Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Nautilus vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln Nautilus and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The Nautilus has 224 complaints over 8 years (28/yr) versus the Camry's 2,143 over 10 years (214/yr). Nautilus owners report transmission and electrical issues, while Camry owners face transmission, engine, and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Nautilus or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize luxury SUV, has been the subject of 224 complaints over eight years, averaging 28 per year. Owners frequently report powertrain issues, especially with the 8F35 transmission, which can cause sputtering, jerking, or sudden shifts into neutral. Electrical glitches, such as the steering column adjusting on its own, and concerns with the BlueCruise driver-assist system also appear. While the Nautilus offers a premium experience, these reports suggest potential reliability and safety concerns that buyers should investigate.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has accumulated 2,143 complaints over ten years, averaging 214 per year—much higher than the Nautilus. Complaints often involve powertrain problems like transmission grinding or sudden acceleration, as well as engine issues such as coolant valve failures. Brake problems, including a loss of braking on hills, and electrical glitches are also noted. Despite its reputation for reliability, the Camry's complaint volume and severity indicate that some model years may have significant issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Nautilus | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 224 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 163 |
| 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 TRAIN57
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER39
- 04ENGINE26
- 05STRUCTURE17
Owners report the 8F35 transmission causing sputtering, jerking, and even sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. This issue is subject to a class-action lawsuit and technical service bulletins, indicating a known problem.
Electrical failures include the vehicle shifting into neutral unexpectedly and the steering column adjusting on its own, which can distract the driver. These issues may stem from software or sensor malfunctions.
Engine-related complaints often accompany transmission problems, such as the check engine light coming on when the car shifts into neutral. Owners also report general hesitation or weird behavior, suggesting possible engine control module issues.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some 2021 Camrys have recalls for this, but parts may be on backorder.
Engine issues include sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes, and coolant valve bypass failures that trigger maintenance lights. These problems can be serious and may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failures are reported, such as a complete loss of braking on a downhill slope, which is extremely dangerous. Other complaints involve brakes not responding properly at low speeds, like when parking.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction, and the window reversal distance does not meet the minimum requirement. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will recalibrate the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numb…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is p…
The risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (…
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Nautilus or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Nautilus has far fewer complaints per year (28) compared to the Toyota Camry (214), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Nautilus's problems, particularly transmission and electrical, can be severe. In practice, the Camry's higher volume may reflect its larger sales base, but the nature of its complaints—like sudden acceleration and brake failure—poses serious safety risks.
Key differences
- The Nautilus has a specific transmission (8F35) with known issues leading to jerking and neutral shifts, while the Camry has more varied powertrain complaints including grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Electrical problems in the Nautilus include self-adjusting steering column and unexpected neutral shifts, whereas Camry electrical issues are less prominent but still present.
- Brake failures are a notable concern in the Camry, with reports of complete loss of braking, while the Nautilus has fewer brake complaints.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint volume, but this may be due to its popularity; the Nautilus's lower volume still includes serious safety-related issues.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially for jerking or slipping, and check for any open recalls or TSBs related to the 8F35.
- Inspect the steering column for any unintended movement and verify that all electrical features, including driver-assist systems, function correctly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any pending recalls or service campaigns.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and be aware of any sudden acceleration incidents reported for the specific model year.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall pages for both vehicles using their VINs to see if any outstanding recalls apply.
- For the Nautilus, ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes or repairs, and have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system.
- For the Camry, request a diagnostic scan for transmission and engine codes, and test drive on various roads to feel for any hesitation or braking anomalies.
- Research the specific model year of each vehicle for known issues, as problems can vary by year.
- Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 119 |
| 2025 | 21 | 153 |
| 2024 | 21 | 48 |
| 2023 | 7 | 62 |
| 2022 | 13 | 59 |
| 2021 | 21 | 155 |
| 2020 | 33 | 270 |
| 2019 | 100 | 393 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Nautilus vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln Nautilus total complaints
- 224
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln Nautilus total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln Nautilus avg complaints/year
- 28.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Lincoln Nautilus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN