VehicleVerdict

2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

23

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Nautilus years?

Nautilus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted123 complaints2019: 123 complaints2020: 41 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 33 complaints2025: 33 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Nautilus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nautilus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission626%
Engine522%
Body & Structure313%
Electrical System313%
Driver Assistance29%
Fuel System29%
Speed Control14%
Other14%

Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V315000Driver AssistanceMay 9, 2025 · 1,076,138 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

24V635000EngineAugust 23, 2024 · 90,736 units

Defect

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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 13, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 13, 2026

“Vehicle died in parking lot. The electronics all worked, it just would not start and would not go into any gear. Had to have it towed to dealer for repair. They replaced the PCM but it still would not start. They again replaced the PCM and a fuse. The vehicle started. This is the FOURTH time for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 18, 2026

“Door check and spot welds are broken. The car has less the 20,000 miles on it. I was told by the mechanic that he saw this issue with Ford Escapes, there was a recall on the drive side door for the welds failing. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 2, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 13, 2026

2021 Lincoln Nautilus — common questions

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Nautilus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).

Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Nautilus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Nautilus years to avoid are 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among Nautilus years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.