2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls and problems

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 2 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
28
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls

Recall 25V-315: Back Over Prevention

Reported May 9, 2025 · 1,076,138 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-635: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure10
Power Train8
Unknown or Other4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Electrical System3
Engine3
Back Over Prevention2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Lincoln Nautilus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Nov 7, 2026
"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 NHTSA Investigation PE 23-013.
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 21, 2026
Drivers front door inner sheet metal structure has failed/torn at the check arm mounting points under normal operating conditions.. safety hazard. Dealership and Lincoln will not take full responsibility after known structural defect exists. I note on your website that in Nautilus alone there are 10 complaints including mine. Our car had less than 42,000 miles when we noticed. The entire door needs to be replaced.
Structure · reported Oct 15, 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
Structure · reported Oct 13, 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 miles. No collision; normal use. The bracket mounts to the inner door panel with no reinforcement. The panel visibly flexes every time the door opens and checks, and that flexing has fatigued and cracked the metal. The cracks are growing. This is a safety issue. Once the bracket tears out, the door has no…
Power Train · reported Oct 3, 2026
Transmission was shuddering when it shifted gears. It would lose power and jerk between each gear. We paid for diagnostic at the dealership and they diagnosed as torque converter shudder under 2 separate TSB's. Dealership offered to fix at a cost of $6400. Told not to drive the vehicle or at least as little as possible. They refused to cover this under the TSBs. Contacted Lincoln Client Care. The shudder became worse even driving through town and it would jerk and the RPMS were jumping all over. Also took it to AAMCO after dealership stated they would not cover it under a TSB. AAMCO provided…

Other Lincoln Nautilus years

Compare all Lincoln Nautilus years · All Lincoln models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus: 25V-315 (back over prevention), 24V-635 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

Owners report structure problems most often (10 reports), followed by power train (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.

Are Lincoln recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lincoln dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.