Last updated: 2026-07-26
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Report
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 6 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
6
Complaint Rate
2.5per 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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- STEERING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the First generation (U540).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2021).
- 1st generation Nautilus (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2019: First generation (U540) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the First generation (U540).
Should You Buy the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
At 73/100, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is the last model year of the First generation (U540).
Owners log 6 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 electrical system (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Two primary issues with the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus related to the electrical... (2 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (2 complaints)
Compare 2023 Lincoln Nautilus With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.3
Safety Incidents
1
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.
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 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.
SUSPENSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, and/or stabilizer bar end links.
Consequence
A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S32.
CHILD SEAT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence
A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
Buying a used 2023 Lincoln Nautilus? Check its history first
Every 2023 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
2023 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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus.
Test steering column for unintended movement during driving
Check rear view camera for delayed activation on startup
Verify backup camera displays real-time visuals when reversing
Inspect infotainment system for screen freezing or going blank
Ensure vehicle does not unexpectedly shift from drive to neutral
Test brakes for grinding noise and proper emergency braking function
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Common Problems by Component
6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus related to the electrical system. The first issue involves the rear view camera intermittently failing to activate immediately upon starting the vehicle, with a delay of 45-60 seconds before it reboots, occurring approximately once every two weeks. The second issue is more severe, with one owner experiencing the vehicle unexpectedly shifting from drive to neutral while accelerating, accompanied by the check engine light and multiple error messages on the display. This incident left the vehicle unable to shift out of neutral, requiring a tow, and was associated with a clicking noise and a burning smell from the engine. Safety implications are present in the second issue, as the unexpected shift to neutral occurred while merging on a highway, posing a potential risk for loss of control. These issues are reported at low mileage, within the first month of ownership.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus report issues with the vehicle's infotainment system, particularly concerning the backup camera and GPS functionality. Complaints frequently mention the backup camera freezing on a single frame, failing to display real-time visuals, which poses a risk when reversing in areas with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Additionally, the entire infotainment screen sometimes goes blank, displaying a black or blue screen. Another issue involves the GPS when connected to Apple CarPlay, where the navigation system becomes unreliable and fails to track the vehicle's location accurately, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges, and no solutions have been identified by service centers according to the owners.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-relatedDuring an emergency break, when applying full force to the break, and the vehicle is traveling at 20 or less mph, the vehicle cannot come to a full stop. Automatic Emergency Braking and pre-collision warning failed to engage. When pressing the break with full force, loud noise of all the break pads grinding can be heard. Under the same condition, pre-collision warning would sometimes be activated and sometimes doesn't. When using the car's auto parking feature, multiple sensors would have delayed warnings, and the car will not break when getting dangerously close to objects. The vehicle has been examed multiple times by the dealer regarding increased break distance and occasion grinding noise when breaking (regardless of the speed), no problem was found and the vehicle is therefore determined to be safe to drive.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintMy 2023 Nautilus is currently at the dealership I purchased from.Shults Lincoln. Steering column, tilt and telescopic adjustments. While driving vehicle the tilt and telescopic moves on its on. This has happened mulitudes of times. The most danderous event occured while my wife was driving and the telescopic feature pinned my wife in the seat. She had no control of steering the vehicle when the this happened. She was in a S turn and it could of been a bad accident, thank God there was no oncoming traffic. She had no control of steering when it telescoped all the way out. She came ever so close of rolling the vehicle. Yesterday 8/16/2023 it happened at the dealership with the salesman and service manager driving the vehicle. This was at the dealership where I purchsed. On 8/14/23 it had a new top steering column cover replaced at Family Ford/Lincoln dealership. They are in Marietta Ohio. I purchased at Shults Lincoln in Wexford PA.. There is no warning lights or caution before this steering column moves on its own. This has been going on sine July 20, 2023. Within the last week the battery has drained completely on 3 different times. 1500 miles registered and I had to jump start the vehicle. Shults Lincoln picked up the vehicle yesterday. This problem is going to get someone seriouly hurt. Its happened well over a dozen times. Its done it twice in one drive.
When Do 2023 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
(Current Model)
2022
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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
How many recalls does the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have?
Is the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 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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