2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 16 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2021 Lincoln Nautilus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Nautilus
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 16 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, issues are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine. There is one crash-related complaint. With only one model year analyzed and low confidence, patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported, with 5 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 4 complaints.
- Electrical faults and structural problems each have 3 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the most frequent complaint category.
- Engine problems are the second most reported concern.
- Electrical faults and structural problems are also notable.
All 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle died in parking lot. The electronics all worked, it just would not start and would not go into any gear. Had to have it towed to dealer for repair. They replaced the PCM but it still would not start. They again replaced the PCM and a fuse. The vehicle started. This is th…
While driving on the highway my transmission died. Had it towed to a nearby forwad dealershiop, Owens Ford in Jarrett VA and they confirmed the transmission died at 51,600 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s door, there was a cracking sound coming from the door. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front driver’s side door check arm stop bra…
Door check and spot welds are broken. The car has less the 20,000 miles on it. I was told by the mechanic that he saw this issue with Ford Escapes, there was a recall on the drive side door for the welds failing.
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…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. In addition, it was noticed that the VIN was no…
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…
My doors are totally broke. Has no swing stop. Broke so bad the medal is torn
Since 2023 there has been an ongoing issue with my vehicle. When Im in public parking lots and I am accessing the trunk. I’ve witnessed my trunk literally shutting down or closing as Im accessing the trunk. Ive recorded this safety concern and Ive reported it to the dealership an…
Recall 24S55/24V635 was issued in October 2024, the issue with intake valves was discovered prior to October 2021. My car was manufactured in July 2021 within the time of inefficient intake valves. The problem continues to exist as there is no remedy. No remedy and no problem dea…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of tim…
I bought the 2021Lincoln Nautilus in Aug 2024 with only 54000miles. I was leaving the dealership and driving home with my suv & noticed that the suv was slightly trembling. Since then, I realized that my vehicle would tremble once I put gas in it, and this would happen at any ga…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of tim…
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, crashing into the handicap pole sign. There were no injuries. No air bags were deployed. There was no police report filed. The vehi…
My car had a 9-10 second delay from what was shown in the backup camera to what had already happened. It almost caused an accident as the camera didn't show any car in my path, but in reality, the car was stopped directly behind my car. Lincoln had me take it to a dealership, w…
My Lincoln has been in the shop due to a hard AWD System Disabled Message since 10/29/2021. Lincoln Concierge and dealership has kept us updated that NHTSA has not approved the latest AWD control module.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?▾
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Nautilus reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.