DecodedCars2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- I-4 4dr SUV, V6 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,306–4,566 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.7L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,306 lb (I-4 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 8% worse than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-4 4dr SUV | 189.8 in | 76 in | 66.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,306 lb | 59/41 |
| V6 4dr SUV | 189.8 in | 76 in | 66.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,566 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautilus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Nautilus FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 392 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 402 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 418 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.1 MPG2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2019 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
| 2019 BMW X3 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2019 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (8)
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V372000 · 2,349 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V076. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist · Jun 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V377000 · 1,013 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 19V031. The lane center assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
- Risk
- Failure to alert the driver with the intended hands-off the wheel warnings may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Sep 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V550000 · 97 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V414000 · 19,299 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Feb 11, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V076000 · 4,212 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. At vehicle start-up, the Instrument Panel Cluster Assembly (IPC) may not function, showing a blank display. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist · Jan 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V031000 · 2,276 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The Lane Center Assist system may not adequately detect if a driver has their hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V806000 · 268 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles that are not equipped with Adaptive Front Steering. The plastic cover on the driver frontal air bag module may detach during air bag deployment.
- Risk
- If the air bag cover separates during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
102Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
7,250 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Lincoln Nautilus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,250 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Nautilus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 31 |
| 2024 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 35 |
| 2023 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 7 |
| 2022 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 16 |
| 2021 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2020 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 34 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →