2021 Lincoln Nautilus Problems: 5 Known Issues
2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2.7L Nano EcoBoost intake valves fracture (Silchrome Lite) causing sudden engine failure. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The Lane Center Assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Lincoln Nautilus problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: 2.7L Nano EcoBoost intake valves fracture (Silchrome Lite) causing sudden engine failure, Ticking or rattle for a few seconds on cold start, 2.7L EcoBoost — bulletin 23-2356, Shudder, buck or jerk, 8F35 automatic — bulletins 21-2389 and 25-2154. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.7L Nano EcoBoost intake valves fracture (Silchrome Lite) causing sudden engine failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L Nano EcoBoost intake valves fracture (Silchrome Lite) causing sudden engine failure?
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. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus Ticking or rattle for a few seconds on cold start, 2.7L EcoBoost — bulletin 23-2356?
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. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus Shudder, buck or jerk, 8F35 automatic — bulletins 21-2389 and 25-2154?
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 asse… Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2022 Lincoln Nautilus Auto Start-Stop stops working, often due to a low 12-volt battery charge (owner reports)?
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… Severity: low.
What is the 2019-2021 Lincoln Nautilus Power liftgate will not open from the switches (rear gate module software)?
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… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.