VehicleVerdict

2023 Lincoln Nautilus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Nautilus years?

Nautilus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted123 complaints2019: 123 complaints2020: 41 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 33 complaints2025: 33 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Nautilus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nautilus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Lincoln Nautilus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance429%
Other321%
Electrical System321%
Steering17%
Engine17%
Brakes17%
Speed Control17%

Does the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have recalls?

3 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.

23V439000SuspensionJune 23, 2023 · 366 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, and/or stabilizer bar end links.

Consequence

A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S32.

23V198000Child SeatMarch 24, 2023 · 19 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 23, 2025 · crash

“when connected to apple carPlay GPS is very unreliable and sometimes it stops following the car in seconds sending changing directions in seconds which sometimes if am not careful makes my driving very unsafe when traveling to an address i dont know since the GPS not working properly with the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 28, 2023

“When vehicle is started, intermittently, rear view camera does not come on for approximately 45-60 seconds later. The screen remains completely black then appears to reboot The camera issue happens about once every two weeks ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 21, 2025

“Purchased vehicle 7/29/23 While driving 8/19, vehicle auto-shifted from drive into neutral and the check engine light appeared. I was in the process of accelerating from the on ramp & moving to the left lane. Attempts to return the vehicle to drive were unsuccessful & I coasted to the right…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 19, 2023

“During an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 23, 2025 · crash

2023 Lincoln Nautilus — common questions

Is the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2023 Nautilus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (4 complaints), other (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.