Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Nautilus vs FORD F 150
How the Lincoln Nautilus and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lincoln Nautilus vs FORD F 150: The Nautilus averages 29 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have power train and electrical issues, but the F-150's higher volume and crash-related complaints (330 vs. 11) suggest greater reported risk. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Nautilus or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV that averages about 29 complaints per year over eight years, with 33 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and engine, often involving sputtering, jerking, or unexpected shifting into neutral. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of these issues—like transmission problems and electronic glitches—can be disruptive and costly if they occur.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls. Power train and electrical system complaints dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls means that while many trucks are trouble-free, the odds of encountering a serious issue are higher.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Nautilus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 232 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lincoln Nautilus
- 01POWER TRAIN58
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM45
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER42
- 04ENGINE26
- 05STRUCTURE18
Owners report sputtering, jerking, and transmission problems, including a class-action lawsuit over the 8F35 transmission in 2019-2021 models. Some 2022 Nautilus owners say their vehicle auto-shifts from drive into neutral, which can be dangerous when accelerating.
Complaints include the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral with the check engine light on, and steering column tilt/telescopic adjustments moving on their own. These glitches can distract the driver and may require dealer visits to diagnose.
Some owners report the engine acting strangely, with symptoms like sputtering and jerking, and the check engine light appearing. These issues often overlap with transmission complaints and can leave the vehicle undriveable.
Owners describe vague problems like the vehicle 'acting weird' or safety alerts for the BlueCruise hands-free system turning off without warning. These unpredictable faults are hard to pinpoint and can undermine confidence in the vehicle.
“The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while another person was driving approximately 15-50 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and jerked. The vehicle was driven to the workplace, and the contact attempted to test-drive the vehicle. The con…”
“There is a class action lawsuit for the 2019-2021 Nautilus with the 8F35 transmission, which is the same transmission that my 2022 Nautilus has. Ford has also issued multiple technical service bulletins (25-2154, 21-2389) regarding the 8F35 transmission. My t…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
A recurring theme is the 'lead frame' issue, which can cause sudden transmission failure or limp mode, and some owners report the truck getting stuck in 5th gear. These problems have persisted for over a decade and can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
The lead frame problem also appears under electrical complaints, along with issues like the rear window defroster shorting and causing the back window to shatter. Such failures can be costly and may occur without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are frequently reported, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should check for malfunctioning lights, as these can affect visibility and safety.
Engine-related complaints number 880, often tied to the same transmission and limp mode issues. Owners may experience loss of power or rough running, requiring immediate attention.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lincoln Nautilus — 33 recalls
The 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 p…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 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 i…
The 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 vehicl…
The risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 an…
The 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…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
The 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.
The risk: A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 servic…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Nautilus or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Nautilus has far fewer complaints per year (29 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but both have notable power train and electrical issues. In practice, the Nautilus may be less likely to leave you stranded, but the F-150's higher volume means problems are more widely reported and potentially more common.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Nautilus averages 29 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Both vehicles have power train complaints, but the F-150's lead frame issue is a long-standing, recurring problem that can cause sudden transmission failure.
- The Nautilus has electrical issues like unexpected shifting into neutral, while the F-150 has electrical problems including rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 11 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Nautilus, indicating a higher reported safety risk.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sputtering, jerking, or hesitation, especially during acceleration, as these are common power train complaints.
- Check that the transmission shifts smoothly and does not unexpectedly go into neutral; also test the steering column tilt and telescopic functions for any unwanted movement.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for limp mode or getting stuck in gear, and ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper function and look for any signs of cracking or shattering, as this is a reported issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, deliberately accelerate hard and shift through gears to check for hesitation or limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or software updates.
- For the F-150, specifically inquire about the lead frame and whether it has been replaced under recall or warranty.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Lincoln Nautilus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 35 |
| 2025 | 21 | 345 |
| 2024 | 22 | 638 |
| 2023 | 7 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 13 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 23 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 33 | 44 |
| 2019 | 102 | 52 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lincoln Nautilus or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Nautilus vs FORD F 150
- Lincoln Nautilus total complaints
- 232
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lincoln Nautilus total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lincoln Nautilus avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Lincoln Nautilus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN