MODEL
Lincoln Nautilus
NHTSA safety across every Lincoln Nautilus model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Lincoln Nautilus we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 87. 33 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row luxury midsize SUV that competes in one of the most crowded and demanding segments in the American market. Aimed squarely at buyers who want premium refinement without stepping up to a full-size footprint, the Nautilus has served as Lincoln's core volume entry since its 2019 debut, offering a quieter, more polished alternative to its mainstream Ford Edge sibling.
Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Lincoln Nautilus builds a reasonably solid safety case, though shoppers should go in with clear eyes about both its strengths and its baggage. At its best, the Nautilus earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 94 out of 100 for the 2022 model year, a score we classify as Exceptional. In peak crash-test form, it achieves five stars in both frontal and side impact testing, with a four-star rollover rating, a common ceiling for taller, higher-riding SUVs in this class. That is a genuinely strong structural performance. The concern that tempers our enthusiasm is the recall count: 33 recalls across just seven model years is a notably high figure for a premium nameplate. Recalls are not inherently dangerous, and many are precautionary, but volume like that demands attention at the dealership service counter. Owner complaints across the covered span total 189, with 9 reported crashes and 3 reported injuries among them. These are unverified allegations, but the crash figure is worth noting. Taken together, the Nautilus earns credit for its crash-test numbers while carrying a recall history that prospective buyers should research carefully by specific model year before purchasing. Verify open recalls at NHTSA.gov before any transaction.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Nautilus for its hushed, upscale cabin and smooth ride quality, positioning it as one of the more genuinely luxurious options in the mainstream premium SUV segment. Most find it a comfortable and well-appointed daily driver, though some note that its driving dynamics and technology features feel more conservative compared to European rivals at similar price points.
- The 2022 Nautilus represents the high-water mark in our covered range, earning a 94 out of 100 Safety Index rated Exceptional, with five-star frontal and side crash scores making it the model year to prioritize if safety performance is your top filter.
- Thirty-three recalls across 2019 to 2025 is a high count for a luxury nameplate. Before buying any specific model year, check NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls have been remedied, and ask the seller for documented service records.
- The rollover rating holds at four out of five stars across strong-performing years, which is typical for a vehicle of this ride height but is a meaningful step below its frontal and side scores. Buyers who frequently carry passengers should factor this in.
- Owner-reported complaints include 9 alleged crashes and 3 alleged injuries across the covered years. These are unverified allegations submitted to NHTSA, not confirmed incidents, but reviewing the specific complaint narratives on NHTSA.gov can surface patterns worth discussing with a dealer or independent mechanic before purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus with 8 recalls.