NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13315
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V372000
Risk: 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 are expected to be mailed July 6. 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.
Reported 2026-06-09
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST26V377000
Risk: 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 are expected to be mailed July 6. 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.
Reported 2026-06-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-06-27
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V550000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2020-09-10
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST20V414000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2020-07-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V076000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2019-02-11
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST19V031000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2019-01-14
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL18V806000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2018-11-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
92 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.