Transmission is jerking at speeds around 25mph.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Nautilus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
102 reportsCar consistently jerking as soon as you accelarate. The acceleration takes along time to pick up speed.Can feel the car missing gears or slipping while driving even on the freeway.
While driving, the entire dashboard and instrument cluster intermittently go completely blank, disabling visibility of speed, gear position, warning lights, turn signals, and other critical information. The failure occurs suddenly and without warning. The cluster then goes through multiple reboot cycles, sometimes several times …
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While driving, the entire dashboard and instrument cluster intermittently go completely blank, disabling visibility of speed, gear position, warning lights, turn signals, and other critical information. The failure occurs suddenly and without warning. The cluster then goes through multiple reboot cycles, sometimes several times in a row. In many cases, normal operation does not return until the vehicle is fully shut off and restarted. This creates a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds or at night. The issue first occurred around 71,000 miles (Oct 2024) and has recurred multiple times. The most recent incident occurred on Oct 31, 2025 at approximately 84,200 miles. The vehicle has been to a Lincoln dealership in Raleigh, NC for four repair attempts (Dec 2024–Oct 2025). Multiple electrical modules have been replaced (battery, fuse junction box, trunk module, telematics module, keyless entry keypad), and Lincoln engineers were consulted, but the defect remains unresolved. No diagnostic trouble codes were stored during the most recent failure. The vehicle is currently covered under a Lincoln ESP PremiumCARE warranty through 2030, and the defect remains intermittent and unresolved.
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.
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. …
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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.
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.
Car starts to buck when changing gears
The Nautilus began shuddering while accelerating from about 15 to 45 mph. I took it to a Lincoln dealer and was told the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced for $7,000 plus. It has 88,000 miles on it
transmission problems including harsh shifting, shuttering, lurching, hesitating, or slowing down when shifting gears. No warning lights illuminated but after dealer inspection, have been told that both the transmission (harsh shift in all gears) and rear axle (popping and grinding while turning) need to be replaced. The vehic…
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transmission problems including harsh shifting, shuttering, lurching, hesitating, or slowing down when shifting gears. No warning lights illuminated but after dealer inspection, have been told that both the transmission (harsh shift in all gears) and rear axle (popping and grinding while turning) need to be replaced. The vehicle is not safe to drive. Cost of repairs is quoted at more than $14,000. This issue/defect appears to have a class action associated with it; why has there been no manufacturer recall?
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
Official recalls
826V372000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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