2026 Lincoln Nautilus
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes is the largest identified problem area: 2 of 9 complaints (22%) mention it. 5 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more crash reports (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 30 in 2025 to 9 in 2026.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | vs. 2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,100–2,600 | 2,100–2,600 | 2,100–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 24–30 | 24–30 | 24–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–30 / 29–31 | 21–30 / 29–31 | 21–29 / 29–31 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 290–371 | 290–366 | 297–369 | |
| Complaints filed | 33 | 30 | 9 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 8 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 |
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 2026 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 gas mileage does the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus get?
EPA rates it 24–30 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?
EPA estimates $2,100–$2,600 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 8-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 21 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 369 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 29 mpg (high) | 31 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | $2,100 (low) | 297 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 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)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · Campaign 26V415000 · Jun 30, 2026
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Consequence: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT · Campaign 25V691000 · Oct 14, 2025
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Consequence: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 10, 2025.