Model year guide

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Lincoln Nautilus at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints17
Combined21–23 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus recalls 2

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical NHTSA Campaign #24V635000 · 23/08/2024

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.

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.

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #25V315000 · 09/05/2025

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.

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 safet…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus common problems

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus MPG & running costs

Combined21–23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,020
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S8) or Automatic 8-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,100 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,100
Fuel only$15,100
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus trims & engines on record

Trims
Reserve
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl

2021 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles on record

2021 Lincoln Nautilus 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve2LMPJ8KP0MBL13025

Other Lincoln Nautilus model years

2020 2019

2021 Lincoln Nautilus — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus get?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.