2019-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Problems: 28 Known Issues

On 2025 Lincoln Nautilus (1,539 units, built March 9 - July 24, 2025), a burnt Schottky diode in the LED driver modules can knock out one headlight low/high beam, DRLs, front position lamps, and front turn signals. Uniquely on the Nautilus (unlike Mustang/Mach-E covered by the same campaign), the same fault can also disable rear tail lights, rear turn signals, and rear position lights — leading to a sudden loss of forward visibility and making the vehicle hard for other traffic to see at night.

Driver, front passenger, and rear power windows on 2024-2025 Nautilus did not automatically reverse when encountering an obstacle, violating FMVSS 118. The window continues closing with excessive force, risking finger/hand/neck injury — especially for children. Ford recalled 47,818 units in December 2024 (24V953 / Ford 24C43); follow-up recall 25V518 (Ford 25C36) covers 482 vehicles that received incorrect repair software.

Roughly 46% of polled 2024 Nautilus owners (both ICE and hybrid) report a dead or dying 12V battery, sometimes with as little as 200 miles on the odometer. Two software-related causes identified: (1) Vehicle Dynamics Module stays awake and holds the CAN bus active after key-off (CSP 24P14), and (2) Driver Status Monitor Camera Module software keeps running after vehicle is off (CSP 24P08).

The 27-inch panoramic display and 11.1-inch center screen can simultaneously reboot or go fully blank while driving on vehicles running Phoenix IVI software v1.0.5 or v1.0.7. Driver loses speedometer, gear position, warning lights, and rearview camera image. Ford recalled 30,679 model-year 2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs built April 4, 2023 through July 8, 2024 (NHTSA 25V337 / Lincoln 25C21); 1,129 warranty claims preceded the recall. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025.

On some 2024–2025 Nautilus SUVs, the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) can reset repeatedly, briefly or persistently knocking out the rearview camera image and driver-assist features including Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist and blind-spot monitoring. Ford traced the resets to the module being overloaded when tracking many moving objects in dense traffic; warranty claims occurred mainly on vehicles used in livery service. The cluster may show "Front Camera Fault," "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" or "Lane-Keeping System Off," and the blind-spot indicators may light. Recall 26V165 (Ford 26S21) covers 62,793 2024–2025 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs with the five-radar-sensor IPMA configuration, built September 4, 2022 to August 26, 2025. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

On some 2019 Nautilus SUVs, the instrument cluster may not load its display data at key-on, leaving the gear indicator, gauges and warning lights blank. Ford traced it to the cluster memory chips. In 2026 Ford found that some vehicles recorded as repaired under 19V076 may not have received the intended software. Recall 19V076 (Ford 19C03) covers 1,824 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs built November 6 to December 21, 2018. Of those recorded as repaired, 1,802 are included in follow-up recall 26V372 (Ford 26C27). A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

Owners report that Auto Start-Stop stops shutting the engine off, sometimes with the message that the engine is on due to vehicle charging. In the linked threads, dealers found a low battery state of charge or a failed battery cell and replaced the battery; one owner reports the feature still did not return after a new battery. The linked threads include owners of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 first-generation Nautilus models; one 2021 owner reports it at 49,000 miles. No Lincoln bulletin or recall for this was found.

2020 Nautilus SUVs built Nov 21, 2019 - May 26, 2020 were recalled because a faulty printed circuit board / poor electrical connection inside the backup camera can cause the reverse image to appear distorted or go completely blank, reducing rear visibility and raising crash risk. NHTSA recall 20V575 / Ford 20C19. This is distinct from the later IPMA-reset rearview-camera issue — here the defect is in the camera's own circuit board, and the fix is camera replacement, not a software update.

On some 2019 Nautilus SUVs, the plastic cover on the driver frontal airbag module may detach when the airbag deploys. A separating cover can increase the risk of injury in a crash. The recall (Ford 18S38) covers 268 Nautilus SUVs from the 2019 model year that are not equipped with Adaptive Front Steering, built at Oakville from October 11 to October 19, 2018. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

On some Nautilus SUVs with 16-way power seats, the edge of the seat cushion frame can damage the seat wiring harness when the seat tilt is used. Depending on which wires are damaged, the passenger frontal airbag may not deploy, or a passenger or driver side airbag may deploy unintentionally; an airbag warning light may come on. The recall affects 8,442 selected 2019–2020 Lincoln Nautilus with 16-way power seats, built January 12, 2018 to January 24, 2020 (Ford recall 20S37; the recall also covers 2016–2018 MKX). Vehicles are not in VIN order; a Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

NHTSA recall 26V165000 covers 2024 and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles whose Image Processing Module A (IPMA) can go through multiple unexpected resets. The IPMA is what feeds the camera image and the vision-based driver aids, so when it resets the Nautilus loses the rearview camera picture and features including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Ford handled the two Nautilus model years in different phases: 2025 Nautilus owners were notified on 4/13/2026 in Phase 1, while 2024 Nautilus owners fall into a later phase of the same campaign. The recall is a large one — 254,640 vehicles campaign-wide, spanning several Lincoln and Ford models, of which the Nautilus is one. Ford's stated consequence is that a driver without the camera and those assistance systems is less able to detect hazards, raising the risk of a crash.

