2023 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and elegant styling. Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciate the Nautilus’s quiet cabin, user-friendly technology, and upscale features. Some criticisms include the lack of driver engagement compared to sportier rivals and the sometimes-complicated infotainment system.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels, potentially causing engine damage if not addressed.
- Solution: Monitoring oil levels regularly and consulting with a Lincoln dealer for diagnosis, which may include oil consumption testing and possible component replacement (e.g., piston rings, valve seals).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the cause and extent of the damage)
- Recalls: None Found
2.7L Twin-Turbocharged V6
- Coolant Intrusion in Engine
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant seeps into the engine block. Coolant disappearing with no signs of a leak on the ground.
- Solution: Replacement of the engine.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000 - $10,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. Others have experienced hesitation or delays when accelerating.
- Solution: Software updates or transmission recalibration by a Lincoln dealer. In some cases, component replacement (e.g., valve body, solenoids) may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (recalibration); $500 - $3000+ (component replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, some owners have reported premature failure of the air struts or compressor. This can result in a lowered ride height, uneven suspension, and a bumpy ride.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty air struts, compressor, or related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ (per strut/compressor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (SYNC 4) may occasionally freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate controls.
- Solution: Performing a system reset (usually by holding down the power button), updating the software to the latest version, or having the dealer diagnose and replace faulty hardware (e.g., APIM - Accessory Protocol Interface Module).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset/update); $500 - $1500+ (APIM replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the vehicle’s battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine.
- Solution: Inspecting the electrical system for parasitic drains, replacing the battery with a higher-capacity unit, or installing a battery maintainer.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (diagnosis/battery replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
- Description/Symptoms: The parking sensors or blind spot monitoring system may occasionally malfunction, providing false alerts or failing to detect objects. This can be caused by dirt, debris, or faulty sensors.
- Solution: Cleaning the sensors, inspecting the wiring, or replacing the faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (per sensor)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Loose or Rattling Trim Pieces
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported loose or rattling trim pieces in the interior, particularly in the dashboard, door panels, or center console.
- Solution: Tightening loose screws or fasteners, applying felt tape to prevent rattling, or replacing damaged trim pieces.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on the severity and location)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof does not open or close. Sunroof only opens or closes partially.
- Solution: Replacement of sunroof motor, guides, or entire sunroof assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus appears to have a mix of minor and potentially more serious issues. While some problems like infotainment glitches and rattling trim are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, engine issues like coolant intrusion and excessive oil consumption can be costly and require extensive repairs. Transmission issues and air suspension failures (if equipped) can also lead to significant expenses. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and thoroughly inspect any used Nautilus before purchasing it. Paying close attention to maintenance records and obtaining a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.