Last updated: 2026-07-26
2022 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Report
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 8 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
8
Complaint Rate
3.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (3)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
- Year 4 in the First generation (U540) (2019–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Nautilus (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2019: First generation (U540) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus?
At 73/100, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
Owners log 8 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to structure (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, which scored the same. See also the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −STRUCTURE: Issues with the structural integrity of the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, specifically... (3 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (3 complaints)
Compare 2022 Lincoln Nautilus With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (3)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Lincoln Nautilus Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
Consequence
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2022 Lincoln Nautilus? Check its history first
Every 2022 Lincoln Nautilus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Lincoln Nautilus NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln NautilusRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus.
Inspect front door hinges and check strap areas for cracks or tears
Test transmission for jerking or sputtering at low speeds (10-60 MPH)
Verify if the vehicle VIN is included in any Customer Satisfaction Programs for structural issues
Check battery health and electrical system for frequent battery replacements
Test for delays in gear shifting and listen for clunking sounds when changing gears
2022 Lincoln Nautilus Common Problems by Component
8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the structural integrity of the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, specifically concerning the front doors. Complaints frequently mention cracking and failing spot welds around the door hinges and check strap areas. One owner describes a significant crack in the driver's door, while another notes a 4-inch tear around broken spot welds. These issues raise potential safety concerns, as they could affect door performance in a crash. There is no specific mileage range mentioned, but one complaint references a Customer Satisfaction Program covering similar issues for models from 2022 to 2024. Buyers should be aware that some vehicles may not be covered by this program, even if they exhibit similar symptoms.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus frequently report issues with the transmission, particularly jerking and sputtering at speeds between 10-60 MPH. Complaints often describe delays in shifting, clunking sounds, and vehicles failing to shift into gear, with some reports of the vehicle slipping out of gear and losing power while driving. These problems are sometimes associated with the 8F35 transmission, which is also used in earlier models subject to a class action lawsuit. The reported issues occur at varying mileages, with one instance noted at approximately 149,200 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of power while driving, although no crashes or fires are mentioned.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintGood afternoon, I am an owner of a 2002 Lincoln Nautilus. I wanted to report an electrical/battery issue with the vehicle that started a year and a half ago. In the past year and a half I have had 2 battery replacements with the most recent one being changed end of December of 2025 and in early March the battery went again so it's not even 3 months that it lasted. The battery completely dies and each time I have to jump start it in order to have a vehicle to work or take my kids places. As a single mom I do not want to put my safety or my kids safety at risk if I get stranded somewhere at night time with no means of getting it jump started. Upon reading some reviews online, I have noticed a lot of Lincoln owners especially the years of 2022-2023 have complained and reported the same issues with dealerships just changing out their batteries and not looking for the deep problem. I have dropped off the car at the dealership and they do not what's causing the issue. My car warranty has 300 miles left and they told me after my bumper to bumper expires there is not much they can do to cover it. I was wondering if this was ever reported or has there been previous recalls on it. Thank you very much for your time.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintSubmitted by: [XXX] Dealership: Joe Rizza Ford of Orland Park Vehicle: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus VIN: [XXX] Date: 04/04/25 Overview: Vehicle VIN [XXX] has shown persistent signs of remote system manipulation, unauthorized firmware behavior, and OTA event spoofing. These symptoms have manifested in repeated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) across key modules, backdated OTA logging activity, and anomalous file sizes inconsistent with Ford’s documented OTA campaigns. Additionally, the vehicle owner has experienced personal harm attributed to the manipulation: numbness in the back, significant financial and mental distress, and deterioration in relationships with family members, which all correlate with the suspected interference and systemic issues. Key Findings: RFA (Remote Function Actuator) Module Behavior: Repeated DTCs across antennas #2, #3, #4, #6, #8, #11, and #12. Frequent B1B59:87 (BLE Low Energy Module fault) — indicates repeated Bluetooth stack failure or interference. U200F:00 Control Module Output Power C faults consistently recorded. GWM (Gateway Module A) and TCU (Telematics Control Unit) Logs: Software package inconsistencies including large firmware blocks (176 MB to 764 MB). Mismatched "Current Software" vs. "Available Software" versions. Cloud/server-pushed updates logged without dealership-initiated campaign. Confirmed campaign expired for firmware block logged on January 27, 2025, raising further questions on the legitimacy of update triggers. OTAM (Over-The-Air Manager) Log Red Flags: Entries showing timestamps such as January 3, 2000 and January 1, 2018. Consent flags spoofed: "sourceOfConsent='User(1)'" Trigger expiration hours preset to "336" (14-day OTA window, commonly used in timed malware execution) Absence of release notes or authorized campaign identifiers. Pattern Confirmation: Activity spikes on: [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When Do 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2026
2023
2022
(Current Model)
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus?
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus have?
Is the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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