On some 2019 Nautilus SUVs, Lane Centering Assist may not detect that the driver's hands are off the steering wheel, so the hands-off warnings may not appear. Ford traced it to steering torque from the Adaptive Front Steering being read as hand input. In 2026 Ford found that some vehicles recorded as repaired may not have received the intended software. Recall 19V031 (Ford 19S02) covers 2,276 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs built September 5 to November 19, 2018. Of those, 1,013 built September 5 to November 12, 2018 are included in follow-up recall 26V377 (Ford 26S44). Lane Centering was available equipment on the 2019 Nautilus, not standard. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

On some Nautilus SUVs, a SYNC software error can make the rear-view camera image intermittently blank while in reverse, or leave the image on the screen after reversing has ended. Ford says short ignition cycles can fill the storage on the SYNC module (APIM). A black infotainment screen can also occur. Recall 25V442 (Ford 25S72) covers 926 2019–2020 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs built September 6, 2018 to December 21, 2020 that have SYNC 3.2 R10 RC1 software; the recall also covers many other Ford and Lincoln models. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

On some Nautilus Hybrid SUVs, the pedestrian warning sound may not play when driving in electric mode below 30 km/h (about 19 mph), so pedestrians may not hear the vehicle approaching. A "Pedestrian Sounder Fault. Service Now" message may appear. Ford attributes it to audio-processing software and a second, momentary communication fault between the audio control module and the APIM at start-up that disables the sound for the rest of that drive. Recall 25V691 (Ford 25SA2) covers selected 2024–2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid. Follow-up recall 26V415 (Ford 26S51) covers selected 2024–2027 Nautilus Hybrid with the Phoenix audio system built April 4, 2023 to May 27, 2026, including vehicles that already received the 25SA2 update. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

Certain 2021-2022 Nautilus models built with the 2.7L Nano EcoBoost V6 left Ford's engine plant with intake valves machined from Silchrome Lite alloy. If the valve stock experienced an over-temperature condition during machining, the material becomes excessively hard and brittle. Those valves can snap at the stem while the engine is running, dropping the valve head into the cylinder. The result is immediate, catastrophic internal engine damage and a total loss of drive power, usually preceded by an illuminated check-engine light and rough running. Nautilus and Edge production affected runs May 10, 2021 through October 29, 2021 — this is a build-window defect, not a whole-model-year one, and it is specific to the 2.7L V6. Nautilus vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder are not part of this population. Ford recalled 90,736 vehicles across Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Nautilus and Aviator.

Certain 2024-2025 Nautilus equipped with the 2.0L MPC engine and the factory engine block heater (11 Nautilus vehicles in the U.S. recall population) can overheat when the vehicle is parked and the block heater cord is plugged into household AC. The overheating heater element creates a vehicle fire risk while parked — most concerning in cold-climate states/provinces where the heater sees daily use.

Some 2.7L EcoBoost Nautilus SUVs may make a ticking, tapping or rattle noise from the top front cover area of the engine on first start-up after sitting six hours or more, lasting 2–5 seconds. Ford attributes it to stuck internal components of the variable cam timing (VCT) units. It affects 2019–2023 Lincoln Nautilus with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that have this cold-start noise; bulletin 23-2356 also covers the 2019–2023 Ford Edge 2.7L.

On a small number of 2019–2020 Nautilus SUVs, the transmission start-stop accumulator end cap may have two bolts missing or not tightened to specification. That can cause a transmission fluid leak and may progress to loss of transmission function; a fluid leak near an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. A wrench light may come on. Ford recall 20S49 covers 9 2019–2020 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs with the eight-speed automatic transmission. It was filed with NHTSA under the program name "2019-2020 Lincoln MKX" and also covers some Edge, Escape, Transit Connect and Corsair vehicles. Ford's dealer bulletin lists Nautilus built at Oakville from June 12, 2019 to June 17, 2020. A Lincoln dealer confirms each VIN.

