Last updated: 2026-07-26
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability by Year
The Lincoln Nautilus averages 72/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Overview
The Lincoln Nautilus, covering model years 2019 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability rating. Common issues reported by owners include power train and electrical system problems, with significant improvements in complaint rates over the years, dropping from 30.3 complaints per 10,000 sold in 2019 to 2.5 in 2023. The vehicle is best suited for those who prioritize safety, as all models consistently receive 5-star NHTSA safety ratings, though potential buyers should be aware of recurring power train concerns, particularly in earlier models.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2024–present).
Best & Worst Lincoln Nautilus Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lincoln Nautilus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lincoln Nautilus year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (73/100) and 2022 (73/100).
Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid
The worst Lincoln Nautilus year is 2019 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to power train (25) issues.
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Score Trend
Lincoln Nautilus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Lincoln Nautilus
0 recalls · 7 complaints
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Service Brakes (1), Visibility Wiper (1).
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
6 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (4), Lane Departure (3), Back Over Prevention (2).
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
7 recalls · 19 complaints
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Visibility (2), Structure (2).
2023 Lincoln Nautilus
3 recalls · 6 complaints
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Service Brakes (1).
2022 Lincoln Nautilus
2 recalls · 8 complaints
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (3), Power Train (3), Electrical System (1).
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
2 recalls · 18 complaints
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (7), Structure (3), Electrical System (2).
2020 Lincoln Nautilus
5 recalls · 32 complaints
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (15), Wheels (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
8 recalls · 96 complaints
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 96 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (25), Electrical System (24), Unknown Or Other (10).
Found Your Lincoln Nautilus? Check Its History
Every Lincoln Nautilus has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Lincoln Nautilus Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Lincoln Models
Compare all Lincoln models by reliability
Compare Lincoln Nautilus With Similar SUVs
The Lincoln Nautilus competes with other midsize suvs such as Cadillac XT6, and Dodge Journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
- The Lincoln Nautilus has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Lincoln Nautilus?
- The best year for the Lincoln Nautilus is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Lincoln Nautilusanalysis →
- What are the Lincoln Nautilus years to avoid?
- The Lincoln Nautilus years to avoid include 2019 (62/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Lincoln Nautilus?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Lincoln Nautilus. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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