Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2023 Lincoln Nautilus: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2023's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The rear camera sometimes stays black for 45 to 60 seconds after startup, then the screen appears to reboot. The more serious report involves the transmission shifting itself from drive into neutral while accelerating on a highway. A check engine light and a string of warning messages follow, and the driver can't get back into drive or into park. The car has to coast to the shoulder. That is a loss-of-power risk in traffic, though the brakes keep working. Only 2 complaints are on file, and they give no mileage.
Excerpts from complaints Nautilus owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
When vehicle is started, intermittently, rear view camera does not come on for approximately 45-60 seconds later. The screen remains completely black then appears to reboot The camera issue happens about once every two weeks
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 has the fewest owner complaints of the 8 Nautilus years we cover, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the fifth model year of the Nautilus's first generation (2019–2023).
It includes the 2021 update.
What changed for 2021
Recall repairs are free at any Lincoln dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, and/or stabilizer bar end links.
Risk: A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S32.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.".
Risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
Cars shoppers compare with the Lincoln Nautilus, with their own 2023 checklists.
2023 owner complaints, side by side