Some Nautilus SUVs with the 8F35 eight-speed automatic may shudder, buck or jerk. Ford's bulletins attribute it to powertrain control module software (shudder, buck or jerk up to 35 mph, bulletin 21-2389) or to an internal issue with the torque converter and output planetary assembly (shudder most noticeable below 60 mph with no trouble codes, sometimes felt as an engine misfire; bulletin 25-2154, since superseded by 26-2171 and 26-2341). Bulletin 21-2389 covers 2019–2021 Lincoln Nautilus with the 8F35 transmission built on or before 11-Mar-2021, and bulletin 26-2341, which replaced 25-2154's 2019–2022 scope, covers 2019–2023 Lincoln Nautilus with the 8F35 transmission. Both bulletins also cover the Ford Edge. Nautilus with the 8F57 eight-speed are not in these bulletins.

Early-build 2024 Nautilus Hybrid (2.0L EcoBoost-hybrid) vehicles can suffer high-pressure direct fuel injector failures within the first few hundred miles. The injector tip breaks off into the cylinder, causing sputtering, white exhaust smoke, fuel smell, severe knocking, limp mode, and sometimes total engine destruction requiring engine replacement. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 24B23 for 6,574 U.S. 2024 Nautilus Hybrids built October 7, 2023 through February 29, 2024; it directs replacing all four injectors.

Ford recalled certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs built February 20 - March 9, 2023 because the rear shock absorbers were manufactured with the shock-rod stopper support not securely crimped in the rod groove, allowing excessive rebound travel. The over-travel can allow the shock to contact and damage the rear brake hose, rear axle half-shaft, rear wheel-speed sensor, and/or stabilizer-bar end links. A damaged brake hose can leak fluid and extend stopping distance, increasing crash risk. About 366 vehicles were affected.

Ford recalled certain 2020 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles because the rear drive unit may have left the factory with an inadequate amount of lubricant. Without enough lubricant, the rear drive axle can seize. On an all-wheel-drive crossover like the Nautilus, a seized rear drive unit can mean a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control while driving, which raises the risk of a crash. The Nautilus is one of several Ford and Lincoln models covered by the same campaign; the recall began March 12, 2021.

Some 2.0L EcoBoost Nautilus SUVs may show low coolant, white smoke from the tailpipe, an over-temperature warning, an external coolant leak and/or a check-engine light with stored codes. Ford attributes this to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler and/or PCM software settings. It affects 2019–2020 Lincoln Nautilus with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine; bulletin 20-2234 also covers the 2019–2020 Ford Edge 2.0L.

Certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles are part of Ford Motor Company's 26S10 recall. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, and the outcome NHTSA describes is an unexpected loss of drive power. Ford's recall report says the EGR valve poppet head can detach, and owners may first notice weak acceleration, engine vibration, a no-start or a check engine light; the loss of motive power increases the risk of a crash. The Nautilus is one of several 2025 Ford and Lincoln models in this single campaign, which totals 47,804 vehicles across all of them combined.

Owners of 2019–2020 Nautilus SUVs with the panoramic Vista Roof report water getting inside after rain, including soaked rear floors, water in the spare-tire well and water dripping over the dash. Clogged sunroof drain tubes are the cause owners and dealers name; one owner reports nine unsuccessful repair visits. The linked threads include owners of both 2019 and 2020 models. No Lincoln bulletin or recall for this was found.

Some Nautilus SUVs may have a power liftgate that will not open from either switch, sometimes with code U3000:49 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). Ford's special service messages attribute it to RGTM software. Ford SSM 50071 covers 2019–2021 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs with a power liftgate; SSM 50394 covers 2019–2020 vehicles built on or before December 3, 2020 whose liftgate will not unlatch after a second attempt. The messages also cover the Ford Edge.

Some Nautilus SUVs with SYNC 3 may have a frozen, unresponsive touchscreen, slow or lagging response, lost Bluetooth pairing, an echo or robotic voice on Bluetooth calls, or other SYNC concerns. Ford says these may be due to the SYNC software. Applies to: 2019–2020 Lincoln Nautilus with SYNC 3 and at least one of the concerns listed in bulletin 24-2182 (the bulletin covers many Ford and Lincoln models).

Owners of the redesigned 2024-and-later Nautilus report a loud groan, grunt, or grinding noise from the front brakes as the vehicle comes to a complete stop, more pronounced in cooler temperatures and often fading once the brakes warm. Ford service message SSM 52556 ('Grunt Noise From Front Brakes During Initial Brake Applications') acknowledged it on 2024 models; SSM 54264 extended it to 2025, and bulletin 26-2018 addresses it by replacing the front and rear brake discs and front pads. Under SSM 54264, cars built on or before 13-Jun-2024 first received revised front rotors, and many early-2024 owners reported rotors on nationwide backorder.