RoadVitals

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
96
Latest Jul 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical3027.3%
  • Engine1513.6%
  • Steering76.4%
  • Seat belts54.5%
  • Fuel system43.6%
  • Other / unspecified32.7%
  • Airbags21.8%
  • Brakes21.8%
  • Exterior lighting21.8%
  • Body & structure10.9%
  • Suspension10.9%
  • Tires & wheels10.9%
  • Visibility10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driving abnormally rough and sluggish. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed telematic control unit. The contact was informed that the telematics control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no available appointments for the next three months. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ID 11747481 · filed Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument cluster intermittently blinked and flickered. The "Adaptive Steering Fault" warning message was displayed, and the steering wheel became misaligned. Additionally, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, and the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID 11742975 · filed Jun 9, 2026
All 30 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2019 Lincoln Nautilus shudders between 20 to 45 MPH. We’ve had everything done from oil change, tire rotation, to Front end alignment to tune up. Only one mechanic suggested that there’s a bulletin about a torque. I don’t remember the bulletin #. He expressed that Ford knows about it but won’t service its customers. I called Planet Lincoln and the service guy acknowledged the bulletin and mentioned others who have had the same issue. They would diagnose for 135.00. When asked about estimates. He said without knowing the problem he really couldn’t but did say that having to replace torque/ transmission can run anywhere from 2800 to over 8-10,000.

NHTSA ID 11752234 · filed Jul 22, 2026

Transmission shutter at 25 to 45 mph. Known issue with the Transmission. Ford has mechanic memos stating the exact issue my car is experiencing. Took it to the dealer ship, got charged $250 to get told I need a transmission replacement and torque converter for $8000. little over 1 year out of warranty car only has 48,000 miles on it. worried the transmission going to go out causing a safety issue while I figure out what to do to get it fixed

NHTSA ID 11747333 · filed Jun 30, 2026
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Known structural defect Coolant intrusion into cylinder bores TSB 22-2229 Blown head gasket

NHTSA ID 11747915 · filed Jul 2, 2026

The engine stalls and shuts down every time the car is stopped. This car has had so many problems and Lincoln has been unresponsive to the multitude of major safety problems

NHTSA ID 11745007 · filed Jun 18, 2026
All 15 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While in cruise control with lane assist on the car slowed down immediately with no cars or any obstacles around. This has happened three times. I’m at the point where I don’t trust it.

NHTSA ID 11683728 · filed Aug 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. While the contact's father was driving approximately 25-40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission shifted hard, and the vehicle shuddered and jerked abnormally while driving. The contact stated the failure had occurred while her father was driving at a slow speed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11663093 · filed May 27, 2025
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was an audible chime with the power steering message flashing on the instrument panel before the steering wheel seized for several seconds. Despite the failure, the vehicle resumed normal operation soon after the temporary failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that a low battery voltage might have caused the power steering failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the battery was tested. The dealer determined that there was no fault found with the battery. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID 11725548 · filed Mar 19, 2026

Adaptive Steering Fault Service Required - This warning came on while I was driving down the road. The steering wheel automatically went from a center position to the left like I was making a left turn. The vehicle continued going straight with the steering wheel in the left position. Needless to say, It was very alarming when this happened. I drove home and made an appointent for service. The next day the fault code was off and steering was normal but I still brought it to my Lincoln dealership for service and they said a module in the steering column is faulty. In Fords/Lincoln design you cannot just replace the module, you need to replace the entire steering column at a price of $5000.00 (part 3600.00, labor 1400.00). I did find on the interweb that this has been a problem with Ford trucks and a few other Naultilus owners have reported this problem.

NHTSA ID 11700438 · filed Nov 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that the front driver's-side seat belt was stuck and failed to extend as needed. The contact used excessive force to extend the seat belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11744490 · filed Jun 16, 2026

Both rear sealbelts stopped retracting. They both quit working within 2 days of each other. I did schedule an apt and take to dealership who stayed there was no recall for issue and it would be out of pocket. Suggested I contact NHTSA

NHTSA ID 11688179 · filed Sep 18, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Jerks and stutters 3 months after I bought the car.

NHTSA ID 11686711 · filed Sep 11, 2025

We have already had major repairs to this vehicle. Replaced head gasket and torque converter with only 60,938 miles. Fortunately we caught those under warranty but had to spend $1043.28 on a purge valve replacement at 67,795 miles. Lincoln sold us on service and reliability but moved out of the Calallen area shortly after we purchased the vehicle and left us without a loaner vehicle at any of the local Ford dealerships. Closest Lincoln dealership is in San Antonio 2 hrs away. Currently, we have sluggish acceleration with the check engine light code - P0401 - indicating a problem with the EGR valve. We replaced EGR valve and cleared the check engine light but sluggish acceleration remains. We no longer have the time or money to put into this poorly manufactured vehicle as we need this vehicle for transportation to work.

