Lincoln Nautilus Ownership Experience: A Series of Disappointments

[reconguru]

Lincoln Nautilus Ownership Experience: A Series of Disappointments

I purchased a Lincoln Nautilus, expecting a premium driving and ownership experience, but ongoing reliability issues and service delays have made this one of the most frustrating vehicle experiences I’ve had.

First Service Visit – December 2024 (391 Miles)

During my first road trip, several critical systems failed:

• BlueCruise stopped working.
• "Check Brake" warning remained on.
• Memory seats failed to save positions.
• Repeated "Create Passcode" message.
• Inconsistent A/C and heat temperature regulation.
• "Lane Centering Not Available" message frequently displayed.

The technician attributed these issues to low battery voltage, noting:
"FDRS found battery testing low, recharged battery."

Second Service Visit – January 2025 (1,888 Miles)

Just over 1,500 miles later, more issues required service:

• Phone would not connect via Bluetooth.
• Mud flaps installed crooked.
• Battery would not charge beyond 70%.
• Vibration at speeds of 40+ mph.
• BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise, and Lane Keep Assist were all non-functional.
• Alarm randomly activated when shutting down the vehicle.

To address the vibration, the dealership replaced the right-side tires, which reduced but did not fully eliminate the issue.

More Issues – February 2025 (Under 3,000 Miles)

Before reaching 3,000 miles, additional problems surfaced, requiring yet another service appointment:

• A recall issue.
• Rumbling noise from the rear.
• Ongoing vibration from the tires.
• A persistent popping noise (sounds like a plastic bottle popping).
• Repeated "Internet Signal Lost" messages.
• Brakes now making a growling noise when stopping at low speeds.

After my last service visit, I discovered food wrappers stuffed into various crevices, which caused a bad odor in the vehicle. I do not eat or allow eating in my car, making this unacceptable.

BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise & Lane Centering Need Refinement

Beyond the functional failures, even when working, the BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise, and Lane Centering systems need significant refinement. These features struggle when negotiating long, sweeping curves, causing the steering to feel jerky and unnatural. The automatic lane change feature also needs improvement, as its execution feels abrupt rather than smooth.

Service Experience: Delays & Restrictions

Getting the vehicle serviced is a long and frustrating process, with appointment availability often taking weeks. Additionally, the loaner car provided has restrictions—I am not allowed to drive out of state, forcing me to rent a commercial vehicle for work, which was never an issue with my previous vehicle.

Unfulfilled Features & Additional Concerns

The Rejuvenate feature, which is advertised as part of the Reserve III package, is still unavailable. I would like to know why it has not been implemented and when it will be activated.

Final Thoughts

I really want to love this vehicle. It’s mostly quiet, rides smoothly (aside from the tire vibration), and drives well. However, the reliability issues, unfinished software, inconsistent braking performance, and disappointing service experience overshadow these positives.

This is my first Lincoln vehicle, and unfortunately, it has been an incredibly disappointing experience. I expected excellence in both the vehicle and service, yet I have encountered constant mechanical failures, service delays, and poor dealership attention to detail.

I sincerely hope Lincoln and its dealerships take these concerns seriously and work toward improving both vehicle reliability and service quality.

 

[reconguru]

My Lincoln Nautilus ownership experience has been a mix of great customer service at purchase and significant disappointment in the vehicle’s performance and service quality.

What I Loved About My Purchase Experience

I had an excellent experience with my salesperson and finance manager. They worked hard to earn my business and never made me feel pressured or uncomfortable at any point during the purchase process. Their professionalism and dedication were truly appreciated.

What Has Been Disappointing

Unfortunately, my satisfaction ended after the purchase, as my Nautilus has been plagued with persistent mechanical, software, and service-related issues.

