2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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
Positive 2021 Lincoln Nautilus car reviews
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I absolutely love my 2021 Nautilus! It is an incredibly capable, comfortable, and quiet vehicle. The car is even quieter on the freeway than my 2017 Continental was - and that car was already very quiet. Driving the Nautilus is an absolute delight, with plenty of leg room and head room (even for someone as tall as me at 6'6''). The seats are incredibly comfortable and can be adjusted to fit any size person. I particularly enjoy the push button gear selector and the easy-to-use controls on the steering wheel and center console. I opted for the model without the sunroof because the sun can be so hot in Florida, and I never used the sunroof on my previous car. Not having the sunroof also gives me extra headroom. Everything about the Nautilus feels like quality, and I ordered the turbo four cylinder engine, which has more than enough power. The car is responsive, quick, and fun to drive, with excellent acceleration and braking. I also appreciate the automatic fold-down rear seats, which greatly increase the rear cargo space. I fully expect this excellent quality vehicle to be as reliable and trouble-free as my previous two Lincolns. The Nautilus comes with a 4-year warranty, which is a nice backup to have if there ever is a problem. I think this is a beautiful vehicle and I get many compliments on it. The only thing I would suggest to Lincoln is to offer more color choices for the interior. While the beige leather is beautiful and very nice, I would have chosen blue or red if those colors were available. I have been extremely pleased with my Lincoln dealer over the years. They do a great job and are very customer-focused. This is my third Lincoln after owning many high-end European luxury cars, and I can confidently say that the Lincoln is as good or better than those cars, and much less expensive for maintenance and repairs. If you are looking for a top-quality SUV, you should definitely give the Nautilus a look. UPDATE: I still absolutely love my 2021 Nautilus. It is an attractive, quick, quiet, comfortable, and well-handling vehicle.The seats are really comfortable and the Synch system is super easy to use and does a lot of things. It gets 21.6 mpg around town. So far everything works exactly like it did when new. This is a perfect sized crossover and it's very well made with quality materials.
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Congratulations on your new 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label! It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your first Black Label Lincoln so much that you decided to get another one. The car's handling, ride, and acceleration are all superb, making it a joy to drive. It's great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with the dealership, both during the purchasing process and with the service department. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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I can confidently state that the 2.7 Engine is a powerhouse, providing instant acceleration for passing even at 60 MPH on the freeway. Unfortunately, I cannot provide any comment on the 2.0 Engine.
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Hi there! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this vehicle. It's great to hear that you love it and that it rides and handles well while also having good gas mileage. It's impressive that even after three years, you still feel the same way. Thanks again for your review!
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Looks really good on the outside but a mix bag on the inside. The leather is really nice but the transmission buttons are cheap plastic and out of place for a CUV that cost me 65k! This price range opens the door to some really nice cars. Overall, I love the size and the American Luxury comfort. Definitely take it for a test drive, it's worth a look.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems:
The Lincoln Nautilus Years To Avoid - CoPilot
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
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
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
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
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
Are you having problems with your 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Marcos Padberg 2025-05-10
Hello! We recently purchased a 2021 Nautilus and unfortunately experienced some issues while on a road trip with only 1500 miles on the car. Despite the Lincoln App showing 102 errors, we were able to contact their concierge service for assistance. Although it took some time, they were able to advise us to take the car to the nearest Lincoln dealership for service. Unfortunately, due to the holiday weekend, we had to wait until Tuesday for the dealership to open. We were disappointed to learn that the earliest appointment available was on October 27th, which is 48 days away. We hope that the dealership will be able to resolve the issues with our $60,000 car as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Edwardo Rosenbaum 2025-04-10
The rattles were fixed within eight months. However, there are currently issues with the seats tearing along perforations, tailgate gasket failing, and rear 'Lincoln' emblem falling off. Despite being a longtime Lincoln customer, Lincoln corporate has refused to address these issues. It is disappointing to receive such poor service, especially when out-of-town.
Ewald Lockman 2025-02-16
Let's start with the positives. I really like how my Lincoln looks and drives. The 2.7 L engine is very responsive and the 21-way seats are incredibly comfortable. Additionally, there's plenty of room inside and the car is well-made. However, I have experienced some issues that have made me regret my purchase. When accelerating onto the highway, the words 'power reduced brakes applied' suddenly appear on the screen and the car slows down, which can be dangerous. I have taken it to the dealer, but the issue persists. The brakes have also jammed on the expressway, which is a recipe for disaster. While I have taken it back to the dealer and they have tried to fix it, the issue still persists. Unfortunately, these issues have made me reluctant to take it out of the city and I would not recommend it to anyone. Despite its strengths, the idiosyncrasies of this car could be fatal.It looks like there may be some challenges, but let's see what we can do to find a solution.
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.
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.