Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Report
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus rates good for reliability, but one owner reported the transmission slipping into neutral on a highway.
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
Final year of the first generation, rated good and above average among 2023 SUVs, with three recalls and one report of the transmission shifting into neutral.
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?
Reliability is good for this final year of the first generation. It rates above average among 2023 SUVs and lands in the middle of the eight scored Nautilus years. The 2022 and 2024 model years also rate good, so reliability alone does not separate the three. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 6 complaints, and the ones that matter involve the electrical system. One describes the rear camera staying black for 45 to 60 seconds after startup, then the screen appears to reboot. The more serious report says the transmission shifted itself from drive into neutral while accelerating on a highway. A check engine light and warning messages followed, and the driver could not get back into drive or park. The car had to coast to the shoulder. The brakes kept working, but losing power in traffic is a real risk. Neither report gives mileage. One of the six complaints is crash-related.
Federal recall records show 3 recalls, covering back over prevention, suspension, and child seat. Ask the seller for proof that each one was completed. During a test drive, watch the rear camera at startup and pay attention to how the transmission shifts.
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: Rear camera sometimes stays black for 45 to 60 seconds after startup, then the... (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
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- 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.
Start the car several times and confirm the rear camera comes on right away instead of staying black.
Reverse slowly while someone walks behind the car and confirm the camera shows live movement, not a frozen frame.
Use the infotainment screen through the whole test drive and watch for black or blue screens or reboots.
Connect Apple CarPlay, start navigation, and check that the map tracks the car without jumping directions.
Accelerate up a highway on-ramp and watch for an unexpected shift into neutral or a check engine light.
Ask for dealer records of camera, screen, or transmission complaints and whether any repair fixed them.
Have a shop read stored trouble codes before you buy, even if no warning light is on.
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Common Problems by Component
6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe rear camera sometimes stays black for 45 to 60 seconds after startup, then the screen appears to reboot. The more serious report involves the transmission shifting itself from drive into neutral while accelerating on a highway. A check engine light and a string of warning messages follow, and the driver can't get back into drive or into park. The car has to coast to the shoulder. That is a loss-of-power risk in traffic, though the brakes keep working. Only 2 complaints are on file, and they give no mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe backup camera freezes on a single still frame while reversing, so people or cars moving behind the vehicle don't show on screen. That is a real hazard in busy parking lots. The whole infotainment screen can also go black or blue, and repeated dealer visits have not found a fix. In a separate complaint, GPS through Apple CarPlay on the SYNC 4.0 system loses track of the car and changes directions within seconds. That distracts the driver on unfamiliar routes. Neither of the 2 complaints gives a mileage.
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.
Best & Worst Lincoln Nautilus Years
Best Lincoln Nautilus Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2023
(Current Model)
2022
2021
Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid
Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Score Trend
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?
Does the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have transmission problems?
What recalls apply to the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
Is the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus better than the 2022 or 2024?
Don’t buy a 2023 Lincoln Nautilus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus does best on recall impact (75/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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