Free Preview
#BS-2021-LINNAU-1C042021 Lincoln NautilusProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 35 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 35 complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, and 2 recalls.
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
8 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 86K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (8 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 23% of all reports filed for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 86,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 86K-mile mark.
Structure:body Issues
Structure:body complaints account for 20% of all reports filed for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to structure:body-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Loss of Motive Power
ENGINE
The worst model year for the Lincoln Nautilus is the 2019 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is transmission.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
35
Class avg
207
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 35 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
How much does it cost to fix 2021 Lincoln Nautilus problems?
Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
What mileage do Lincoln Nautilus problems start?
When was the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 35 owner reports. Know before you buy.