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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Our 2020 Nautilus is a head turner. Its stylish looks, quiet and comfortable seats, and smooth ride make it an even bigger plus. Although there is a large 'hump' that houses the info screen and acts like a great wall between the driver and passenger seats (which has been addressed in the 2021 model), it is still a great vehicle. The I4 turbocharged engine is a pleasant surprise, especially when coupled with the 8-speed transmission.
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If you're looking for a luxury SUV Crossover with all the bells and whistles, this is the perfect ride for you. As a loyal driver of my second Lincoln, I can attest to its quality and comfort.
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I purchased an AWD V6 turbo with 21-inch wheels. It's a powerful vehicle that offers a smooth ride. I shopped around for a long time and I'm very happy with my decision.
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We recently shopped for a new SUV after loving our 2007 Lincoln MKX with 128,000 miles. Our first stop was the Lincoln dealer near us, where we found the perfect match - an Ice Mocha Reserve 1 Nautilus with V6 and AWD. The Reserve 1 package included more options than we were looking for, but we were thrilled to have the 360 degree cameras and navigation. After one test drive, we were sold on the outstanding performance of the V6 w/ AWD and all the great safety features. The sales staff were very helpful, and we appreciated the X-Plan pricing with no negotiation needed, as well as the 0.9% 48 month financing and $2500 in rebates. We also test drove the new model 2020 Aviator, but found it to be too big and slow in performance compared to the Nautilus, despite having the same engine and transmission, but only RWD. Both vehicles are beautiful inside and out!
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During my research on mid-sized two-row luxury SUVs, I noticed that most major players prioritize sporty performance. However, Lincoln stands out from the crowd. They have decided to return to their roots and focus on the attributes that made them famous for providing a true American automotive luxury experience. Lincoln has remembered not only who their customers are, but also what they want. Their new line of luxury SUVs has a sport mode, but it is subtle and not overpowering. This is a nod to younger buyers, but Lincoln never forgets that true luxury is not about neck-snapping 0-60 performance, off-road capability, or high-speed corner handling. Lincoln deserves credit for finally remembering that. I purchased my 2020 Black Label Nautilus because I have reached a point in my life where I want to treat myself to a better class of car. The ease of entry and exit afforded by the ride height of a mid-sized SUV and the not-so-radical front roof pillar rake common to most cars are also important to me. I test drove several offerings from Cadillac, Lexus, and others, but none of them had the quiet, refined smoothness of handling and ride that I was looking for. The Nautilus rides more like a car than an SUV, but it is never mushy, and the handling is smooth and precise.Lincoln went all out to make the interior quiet, with better insulation and acoustic glass to help block sound. The audio system emits white noise to help cancel the outside world. Even the wheel wells have sound dampening material to help reduce tire noise. Put all of it together and you have one quiet enjoyable ride. The twin turbo 2.7 has plenty of power without being annoyingly buzzy like I found the Cadillac XT5 to be. It's loaded with all of the desirable tech functions that are popular. Two of my favorites are the Auto Hold function that keeps the brakes applied when you stop so you don't have to keep the brake pedal depressed, and Adaptive Cruise Control that automatically maintains the distance you select to help you maintain a safe following distance. Another feature I really like is the tire pressure monitoring system that shows the pressure on all four tires at once so you never have to guess which one is causing the low pressure alert. I like to listen to music when I drive, and the Revel System is one of the best I've ever had in a vehicle. My Nautilus is dressed in Burgundy Velvet with the Gala Theme Carmine interior, and it is a very pleasing combination. Even with all the available tech, the dash is refined and elegant looking and doesn't look like it would be more at home in a space ship. I could go on and on, but I think I've made my point, which is, if you're looking for a luxurious ride, the Nautilus is definitely worth a test drive. It ticks all the boxes in that category.
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?
Hassan Jerde 2025-11-21
The transmission issue has been brought to the attention of the service team on three separate occasions, with each visit resulting in a reprogramming of the system. However, the problem persists, and the latest suggestion is that I should drive the car more frequently to allow for a smoother gear change. As a luxury vehicle, it is reasonable to expect a high level of performance from the outset, without the need for a learning period.
Ben Hettinger 2025-10-07
I recently purchased a 2021 Nautilus and unfortunately, I have encountered some issues. The backup camera has been replaced but it still seems to be glitchy. Additionally, the radio and windshield wipers have turned on unexpectedly, and the trunk has attempted to close on me a few times. The wind noise while driving is quite loud and concerning. However, I do appreciate the comfortable seats and the large screen, although I wish it could be more customizable. Overall, I am disappointed with my experience with the Nautilus. **Update Sept 2022** Unfortunately, the audio system and wind noise issues persist.
Marc Kohler 2025-08-20
I purchased the Reserve 2020 Nautilus and have experienced some issues with the system becoming laggy and not showing songs that are playing until a few minutes after starting the vehicle. Additionally, the back window initially refused to roll down more than a few inches, but began working again a few days later. While using lane assist, the car abruptly jolted me into the right lane, which was concerning. However, I am grateful that no one was around. The powertrain malfunction light came on the next day when I started the car, despite having barely driven it for two months and less than 1000 miles. I had it checked today, but they were unable to find any issues. Despite these challenges, I remain confident in the quality of my vehicle and trust that any issues will be resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
Hubert Green 2025-07-28
You may be experiencing some transmission slipping issues, particularly between 3rd and 4th gears. Additionally, you may notice some jerking and uncertainty about which gear to shift into.
Presley Fritsch 2025-07-09
The car's appearance is stunning, but unfortunately, we had some issues with it. We needed a new transmission with under 30k miles, and even after it was replaced, we had to go back for more work. The sunroof made a loud knocking noise, which was not remedied despite multiple attempts. The stereo had some issues, and the leather seats stretched quickly, making them wrinkly. The seat's bolsters were too close together, making it uncomfortable. Despite these issues, we appreciated the car's beauty. However, we eventually traded it and moved on from Lincoln. Additionally, we had some trouble with the trunk hatch, which was foot-sensitive and closed without warning. We had some close calls, and it made unloading groceries a bit of a challenge. Overall, we had a mixed experience with this car, but we hope that Lincoln can improve their products in the future.