Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Navigator vs Lincoln Nautilus
How the Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Nautilus compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lincoln Navigator vs Lincoln Nautilus: The Navigator has 284 complaints over 10 years (28.4/year) and 89 recalls, while the Nautilus has 232 complaints over 8 years (29.0/year) and 33 recalls. Navigator owners report transmission disengagement and engine failure; Nautilus owners report transmission jerking and electrical glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Navigator or Lincoln Nautilus more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is a large luxury SUV with 284 NHTSA complaints over 10 years, averaging 28.4 per year. Power train issues dominate, with owners reporting transmissions that disengage at highway speed and violent downshifts. Electrical problems and engine failures also appear, including catastrophic engine failure around 78,000–93,000 miles. With 89 recalls and 17 crash-related complaints, it demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV with 232 complaints over 8 years, averaging 29.0 per year. Power train complaints center on sputtering, jerking, and a transmission that can auto-shift into neutral while driving. Electrical issues include steering column tilt/telescope moving on its own and driver-assist alerts turning off. It has 33 recalls and 11 crash-related complaints, with fewer reported injuries than the Navigator.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 284 | 232 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 | 33 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 | 11 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.4 Better | 29.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 | 3 Better |
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 Navigator
- 01POWER TRAIN72
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03ENGINE39
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
- 05SEAT BELTS29
Owners report the transmission unexpectedly disengaging at highway speeds, causing complete loss of propulsion, and violent downshifts. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning in traffic.
Complaints include modules that fail and disable screens, massage seats, running boards, and music controls. These failures can make the vehicle's features unusable and may require repeated dealership visits.
Reports describe catastrophic engine failure with no warning, oil contamination in cylinder 6, piston ring failure, and cam phaser issues. These failures often occur after 78,000 miles and can cost thousands to repair.
Seat belt complaints are among the top five components, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should verify that all seat belts retract and latch properly.
“Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020…”
“On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indic…”
Lincoln Nautilus
- 01POWER TRAIN58
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM45
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER42
- 04ENGINE26
- 05STRUCTURE18
Owners report the vehicle sputtering and jerking at 15–50 MPH, and the transmission auto-shifting from drive into neutral while accelerating. A class action lawsuit and technical service bulletins exist for the 8F35 transmission used in some models.
Complaints include the steering column tilt and telescopic adjustments moving on their own while driving, and driver-assist safety alerts turning off without warning. These issues can distract the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle's systems.
Some engine complaints overlap with transmission symptoms, such as auto-shifting into neutral and the check engine light appearing. This suggests that engine and transmission problems may be linked in some cases.
Structure is a top complaint area, though specific details are not in the sample. Buyers should inspect for unusual noises, panel alignment, and any signs of structural repairs.
“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…”
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 Navigator — 89 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
The risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
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 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
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…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Navigator or Lincoln Nautilus: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Nautilus has a slightly higher average complaints per year (29.0) than the Lincoln Navigator (28.4), but the Navigator has far more recalls (89 vs. 33) and more crash-related complaints (17 vs. 11). In practice, the Navigator's issues tend to be more severe, including transmission failures at speed and catastrophic engine failure, while the Nautilus has more transmission jerking and electrical glitches.
Key differences
- Navigator has 89 recalls vs. 33 for Nautilus, meaning more potential safety fixes to verify.
- Navigator owners report transmission disengagement at highway speed and catastrophic engine failure; Nautilus owners report transmission jerking and auto-shifting into neutral.
- Navigator has 20 injuries and 17 crash-related complaints; Nautilus has 3 injuries and 11 crash-related complaints.
- Nautilus has a class action lawsuit and technical service bulletins for its 8F35 transmission, indicating a known pattern.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for violent downshifts or any moment where the transmission seems to disengage.
- Ask for maintenance records and check for engine oil contamination, cam phaser noise, or any history of engine repairs around 78,000–93,000 miles.
- During a test drive, accelerate from 15–50 MPH and feel for sputtering or jerking, and watch for the transmission auto-shifting into neutral.
- Check that the steering column tilt and telescopic adjustments stay in place and do not move on their own while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially power train and electrical recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Lincoln models, focusing on transmission and engine health.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate reported conditions.
- Ask the seller for all service records and look for repeated repairs to the transmission, engine, or electrical modules.
- Check that all seat belts, running boards, and driver-assist features function correctly, as these are common complaint areas.
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 Navigator | Lincoln Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 11 |
| 2025 | 12 | 21 |
| 2024 | 16 | 22 |
| 2023 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022 | 21 | 13 |
| 2021 | 33 | 23 |
| 2020 | 32 | 33 |
| 2019 | 80 | 102 |
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 Navigator or Lincoln Nautilus in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Navigator vs Lincoln Nautilus
- Lincoln Navigator total complaints
- 284
- Lincoln Nautilus total complaints
- 232
- Lincoln Navigator total recalls
- 89
- Lincoln Nautilus total recalls
- 33
- Lincoln Navigator avg complaints/year
- 28.4
- Lincoln Nautilus avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Lincoln Navigator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Lincoln Nautilus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN