2021 Lincoln Nautilus
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 7 of 21 complaints (33%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Driver Assistance & Speed Control include more crash reports (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 33 in 2020 to 21 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–23 | 21–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–21 / 25–27 | 19–21 / 25–26 | 19–21 / 25–26 | 19–21 / 25–26 | 19–21 / 25–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 384–418 | 384–417 | 384–423 | 384–423 | 386–421 | |
| Complaints filed | 101 | 33 | 21 | 13 | 7 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 7 of 21 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus get?
EPA rates it 21–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
EPA estimates $2,700–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 387 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 8-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 384 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 2.7L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 8-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V315000 · May 12, 2025
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 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 COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · Campaign 24V635000 · Aug 26, 2024
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 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.