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2019 Lincoln Nautilus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Nautilus years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 21.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

39 reports with mileage · 63 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Steering complaints

8 reports
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98,222 miles · Sep 2, 2026
SteeringVisibility

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. After several days of rain, there was moisture inside the vehicle. The contact detected a foul odor and discovered water on the floorboard. A box in the rear of the vehicle was covered in water, and the inside front windshield was foggy, but the contact was unable to determine how the wa…

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The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. After several days of rain, there was moisture inside the vehicle. The contact detected a foul odor and discovered water on the floorboard. A box in the rear of the vehicle was covered in water, and the inside front windshield was foggy, but the contact was unable to determine how the water had entered the vehicle. Later, while driving approximately 45-55 MPH in the rain, there was limited visibility, and the vehicle slid from left to right. The contact was unable to control the vehicle after the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The steering warning light illuminated, and the message "Steering System Failure Do Not Drive" was displayed. The contact arrived at the destination, but while restarting the vehicle, the messages "Advance Traction Assist," "Advance Hill," and "Lane Assist" were displayed, and the steering, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the steering column control module had failed and that the steering assembly needed to be replaced due to water intrusion from the sunroof. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,222.

NHTSA ODI #11761649

84,000 miles · Mar 19, 2026
Steering

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 …

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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 ODI #11725548

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2025
Steering

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 t…

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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 ODI #11700438

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2025
Power TrainSteering

Okay let me first start by saying I have had problem after problem with this car in less than a year. I’ve had to replace my purge valve. The transmission on this car is horrible. I had my car less than a year and at not even 70k miles I had to get my transmission replaced because the car would stutter between 25-45mph thankfull…

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Okay let me first start by saying I have had problem after problem with this car in less than a year. I’ve had to replace my purge valve. The transmission on this car is horrible. I had my car less than a year and at not even 70k miles I had to get my transmission replaced because the car would stutter between 25-45mph thankfully my warranty covered everything. Now let’s get to my current issues which is with the adaptive steering malfunction. I got a steering wheel warning light 3 days before my new transmission. As I’m looking into this more this will cost $2000+ to replace and I don’t have money to constantly keep putting into a car especially with everything going on currently.

NHTSA ODI #11697815

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2024
SteeringSuspensionWheels

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 throu…

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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 ODI #11615684

16,000 miles · Aug 12, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

LOST POWER STEERING IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING. ALMOST GOT INTO SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11348785

8,000 miles · Feb 22, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE 2019 LINCOLN NAUTILUS ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE CENTERING ON, THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN TURNED INTO THE NEXT LANE. IT DOES THIS BOTH TO THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT. I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH BOTH MY MOTHER AND THE LINCOLN SERVICE MANAGER ON SEPARATE INCIDENTS WHEN IT OCCURRED. ALSO,…

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WHILE DRIVING THE 2019 LINCOLN NAUTILUS ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE CENTERING ON, THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN TURNED INTO THE NEXT LANE. IT DOES THIS BOTH TO THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT. I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH BOTH MY MOTHER AND THE LINCOLN SERVICE MANAGER ON SEPARATE INCIDENTS WHEN IT OCCURRED. ALSO, I TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE WITH THE LEAD MECHANIC AND IT DID THE SAME THING TO HIM TO THE RIGHT, RIGHT WHERE OUR VETERINARIAN OFFICE IS LOCATED. CENTER LINE WAS STILL THERE. AFTER THEY HAD THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS, AND A CONVERSATION WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER, THEY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED, THEY CHECKED OTHER NON-NAUTULIS VEHICLES AND FOUND THE SAME THING. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN ON AN INTERSTATE. I WAS SHOCKED. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 4 LANE HIGHWAY AND AN INTERSTATE. I AM A RETIRED NAVY OPERATIONAL TEST PILOT, AND WE WOULD NEVER ALLOW THIS TO BE GIVEN TO THE FLEET OPERATORS. I CHECKED THE OPERATORS MANUAL ON PAGE 239. HERE IS WHAT IT SAYS: THE SYSTEM MAY NOT CORRECTLY OPERATE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: ' YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT CENTERED IN THE LANE. ' THE LANE IS TOO NARROW OR WIDE. ' THE SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT AT LEAST ONE LANE MARKING OR WHEN LANES MERGE OR SPLIT. ' YOU SWITCH THE DIRECTION INDICATOR ON. ' LIMITED STEERING TORQUE INPUT IS APPLIED. ' AREAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE. ' WHEN MODIFICATIONS TO THE STEERING SYSTEM HAVE BEEN MADE. ' WHEN USING A SPARE TIRE. NOTE CONDITION ABOVE: ' THE SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT AT LEAST ONE LANE MARKING OR WHEN LANES MERGE OR SPLIT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENTS THERE WERE TURN LANES ON EACH SIDE OF THE CAR WITH SMALL OPENINGS TO MOVE INTO THE TURN LANE. THE CENTER LANE MARKINGS WERE ALWAYS THERE.

NHTSA ODI #11310772

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering

2019 LINCOLN NAUTILUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEATED STEERING WHEELS. CONSUMER STATED THAT STEERING GETS SO HOT THAT YOU CANNOT HOLD STEERING WHEEL. *LD *JS

NHTSA ODI #11302052

Official recalls

8

26V372000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Jun 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V076. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A blank instrument cluster that fails to display critical safety information, such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C27. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

26V377000 · Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist

Jun 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V031. The lane center assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to alert the driver with the intended hands-off the wheel warnings may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power steering control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8. 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S44. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

20V550000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Sep 10, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.

20V414000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 17, 2020

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

Air Bags

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

19V076000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Feb 11, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level, or safety system warnings. Driving with an inoperative cluster can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC), free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C03.

19V031000 · Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist

Jan 14, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The Lane Center Assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S02.

18V806000 · Air Bags:frontal

Nov 14, 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles that are not equipped with Adaptive Front Steering. The plastic cover on the driver frontal air bag module may detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bag cover separates during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S38.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.