NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Ratings
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus achieved an 88/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, earning it a "Strong" designation. This SUV demonstrated genuinely impressive NHTSA crash-test performance. However, three active recall campaigns and a modest score in avoidance technology temper an otherwise solid safety picture for this model year.
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus ranks 56 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus represents a meaningful step down from the 2022 model year, whose Safety Index reached 94/100 in the Exceptional band. The 2023 edition lands at 88/100, a six-point drop that moves the vehicle from Exceptional to Strong. Drilling into the index breakdown reveals where the pressure comes from: crash protection remains a genuine strength at 66 out of 70 points, and the defect record contributes a solid 16.5 out of 20. The drag is the avoidance-tech score of just 5 out of 10, reflecting a configuration where lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard but forward collision warning carries a mixed standard-and-optional classification rather than being fully standard across all trims. Three recall campaigns are also a factor in the defect-record component. The Nautilus-specific rear shock absorber recall and the child-seat tether anchor campaign both originated in 2023, while the back-over prevention software campaign arrived later and sweeps a wide range of Ford-family vehicles. One reported crash allegation among the six total complaints is worth noting, though all complaints remain unverified. The overall 5-star NHTSA rating is a legitimate high point for this year, and the rollover result of 4 stars with a No Tip dynamic outcome is competitive rather than alarming.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus offers robust occupant protection in a collision, as evidenced by its 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Both frontal and side crash protection earned a perfect 5-star rating. Rollover resistance is a relative concern; the Nautilus received 4 out of 5 stars in this category, with a 16 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip-test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17360
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. A Nautilus-specific campaign addresses rear shock absorbers that may have been manufactured incorrectly. A second campaign targets child-seat tether wire welds on second-row left-side anchors. A broader Ford-family campaign covers back-over prevention software. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is noted in the data provided.
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
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER23V439000
Risk: A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-06-23
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR23V198000
Risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-03-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and an Unknown or Other category, each drawing three reports, followed by unverified allegations touching Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, Back Over Prevention, and Vehicle Speed Control. All are unverified consumer allegations.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
All three recall campaigns for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus bear close attention, and any shopper considering this model year should verify specific VINs through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. This check is crucial for ensuring that the rear shock absorber and child-seat tether anchor issues, among others, have been remedied. If remedy work is not yet documented, confirmation of completion should be sought from a franchised dealer.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 88/100 is six points below the 2022 Nautilus's 94/100 Exceptional rating, a year-over-year decline driven primarily by a low avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10.
- Two recalls originated specifically within the 2023 model year: one for potentially incorrectly manufactured rear shock absorbers and one for child-seat tether wire welds on second-row anchor points, both issued by Ford.
- NHTSA awarded the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus a perfect 5-star overall score, with 5 stars in frontal and side tests, making crash protection the strongest component of this year's safety profile at 66 out of 70 index points.
- Six unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with the Electrical System accounting for three of those alleged reports and one complaint each touching Forward Collision Avoidance and Back Over Prevention systems.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus places
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Lincoln Nautilus safety questions
Was the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Lincoln Nautilus have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17360), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Nautilus 2023.
- 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 56 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.