enter and exit the car. The car handles well on the road, but there are some issues with the audio, seats, and camera that need to be addressed. Overall, I am not completely satisfied with my purchase, but I appreciate some of the car's features.

  2. Johann Fritsch 2024-08-22

    As a car enthusiast who typically sticks to traditional German brands like MB and Audi, I was pleasantly surprised by my test drive of the new Lincoln Nautilus. The cabin noise was impressively low, and the car boasted all the necessary tech features and good acceleration, as well as ample cabin space. While it may not quite match up to the Audi Q7 or BMW X5, it certainly comes close. However, I did have a couple of concerns that led me to give it four stars instead of five. Firstly, there was a bit too much plastic in the cabin compared to its competitors. Secondly, I had some negative experiences with Ford dealerships, who seemed to be employing some of the same tricks and traps that I had hoped to avoid by switching from MB. I think Ford should consider separating Lincoln dealerships from Ford dealerships, as GM does. It's a shame, because the Nautilus is a great car with a lot of potential. Update: 05 13 2020 - I ultimately decided not to purchase the Nautilus due to concerns about reliability and depreciation. Instead, I opted for the 2020 Subaru Ascent Touring, which offered a similar level of trim and features. Subaru is known for its reliability and has less depreciation, and I was impressed with how well they treat their customers.

  3. Randall Stehr 2024-08-18

    The 2020 Nautilus 2.0T AWD Reserve does not come with adaptive suspension, despite the window sticker indicating that it is standard equipment. However, I can confirm that the 2019 model with identical equipment did have it.

  4. Fletcher Murphy 2024-03-03

    I love the ride, low noise levels, comfort features, style, and color scheme. However, I did notice some issues with the build quality such as excessive gaps on doors and trunk, uneven alignment, and some sags and blotchiness in visible areas of the paint. Additionally, there were some chrome burns, chrome misses, and dirt particles beyond acceptable limits. I also noticed that the cloth-wrapped A-pillars were not supported properly in the middle, which I believe is a design flaw. After 2 years of sun exposure, they have deformed beyond the blackout area. Despite these issues, I still enjoy the comforts of this vehicle and will keep them in mind when I buy my next Lincoln. By the way, this vehicle was built in Canada at the St. Thomas assembly plant.

Positive 2021 Lincoln Nautilus car reviews

  1. Wilton Koepp 2024-10-27

    Years ago, I used to think that Lincolns were only for the aging crony crowd. However, as a well-oiled senior citizen, I have changed my mind. I love cars and trucks, and over the years, I have owned them all - from stylish and fast Corvettes to high-performance Mustangs, competitive upscale BMWs, and practical yet sophisticated 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickups. While waiting for my F150 to complete routine servicing, I took a walk through the Ford/Lincoln dealer lot and spotted a good-looking 2020 Nautilus, which I wound up taking for a test spin. That's all it took. As a 30-year military veteran, my body, especially my back, has succumbed to eight surgeries, leaving me with chronic pain, which I have learned to live with. My Nautilus taught me that I could incorporate comfort, stylishness, and spunky performance into my expectations of what an exacting senior citizen wants from his trusty steed. I was surprised to find the right combination of these characteristics in my Nautilus and have now accepted 'Mickey' as my ideal driving machine. I like it. I like it a lot. The Nautilus is the perfect fashionable yet peppy machine capable of providing comfort and luxury on those relaxing road trips, as well as stylishly pulling a vintage Mustang to the weekend car shows. I wish I had transitioned a few years ago.

  2. Luciano Runolfsson 2024-10-13

    Everything you wanted and more...in love with your Nautilus 🥰

  3. Raoul Prohaska 2024-09-27

    It's elegant and drives well in every condition.

  4. Zackary Marquardt 2024-09-12

    For the past 23 years, I have been travelling over 100 miles per day to and from work, and I must say that this car is the most comfortable one I have ever owned. It has cooling seats for those hot Texas days and a heated steering wheel for those once-a-year northern blasts that just chill you to the bone. The remote start feature is a great convenience, especially when walking out to your car with your coworkers, and the automatic liftgate is a thoughtful touch that lets Mom know she is valued. It has more cargo room than a Lexus and is easier on the wallet. Keeping it classy is definitely the way to go!

  5. Buford Connelly 2024-08-20

    I love my Nautilus. It's been a trouble-free experience so far. The ride is comfortable and it's really fun to drive. The controls are conveniently placed so that you can adjust them without taking your eyes off the road. I haven't noticed any blind spots and it handles well even in the rain. I highly recommend it!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems:

The Lincoln Nautilus Years To Avoid - CoPilot
The Lincoln Nautilus Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/lincoln-nautilus-years-to-avoid/

Aug 10, 2023 ... According to reports by J.D. Power, the Lincoln Nautilus has consistently received high-reliability ratings, a testament to Lincoln's commitment ...

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability - Consumer Reports
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lincoln/nautilus/2021/reliability/

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

The Most Common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems | GetJerry.com
The Most Common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems | GetJerry.com
https://getjerry.com/car-insurance/2021-lincoln-nautilus-problems

Aug 30, 2023 ... However, because the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is only one year old, other problems may arise as time goes on. According to the complaint submitted ...

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/lincoln/nautilus/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

Any known common problems? : r/lincolnmotorco
Any known common problems? : r/lincolnmotorco
https://www.reddit.com/r/lincolnmotorco/comments/1ad2oou/any_known_common_problems/

Jan 28, 2024 ... Any known common problems? ... I believe the Nautilus is the better buy for reliability. ... So 2021 and forward seem ok or is it too “young” to ...

Other years of Lincoln Nautilus

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Nautilus 2023
Lincoln

3

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lincoln nautilus 2019 photo
Nautilus 2019
Lincoln

57

4

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lincoln nautilus 2020 photo
Nautilus 2020
Lincoln

14

3

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lincoln nautilus 2021 photo
Nautilus 2021
Lincoln

3

1

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2021 Lincoln Nautilus photo