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2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, most often about the body and structure (35% of complaints). It is the 3rd most complained-about Nautilus model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems
Body and structure
9 complaints · 35%Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while opening the front driverâs door, there was a cracking sound coming from the door. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front driverâs side door check arm stop bracket and door hinge were faulty.…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and trade-in, the contact was informed that the front driverâs side door had a crack and that the welding was cracked and loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Transmission
8 complaints · 31%The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the transmission was slipping, and the RPM had increased significantly. The contact stated that the âservice…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while shifted to reverse(r) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then suddenly jerked backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle almost jumped into gear. The contact stated that later while driving and attempting to…
Engine
5 complaints · 19%Fuel system
3 complaints · 12%Electrical
3 complaints · 12%Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 12%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls
Backup camera: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
On july 22, 2022, the office of defects investigation (odi) granted a defect petition (dp22001) and opened a preliminary evaluation (pe22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7l ecoboost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During pe22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all my 2021-2022 ford and lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7
Questions about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (9 complaints); transmission (8 complaints); engine (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 9, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Lincoln Nautilus?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Nautilus model year since 2000, with 26 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.