2021 Lincoln Nautilus Recalls, Complaints & Specs
2 safety recalls list the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
2 safety recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Software (back over prevention)
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…
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…
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Hard parts internal/mechanical (engine and engine cooling)
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.
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…
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 72,360 miles. Complaints peaked in 2026 with 12 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“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 separ”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 3, 2026 · Power train
“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).”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, September 29, 2026 · Structure
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus (Nautilus AWD, Nautilus FWD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 21–23 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 19–21 / 25–26 |
| Fuel | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Engine | 4/6 cyl, 2/2.7 L |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8); Automatic 8-spd |
Compare Lincoln Nautilus model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Lincoln Nautilus model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | 8 | 102 |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | 5 | 33 |
| 2021 Lincoln Nautilus | 2 | 24 |
| 2022 Lincoln Nautilus | 2 | 13 |
| 2023 Lincoln Nautilus | 3 | 7 |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus | 7 | 22 |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | 6 | 21 |
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 0 | 9 |
Checking a specific 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
How do I know if my 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Lincoln dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 24V635000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Lincoln models
- Town Car3,308 complaints
- Continental1,678 complaints
- Mkz1,665 complaints
- Mkx1,417 complaints
- Navigator1,353 complaints
- LS982 complaints
- Mark VIII826 complaints
- Mkc599 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.