NHTSA ID 11675433 · filed Jul 22, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11617817 · filed Oct 3, 2024

Reported to Lincoln over a year ago about DEATH WOBBLE on this vehicle. Have taken to 3 dealerships to have checked out and have not found anything. BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENNING. Have suggested to have an engineer from the company to ride along. Not happening. The keep closing the case. September of last year we were driving through Richmond, Virginia on our way to Florida and, it went into the DEATH WOBBLE at 65mph. Shook so bad it snapped my front hitch system and could not tow the car and had to be trailer towed to a dealership. There are other reports out there on the web of other people having the same issue. Was told at one point it could be my equipment. After it broke my system last September and almost lost the car, my insurance company paid to have car repaired and installed a NEW Blue Ox system and it did it again. This time at slower speed and I was able to control. Told ALL DEALERSHIPS AND LINCOLN howitzer is happening and steering is not going back to zero after I make a turn or hit a bump. No reaction. One dealership told me I should not be towing that car, but the car is set up to be towed, according to owners manual. Repair documentation is with Lincoln and insurance company, with all reports. Have a date of September of last year because that was the big one, but started August of 2023, March of 2024, August of 2024 2 times. Each time reported to Lincoln and taken to shop. Could have been a serious accident if I didn't control the motorhome and car.

NHTSA ID 11615684 · filed Sep 20, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side air bag unexpectedly deployed, and the blind spot and cross-traffic system fault messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted, and no medical attention was required. The contact’s spouse’s arm was struck by the air bag, and the contact stated that both occupants were shaken up by the failure. The contact stated that following the failure, the windows, heating system, and radio became inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11699939 · filed Nov 17, 2025

Was slowly entering my garage when there was a sudden acceleration. Put on brake but not before my car went thru the back garage wall and fell about four feet down before hitting the patio floor. It traveled across the patio and went over some furniture on the deck. The air bag never went off. The transmission had been very temperamental before this happened. I was not injured but could have caused a real issue had I been in traffic. I love the car but I personally will not drive it again. It is a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus.

NHTSA ID 11591702 · filed May 31, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Complete loss of brakes while driving. thankfully it was very soon after leaving home. Brake pedal was extremely stiff, and the brakes would not work. Upon investigation it was found the camshaft coupler screw broke inside the camshaft and the vacuume pump had failed. This is an extremely dangerous design due to 0 warning lights on dash, and no prior warnings. Just a complete loss of brakes abruptly.

NHTSA ID 11582279 · filed Apr 11, 2024

I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE, OF A MULTI-LANE INTERSTATE. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON. THERE WAS A STANDARD-SIZED DUMP TRUCK IN THE LANE NEXT TO MINE, UP AHEAD. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT, WITH ONLY A SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME FOR AT LEAST A HALF OF A MILE OR MORE, AND ALL TRAFFIC WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. AS I PASSED THE TRUCK, THE CAR SUDDENLY JAMMED ON THE BRAKES. I'M NOT SURE, BUT I EITHER INSTINCTIVELY HIT CANCEL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL, OR I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. EITHER WAY, IT ARRESTED THE HARD BRAKING SITUATION. I NOTICED THAT THE SUN WAS AT MY 2 O'CLOCK POSITION, AND AS I BEGAN TO PASS THE DUMP TRUCK, ITS' SHADOW WAS THROWN ONTO MY VEHICLE. I'M SURMISING THAT PERHAPS THE COMPUTER THOUGHT THE SHADOW WAS AN OBJECT AND TOOK ACTION. REGARDLESS, THIS WAS AN ENORMOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE CLOSE BEHIND ME, IT WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY RESULTED IN A MASSIVE ACCIDENT. IF THIS CAR CONTAINS AN EVENT RECORDER, I WOULD BE HAPPY FOR YOU OR LINCOLN TO DOWNLOAD THE DATA. I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE "SAFETY" FEATURES OF THIS CAR, PARTICULARLY THE ACTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM / COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM. I HAVE NOTICED IN THE PAST, THAT IT WILL JAM ON THE BRAKES AS IT'S COMING AROUND A CURVE ON A MULTI LANE ROAD, WHEN IT DOESN'T "SEE" THAT THE CAR AHEAD OF ME, IS ACTUALLY IN ANOTHER LANE. I HAD LEARNED TO ANTICIPATE THAT BEHAVIOR, BUT NOT THE BEHAVIOR EXPERIENCED YESTERDAY, WITH THE ALL-OUT PANIC BRAKE. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP INVESTIGATE THIS INCIDENT, PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP.

NHTSA ID 11374125 · filed Nov 11, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water has entered a headlight and has caused the turn signal, DRL and headlight functions to fail intermittently. Ford/Lincoln has inspected and acknowledge the defect, and it is covered under warranty. However, they have not and do not admit to having a replacement headlight available. They do have headlight assemblies available for new car production and choose to use the new assemblies for new car production but have not set aside a headlight to honor my warranty claim in over 2 months. This is a significant safety issue for me and my family.

