2021 Lincoln NautilusProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, most often about the structure. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-635 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has problems

28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure100
Power train80
Engine30
Electrical system30
Fuel/propulsion system30
Back over prevention20
Engine and engine cooling20
Vehicle speed control11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

93%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: software

Recall 25V-315 · May 9, 2025 · 1,076,138 vehicles · 1,002,966 repaired

Risk. A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

66%repaired · 2026 Q3

Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 24V-635 · Aug 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles · 60,059 repaired

Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other Nautilus year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Nautilus median. How we score

'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2021 Lincoln Nautilus safety ratings

2021 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Loss of Motive PowerEA23002 · closed Oct 31, 2024
    Led to recall 24V-635
In owners' words

What Nautilus owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

"The spot welds and inner sheet metal at the driver door check arm attachment point have structurally failed and cracked. This prevents the door from operating safely and creates an imminent risk of the door failing to latch or inadvertently opening while driving, matching the failure mechanism in…
Complaint 11776406 · Nov 7, 2026
Drivers front door inner sheet metal structure has failed/torn at the hinge and check arm mounting points under normal operating conditions.. safety hazard. Dealership and Lincoln will not take full responsibility after known structural defect exists
Complaint 11771453 · Oct 15, 2026
Both front doors on my 2021 Nautilus Reserve have structural stress cracks in the sheet metal surrounding the check-arm bracket, along the edge of the recessed mount and under the weatherstrip. I first noticed cracking and popping when opening and closing the doors on 8/1/2026 at about 84,000…
Complaint 11770905 · Oct 13, 2026

Own a 2021 Nautilus?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.