2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Nautilus years
- About as many complaints as other years 3rd of 8 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. That ranks 3rd out of 8 Nautilus model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is structure (9 complaints, 35%), typically at around 83,400 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
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- 26owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 9 | 35% | 83,400 | — | — |
| Power Train | 8 | 31% | 93,500 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 12% | — | — | — |
| Engine | 3 | 12% | — | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 12% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 12% | — | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 4% | 8,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Back over prevention:software
Problem: 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.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Problem: 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.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Loss of Motive Power (EA23002) — opened Sep 29, 2023, closed Oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V635.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Drivers front door inner sheet metal structure has failed/torn at the hinge and check arm mounting points under normal operating conditions.. safety hazard. Dealership and Lincoln will not take full responsibility after known structural defect exists
Both front doors on my 2021 Nautilus Reserve have structural stress cracks in the sheet metal surrounding the check-arm bracket, along the edge of the recessed mount and under the weatherstrip. I first noticed cracking and popping when opening and closing the doors on 8/1/2026 at about 84,000…
Transmission was shuddering when it shifted gears. It would lose power and jerk between each gear. We paid for diagnostic at the dealership and they diagnosed as torque converter shudder under 2 separate TSB's. Dealership offered to fix at a cost of $6400. Told not to drive the vehicle or at least…
Noticed cracking sound when opening and closing front drivers door. Subsequently discovered same issue on Ford Edge (recall in place) and many other owners having same problem (FaceBook posts).
Door check is broken in high winds the door pulled out my hand. Could have injured someone of that person was standing near the opening path of the door.
Other Lincoln Nautilus years
← 2020 Nautilus · 2022 Nautilus →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nautilus | 9 | 0 |
| 2025 Nautilus | 22 | 6 |
| 2024 Nautilus | 22 | 7 |
| 2023 Nautilus | 7 | 3 |
| 2022 Nautilus | 14 | 2 |
| 2021 | 26 | 2 |
| 2020 Nautilus | 34 | 5 |
| 2019 Nautilus | 102 | 8 |
See all Lincoln Nautilus problems by year, every Lincoln model, or the Lincoln VIN decoder.
Similar Lincoln models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Owners most often report structure, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, structure, accounts for 9 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Nautilus model years, the 2021 has about as many complaints as a typical year, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.