NHTSA ID 11457250 · filed Mar 18, 2022

HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS DURING THE NIGHT WHEN IN AUTO MODE WILL FLASH THE HIGH BEAMS WITHOUT INDICATION ON THE DASH. THE FLASHING LIGHTS CAUSE DISTRACTIONS ON THE ROADS WHILE DRIVING, BLINDING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND SIGNALING OTHER DRIVERS. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE AUTO HIGH BEAM FEATURE BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FLASHING WHEN TRAFFIC IS PRESENT IN WELL LIT AREAS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND HAS BEEN ADDRESS WITH LINCOLN WHO HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. VEHICLE LIGHTING IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A DEADLY ACCIDENT ON THE ROADS. IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS "FOG" COULD BLIND THE DRIVER OR OTHER DRIVERS AND CAUSE A CRASH. THERE HAS BEEN OTHER LINCOLN NAUTILUS BROUGHT IN FOR THE SAME ISSUES AND WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT IT IS OUR VISION AND NOT THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A RECORDING OF THE VEHICLE IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FLASHING THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS IN WELL LIT CONDITIONS WITH TRAFFIC. THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD LESS THAN 1K MILES ON IT AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. I WAS ALSO FLAGGED BY POLICE FOR FLASHING LIGHTS AND LINCOLN TOLD ME THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO LET THE OFFICER KNOW THAT I HAD IT SERVICED. IF I CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I WILL FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND/OR LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY.

NHTSA ID 11175168 · filed Feb 8, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, there was water leaking into the vehicle through the moonroof. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the moonroof drains, and informed the contact that the drains were clogged. The vehicle was repaired in April 2023, but the failure reoccurred in April 2025. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the moonroof drains were clogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11661446 · filed May 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Reported to Lincoln over a year ago about DEATH WOBBLE on this vehicle. Have taken to 3 dealerships to have checked out and have not found anything. BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENNING. Have suggested to have an engineer from the company to ride along. Not happening. The keep closing the case. September of last year we were driving through Richmond, Virginia on our way to Florida and, it went into the DEATH WOBBLE at 65mph. Shook so bad it snapped my front hitch system and could not tow the car and had to be trailer towed to a dealership. There are other reports out there on the web of other people having the same issue. Was told at one point it could be my equipment. After it broke my system last September and almost lost the car, my insurance company paid to have car repaired and installed a NEW Blue Ox system and it did it again. This time at slower speed and I was able to control. Told ALL DEALERSHIPS AND LINCOLN howitzer is happening and steering is not going back to zero after I make a turn or hit a bump. No reaction. One dealership told me I should not be towing that car, but the car is set up to be towed, according to owners manual. Repair documentation is with Lincoln and insurance company, with all reports. Have a date of September of last year because that was the big one, but started August of 2023, March of 2024, August of 2024 2 times. Each time reported to Lincoln and taken to shop. Could have been a serious accident if I didn't control the motorhome and car.

NHTSA ID 11615684 · filed Sep 20, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Tire size 265/40 R 21. I had 2 tires fail with sidewall breaks on this car, which was purchased on 8/23/2019. These were the original tires that came with the car. First sidewall problem occurred on 3/25/2021 when the car had only 6,700 miles on it. That tire was replaced. Tires were maintained and rotated as recommended by dealer. Then on 10/12/2021 when the car had 9,234 miles on it a second original tire cracked on the sidewall near the rim. Two tires failed in the same way in under 10,000 miles. Continental refuses to pro-rate the cost of the new tires or take any responsibility. I have since replaced all 4 tires with a different brand. Since Contintental has a record of recalling tires for sidewall defects in the manufacturing process, and I have no recollection of damaging the tires while on the road, I believe them to be defective.

NHTSA ID 11455234 · filed Mar 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, PARTLY CLOUDY DAY, 70-75 F. HEARD CRACKING SOUND, LIKE CRUMPLING ALUMINUM FOIL FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE A LOUD EXPLOSION OF OVERHEAD TEMPERED GLASS SUNROOF AND GLASS FALLING DOWN ON US. NOT AWARE OF ANY ROAD DEBRIS HITTING CAR OR WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO INCIDENT. HEARD NO OBJECT HIT SUNROOF BEFORE GLASS CRACKING SOUND. NO EVIDENCE AFTERWARDS OF ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGE TO ANY CAR SURFACES OR WINDSHIELD. CAUSE OF FAILURE MAY BE LARGE SIZE OF HIGHLY STRESSED TEMPERED GLASS IN CONJUNCTION WITH RIGIDITY/FLEXIBILITY OF SURROUNDING SUPPORT STRUCTURE, INTERNAL DEFECT, OR EDGE FLAW. *TR

NHTSA ID 11329382 · filed Jun 17, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .