NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus achieved a strong overall crash protection rating from NHTSA. This performance, combined with its defect record, culminates in a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, categorizing it in the Exceptional band. Prospective buyers in the used market should, however, confirm resolution of both active recalls.
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus ranks 21 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 21 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus moved the NHTSA Safety Index one point higher than the 2020 model, rising from 90 to 91 out of 100 within the same Exceptional band. That incremental gain was driven by a crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70, which anchors the overall figure and reflects the vehicle's clean sweep of five-star ratings in frontal and side disciplines. The avoidance-tech subscore of 7.5 out of 10 reflects a meaningful gap: forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard for this year, meaning not every 2021 Nautilus on the used market will carry that feature. Lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard equipment. The defect-record subscore of 17.5 out of 20 accounts for the two recall campaigns now on record, one involving internal engine components and one involving back-over prevention software, both of which were issued after the model year closed. Seventeen reported complaints, with Power Train topping the list at six allegations, are a data point worth monitoring but do not, on their own, alter the Exceptional classification.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus achieved an overall five star safety rating from NHTSA. Its protection in frontal and side impacts was also rated at five stars. Rollover protection was assessed at four out of five stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk, though the vehicle did not tip in dynamic testing. No ratings are absent or unscored.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15450
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in 2024, targets internal engine hard parts on certain 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The second, issued in 2025, addresses back-over prevention software across a broad Ford and Lincoln lineup that includes this vehicle. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but remedy status should be confirmed by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 avail
Reported 2025-05-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL24V635000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Reported 2024-08-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Seventeen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, including one alleged crash. The most frequently cited components are Power Train with six reports, followed by Engine, Electrical System, and Structure each with three. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus carries two open recalls, a significant point for any prospective owner. One addresses engine hard parts, the other concerns back-over prevention software. Both directly impact vehicle safety and should be confirmed as remedied via a VIN check with NHTSA before purchase.
- The 2021 model year carries two active recall campaigns: one for internal engine hard parts and one for back-over prevention software, both issued after the model year closed and both requiring VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- Forward collision warning is optional, not standard, on the 2021 Nautilus, meaning individual used-market examples may lack this avoidance technology depending on how they were originally equipped.
- The rollover subscore of four out of five stars, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only crash-test category that falls short of the otherwise perfect frontal and side ratings.
- The Safety Index rose one point over the 2020 model year to 91 out of 100, with the crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 representing the single largest contributor to the Exceptional classification.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15450), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 2021.
- 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 21 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.