NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 92 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus presents a genuinely impressive NHTSA crash-test performance, but its overall safety profile comes with meaningful caveats. While achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, eight recall campaigns and a defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 prevent it from reaching the top tier.
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus ranks 18 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 92 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, in its inaugural model year, presents a mixed safety profile, with its defect record significantly tempering otherwise strong crash protection and avoidance technology. This model year posts an 87/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, with no prior-year Index on file for direct comparison. Driver and passenger protection is a clear strength, reflected in a standout crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. The vehicle also achieved a perfect avoidance-technology sub-score of 10 out of 10. This latter score reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the tested configuration. However, the defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 notably pulls down the overall Index. This sub-score is driven by a total of 8 recall campaigns. Of particular concern are two recalls issued in 2026, both stemming from incorrect prior repairs. One recall addresses the instrument cluster as part of a multi-vehicle Ford campaign, while the other specifically targets the Nautilus lane-keep steering assist system. This pattern of a remedy being issued, executed improperly, and subsequently re-recalled years later suggests underlying quality-control issues. Used-market shoppers should consider this history carefully. The 92 unverified owner complaints, primarily citing alleged electrical and powertrain concerns, further reinforce this pattern of reported issues. While the crash protection hardware is robust, the defect history defines the safety assessment for this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus AWD achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash protection, contributing to an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Rollover protection presented the only deviation from a perfect score, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent. The dynamic tip test, however, yielded a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13315
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Yes, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus carries 8 recall campaigns. Named components include the electrical system instrument cluster, lane-keep steering assist, back-over prevention software, automatic transmission, and front power-adjustable seat assemblies. Two campaigns issued in 2026 involve vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under earlier recalls, meaning a prior remedy may not have resolved the defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied data.
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 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.
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 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.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
Owners have filed 92 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including 2 alleged crash incidents. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with 29 allegations, Power Train with 24, Engine with 13, and Steering with 7. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
92 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Pay particular attention to the two 2026 campaigns involving previously incorrect repairs, as a vehicle that received an earlier fix may still have an open remedy outstanding.
- Two of the 8 recall campaigns were issued in 2026 and specifically target vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly, one for the instrument cluster and one for the lane-keep steering assist system unique to the Nautilus, meaning an earlier dealer visit does not guarantee compliance.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk figure is the only crash-test result below the top score; the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, providing some additional context for that rating.
- The defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the primary drag on the 87/100 Safety Index, contrasting sharply with the near-perfect crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and the perfect avoidance-technology sub-score of 10 out of 10.
- Unverified owner complaints total 92, with the Electrical System alone accounting for 29 alleged reports, the single largest complaint category, and the most recent allegation on file was submitted in 2026, indicating active ongoing reporting for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 92 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Nautilus years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13315), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 18 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.