How soon are you looking to buy a Lincoln Nautilus?

Within a week

Within a month

Within 90 days

*This will help us personalize your experience.

Great News: We found some top-ranked Lincoln Nautiluss near you

The Lincoln Nautilus Years To Avoid

in Avoid
Black Lincoln Nautilus in a neighborhood

Lincoln Nautilus by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Lincoln Nautilus, a luxury crossover SUV, is no doubt a captivating vehicle that offers a blend of high-end features and a comfortable driving experience. However, like any car model, some years have presented more problems than others. So, as a potential buyer, understanding the Lincoln Nautilus years to avoid can give you a significant edge while hunting for used options.

The Lincoln Nautilus, introduced to the automotive world in 2019 as a rebranded Lincoln MKX, carries forward Lincoln’s legacy of producing luxurious and powerful vehicles. This article dives into the specific years that might give you more trouble and discusses the common problems faced by Nautilus owners, hence equipping you with valuable insights about what to anticipate.

Lincoln Nautilus Years To Avoid

If you’re considering purchasing a Lincoln Nautilus, it’s crucial to be aware of the model years that have been reported to have more issues than others.

  • 2016 Lincoln Nautilus
  • 2017 Lincoln Nautilus
  • 2018 Lincoln Nautilus

While these years have had more reported problems, it’s important to note that not every vehicle from these years will experience these issues. Many factors, including how the vehicle has been maintained and how it was driven, can impact the reliability of a used car. However, these are the Lincoln Nautilus model years that statistically are more prone to problems and should be approached with caution.


NOT JUST FOR CAR SHOPPING

The CoPilot app isn’t just for buying a car - our new CoPilot for Owning tool will help you keep track of recalls and gives you advice on which scheduled maintenance tasks are most important.


What Was The Worst Year For The Lincoln Nautilus?

When it comes to pinpointing the worst year for the Lincoln Nautilus, motorandwheels.com lists the 2019 model year as being singled out by owners as the worst. Launched as a rebranded version of the Lincoln MKX, the 2019 Nautilus had a few teething issues that left some owners with a less-than-satisfactory experience.

  • Faulty Transmission: The most common problem with the 2019 Nautilus was the transmission system. Owners reported issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission, including hard shifting and unresponsive acceleration.
  • Infotainment System Issues: Another problematic area was the infotainment system. Glitches and freezing screens were not uncommon, which added to the frustration of the owners.

Best Lincoln Nautilus Years

Contrary to the problems of the 2019 model, the 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Nautilus years stand out as the most reliable in the model’s short history. The 2020 Nautilus resolved many of the 2019 model’s issues and offered refined performance and better reliability

  1. 2020 Lincoln Nautilus: The 2020 Nautilus saw improvements in the transmission, leading to smoother acceleration and overall better performance. The infotainment system also received updates that fixed the earlier glitches and freezes.
  2. 2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Following the positive response to the 2020 Nautilus, the 2021 model continued the upward trend. With fewer complaints lodged by owners and continued improvements in features and performance, the 2021 Nautilus is a solid choice for used car buyers.

Please remember that while these are general trends, individual car experiences can vary based on factors like maintenance and usage patterns. Always have a trusted mechanic inspect any used vehicle before purchase.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE LINCOLN NAUTILUS

This article delves into which years of the used Lincoln Nautilus are seen as the most reliable, based on data from various sources and user reports.


How Many Miles Does a Lincoln Nautilus Last?

The longevity of a Lincoln Nautilus greatly depends on factors like routine maintenance, driving habits, and the vehicle’s overall care. However, with proper maintenance and care, Lincoln Nautilus can easily exceed 200,000 miles, as is common with most Lincoln vehicles.

According to Consumer Reports, many Lincoln owners have reported their vehicles surpassing the 200,000-mile mark without significant issues. This is thanks to Lincoln’s robust engineering and dedication to quality in both mechanical and electronic components. The brand’s focus on crafting vehicles that stand the test of time is evident in the Nautilus.

It’s worth noting that regular service, timely oil changes, tire rotations, and addressing minor issues promptly are vital to achieving this mileage. Following the recommended service intervals in the owner’s manual can significantly contribute to the lifespan of your Lincoln Nautilus. Thus, investing in its care can lead to high mileage and many years of reliable service.


THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET

Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. 


Common Issues With the Lincoln Nautilus 

While the Lincoln Nautilus is generally reliable, it does come with some recurring issues across various model years. The 2019 model year, in particular, had its share of complaints. RepairPal reports the following as the most common:

  • Transmission Problems: The most common issue reported by 2019 Nautilus owners involves the vehicle’s transmission. Symptoms include jerky shifting, unexpected stalling, and, in severe cases, complete transmission failure.
  • Electronic Troubles: Some owners have noted problems with the Nautilus’s infotainment system, including lagging response times, system crashes, and difficulties with navigation features.
  • Interior Concerns: There have been occasional reports about the quality of the interior components. Some drivers have mentioned that certain interior parts appear less durable and show early signs of wear.

Lincoln has acknowledged these issues and, in many instances, issued recalls or offered solutions to mitigate these concerns. Despite these issues, many drivers appreciate the Nautilus’s overall performance and luxury features.


THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000

We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten. 


How Reliable Is The Lincoln Nautilus

When it comes to reliability, the Lincoln Nautilus stands tall among its peers. According to reports by J.D. Power, the Lincoln Nautilus has consistently received high-reliability ratings, a testament to Lincoln’s commitment to quality and durability. 

Key aspects such as the vehicle’s performance, interior, and safety features have received positive reviews. However, it’s worth noting that like any vehicle, certain model years may have specific issues. Despite this, the Lincoln Nautilus continues to offer commendable reliability, making it a wise choice for those seeking a durable and luxurious midsize SUV.

Final Thoughts

The Lincoln Nautilus is a comfortable, well-performing luxury SUV with a reputation for reliability. While certain model years have faced issues, most notably the 2019 model with its transmission concerns, it’s essential to weigh these against the vehicle’s numerous strengths. When properly maintained, a Lincoln Nautilus can provide a long-lasting driving experience that combines luxury and performance. 

As with any used vehicle purchase, potential buyers should prioritize models with full-service histories and consider getting a pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind. The Lincoln Nautilus, when chosen wisely, can be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for years to come.



Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.