2021 Lincoln Nautilus VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (7), Structure (3), Electrical System (2).
Nautilus reliability snapshot
73/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (good)
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Lincoln Nautilus before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Power Train7
Structure3
Electrical System2
Back Over Prevention2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Engine1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Test transmission for jerking or hesitation during acceleration
☐Inspect driver’s side door for cracking sounds or broken check arms
☐Check trunk operation for unexpected closures
☐Verify backup camera for real-time display accuracy
☐Ensure Powertrain Control Module (PCM) functions correctly
☐Confirm recall repairs are completed, especially for engine cooling issues
What owners reported
2021 Lincoln Nautilus owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash to NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus frequently report transmission issues, with symptoms such as jerking and hesitation during acceleration and deceleration. Some complaints describe the transmission failing entirely, often requiring replacement, with failure occurrences noted around 51,600 to 101,000 miles. Several owners also mention problems with the vehicle's acceleration, including slipping transmissions and increased RPMs without corresponding speed increases. Safety implications are evident as one owner reports a transmission failure while driving on the highway, although no crashes or injuries are mentioned. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus report issues with the door structure, particularly involving the front driver's side door. Complaints frequently mention cracking sounds and broken door check arms, with some owners noting that the metal is torn or that the door lacks a swing stop. These issues appear at varying mileages, with one report at 74,000 miles and another at less than 20,000 miles. There are no reported safety implications such as crashes or loss of control, but the structural failure of the doors could pose potential concerns for vehicle integrity. Buyers should be aware of these door-related issues when considering a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus report recurring issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and trunk operation. One owner describes the vehicle failing to start multiple times, despite electronic components functioning, and notes repeated PCM replacements and a fuse replacement as attempted solutions. This issue has occurred four times for the current owner and previously for another owner, including a failure while driving on the highway. Another owner reports the trunk closing unexpectedly while accessing it, with the safety feature that should prevent closure when an obstruction is detected becoming disabled. This trunk issue has been observed multiple times since 2023, posing a potential safety risk. These complaints suggest potential reliability concerns for buyers considering a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.
Owner complaints2
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus report issues related to the back over prevention system, particularly involving the backup camera. One complaint describes a significant delay, approximately 9-10 seconds, between the real-time events and what is displayed on the camera, which nearly led to an accident. Another owner mentions difficulties with recall repairs, noting that their vehicle was initially associated with a recall campaign but later found not to be. These issues are reported at various stages of ownership, with one owner mentioning the need for a software reinstall that took several hours. Safety implications are evident as the delayed camera response could potentially lead to accidents. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues and may want to confirm that any necessary software updates or recall repairs have been completed.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus report receiving notifications about a recall concerning the engine and engine cooling system, specifically related to parts unavailability for the necessary repairs. Complaints frequently mention frustration over the extended wait times for parts needed to complete the recall service. No owners report experiencing any engine failures or symptoms related to this recall issue, and there are no mentions of safety hazards such as crashes, fires, or loss of control. This pattern suggests that while there is a recall, the lack of available parts is the primary concern, rather than any reported mechanical failures.
2021 Nautilus recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Nautilus. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V315000May 9, 2025
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 vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024
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 power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 is 24S55.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus on the road
24,443 2021 Lincoln Nautilus units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus scores a 73 out of 100, aligning it precisely with the segment average for reliability. This indicates a moderate reliability profile, with neither significant strengths nor glaring weaknesses compared to its peers. The vehicle's complaints are somewhat concentrated, with the power train being the most frequently mentioned issue, suggesting potential concerns in this area.
The Nautilus has experienced two recalls, which can be described as limited, suggesting no systemic reliability problems. The distribution of issues across several categories, including structure and electrical systems, implies a need for prospective buyers to be aware of diverse, albeit not severe, concerns.
Overall, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus presents a moderate reliability risk, matching the segment average and suggesting a balanced approach to reliability expectations.
What you get in a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus scores a 73 out of 100, aligning it precisely with the segment average for reliability. This indicates a moderate reliability profile, with neither significant strengths nor glaring weaknesses compared to its peers. The vehicle's complaints are somewhat concentrated, with the power train being the most frequently mentioned issue, suggesting potential concerns in this area.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems?
The most-reported 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problem areas are: Power Train (7), Structure (3), Electrical System (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
