2022 Lincoln Nautilus Safety Report

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presents a strong overall safety picture based on NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating. This indicates excellent performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to two significant recalls. One recall addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE' issue, where a frozen or missing rearview camera image can increase the risk of a crash, affecting a wide range of Ford/Lincoln vehicles including the 2022 Nautilus. The second recall, 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL', specifically impacts 2021-2022 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, where a loss of drive power increases crash risk. These recalls highlight potential safety defects that could compromise real-world safety despite strong crash test performance. Complaint data for the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus is relatively low, with only 5 total complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The most common complaint pattern revolves around the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 3 out of 5 complaints (60%). These complaints frequently describe issues such as transmission jerking at low speeds (10-60 mph), sputtering, and catastrophic transmission failure, with some owners noting the presence of the 8F35 transmission and referencing existing class-action lawsuits and technical service bulletins for earlier model years. This suggests a potential ongoing design or manufacturing flaw with the transmission system. Other complaints include one related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/UNKNOWN OR OTHER, detailing persistent battery issues requiring multiple replacements, and one complaint concerning FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, although the description provided for this specific complaint leans towards remote system manipulation rather than a direct collision avoidance system failure. While the low complaint volume is positive, the recurring power train issues, particularly transmission-related, warrant attention, especially given the recall for engine-related loss of drive power. Prospective buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and be aware of the documented transmission concerns.

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasts high crash test ratings, prospective buyers should ensure all recalls (engine loss of power, rearview camera) have been addressed and be aware of the documented transmission issues, which appear to be a recurring concern.