2019 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Report

2019 Lincoln Nautilus: Strong crash ratings, but persistent transmission and electrical complaints, plus five recalls.

88Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
Most reported components: Electrical System (18)Power Train (14)Unknown Or Other (10)Engine (4)Seat Belts (4)Power Train,Engine (3)Steering (2)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Electrical System,Engine (2)Back Over Prevention (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus presents a mixed safety profile. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, including 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and consumer complaint data reveal several concerning issues. There have been 88 total complaints, with 2 crashes reported, though no injuries or deaths. A significant pattern of complaints revolves around the powertrain, specifically the transmission, with numerous reports of harsh shifting, jerking, shuddering, and even complete transmission failure at relatively low mileages. The electrical system is also a frequent source of complaints, including issues with the instrument cluster going blank and power steering failures. Five recalls have been issued for the 2019 Nautilus, addressing critical safety components. These include a recall for the rearview camera displaying a blank image, a potential issue with the driver's frontal airbag cover detaching during deployment, and a recall for the instrument panel cluster not functioning at start-up. Other recalls cover potential wire harness contact with the seat frame leading to airbag deployment issues, and the Lane Center Assist system not adequately detecting hands-off driving. These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that could compromise safety, despite the strong crash test performance. In summary, while the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus demonstrates robust passive safety in crash scenarios, the active safety and reliability aspects are undermined by a notable number of consumer complaints, particularly concerning the transmission and electrical system. The five recalls further underscore areas where the vehicle's initial design or manufacturing had safety deficiencies. Potential buyers should be aware of these documented issues.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Harsh Shifting
Numerous complaints describe harsh shifting, jerking, shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure, often requiring replacement of the transmission or torque converter.
High Common 40000-90000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions (Instrument Cluster, Power Steering)
Reports of the instrument cluster going blank, disabling critical information, and power steering assist failing, leading to difficulty steering.
High Common variable miles
Engine Overheating/Failure
Several complaints detail sudden low-coolant warnings, rapid overheating, and complete engine shutdown, sometimes linked to head gasket issues.
High Occasional 60000-80000 miles
Airbag Module Cover Detachment
Recall issued for the plastic cover on the driver frontal airbag module potentially detaching during deployment, increasing injury risk.
High Rare N/A miles
Rearview Camera Blank Image
Recall issued for the rearview camera displaying a blank image, reducing driver's view behind the vehicle.
Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus:

Electrical System 20% of complaints

Frequent issues with instrument cluster going blank, power steering assist failure, and other electrical glitches.

Power Train 16% of complaints

Widespread complaints about transmission harsh shifting, jerking, shuddering, hesitation, and eventual failure.

Engine 8% of complaints

Reports of engine overheating, sudden shutdowns, and issues like head gasket failure.

Seat Belts 5% of complaints

Issues with seat belts failing to retract.

Steering 2% of complaints

Problems with power steering assist and adaptive steering faults.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

Is the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 88 consumer complaints and 5 recalls, indicating potential safety concerns related to powertrain, electrical systems, and specific recall-addressed defects like airbag cover detachment and rearview camera issues. While it performs well in crashes, its reliability and active safety systems have documented problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18 complaints), POWER TRAIN (14 complaints), and ENGINE (4 complaints). Specific common problems include harsh transmission shifting, jerking, shuddering, instrument cluster going blank, power steering assist failure, and engine overheating or failure.

How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus have?

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus has 5 recalls. These address issues such as a blank rearview camera display, potential detachment of the driver's frontal airbag cover, a non-functioning instrument panel cluster, potential wire harness contact with seat frames affecting airbags, and the Lane Center Assist system's ability to detect hands-off driving.

Are there transmission problems with the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?

Yes, transmission problems are a significant concern for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The POWER TRAIN component has 14 complaints, with many describing harsh shifting, jerking, shuddering, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure, often requiring costly repairs or replacement of the torque converter.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus received high NHTSA crash test ratings: a 5-star Overall Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test ratings but numerous powertrain and electrical complaints, along with 5 recalls, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and electrical system, and ensure all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The data includes 88 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.