Last updated: 2026-07-26

Lincoln Nautilus

1 Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lincoln Nautilus average of 72/100

The Lincoln Nautilus years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best Lincoln Nautilus year to buy is 2026 82/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus scores significantly below the model average of 72/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 62/100 due to power train (25) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 73/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Lincoln Nautilus Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Lincoln Nautilus average of 72/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201962/100Good896Power Train (25)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

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).

8 recalls96 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (25), Electrical System (24), Unknown Or Other (10), Engine (8), Steering (7), Seat Belts (5)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Lincoln Nautilus Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lincoln Nautilus model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

50 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

34 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

25 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2023

STEERING

9 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION

8 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

STRUCTURE

8 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

Best Lincoln Nautilus Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

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).

Score: 73/100 (Good)2 recalls18 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Lincoln Nautilus year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lincoln Nautilus Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2019–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lincoln Nautilus years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Lincoln Nautilus years: 2019 (score: 62/100). These model years score significantly below the Lincoln Nautilus average of 72/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lincoln Nautilus have?
Across all years in our database, the Lincoln Nautilus has a total of 33 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lincoln Nautilus worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lincoln Nautilus problems?
The most common Lincoln Nautilus problems are power train (50 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), unknown or other (25 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable long-term?
The Lincoln Nautilus has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lincoln Nautilus generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lincoln Nautilus generation is the Second generation (CDX707) with an average score of 75/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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