• Multiple Service Visits Within the First 3,000 Miles
  • BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise, and Lane Centering have been unreliable and require refinement, especially on long, sweeping curves.
  • Repeated electrical and software glitches (memory seats not saving, repeated system warnings, Bluetooth connectivity failures, and more).
  • Vibration at higher speeds (40+ mph) despite tire replacements.
  • Brakes making a growling noise at low-speed stops.
  • Inconsistent climate control and uneven seat heating/cooling.
  • Lack of an auto-clean feature for front and rear cameras, making them unusable in poor weather.
  • Surround camera quality is below expectations for a luxury vehicle.
  • Park Assist is ineffective and unreliable.
  • Steering wheel heating is limited to specific areas.
• Service Experience Has Been Frustrating
  • Long wait times for appointments (weeks to get the vehicle in for service).
  • Loaner vehicle restrictions (not allowed to drive out of state, forcing me to rent a commercial vehicle for work).
  • Careless handling of my vehicle—I found food wrappers stuffed into crevices, causing a bad odor, despite never allowing food in my car.
• Unfulfilled Promises
  • The Rejuvenate feature, which should be available with my Reserve III package, is missing with no timeline for implementation.
  • The right-side screen lacks meaningful functionality and is underutilized.

Final Thoughts

I really want to love this vehicle—it’s quiet, smooth (except for the tire vibration), and drives well overall. However, the constant issues, unrefined software, and poor service experience have made it difficult to enjoy.

This is my first Lincoln vehicle, and so far, it has not lived up to expectations. I hope Lincoln improves its product quality, feature execution, and service department operations, as the brand’s reputation should reflect the level of excellence I was expecting.

 

[reconguru]

I purchased my 2024 Lincoln Nautilus with high expectations for a luxury driving experience, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier service. While my sales and finance experience was outstanding, my ownership experience has been riddled with frustration due to persistent mechanical, software, and service-related issues.​

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Purchase Experience: A Strong Start​

My purchase experience was the best part of my Nautilus journey.

• My salesperson and finance manager were exceptional. They worked hard to earn my business without pressure or discomfort, making the purchase process smooth and enjoyable.
• Unfortunately, the positives ended once I drove off the lot.

---

Reliability Issues: Frequent Repairs & Ongoing Problems​

Within the first 3,000 miles, my Nautilus required multiple service visits due to a wide range of issues, many of which remain unresolved.

First Service Visit – December 2024 (391 Miles)​

• BlueCruise stopped working on my first trip.
• "Check Brake" warning remained on and wouldn’t clear.
• Memory seats failed to save positions.
• Repeated "Create Passcode" messages.
• Inconsistent temperature regulation with A/C and heat.
• "Lane Centering Not Available" message appeared frequently.
• Technician diagnosed low battery voltage, stating:
  "FDRS found battery testing low, recharged battery."

Second Service Visit – January 2025 (1,888 Miles)​

• Phone would not connect via Bluetooth.
• Mud flaps were installed but crooked.
• Battery would not charge beyond 70%.
• Vibration at speeds of 40+ mph.
• BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise, and Lane Keep Assist stopped working again.
• Alarm randomly activated when shutting down the vehicle.
• Right-side tires were replaced to fix vibration—but the issue persists.
• After service, I found food wrappers stuffed into crevices in my car, causing a bad smell, despite never allowing food inside my vehicle.

Third Service Visit – TBA 2025 (Under 3,000 Miles)​

• Recall issue required another visit.
• Rumbling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
• Ongoing vibration despite tire replacement.
• Popping noise inside the cabin (like a plastic bottle popping).
• Repeated "Internet Signal Lost" message.
• Brakes now making a growling noise at low speeds.

---

Technology & Feature Disappointments​

While the Nautilus is marketed as a high-tech luxury SUV, many of its features are either unfinished, poorly executed, or unreliable.

Driver Assistance Features Need Serious Refinement​

• BlueCruise is jerky when navigating long, sweeping curves.
• Lane Centering is erratic, overcorrecting or lagging, making steering feel unnatural.
• Adaptive Cruise Control behaves unpredictably, slowing down and accelerating at odd intervals rather than providing a smooth experience.
• The Auto Lane Change feature is abrupt and unpolished.

Comfort & Interior Flaws​

• Seat heating and cooling are uneven, failing to provide consistent comfort.
• Climate control is finicky, often overcompensating and making it difficult to maintain a steady temperature.
• The heated steering wheel only warms certain areas, making it less effective in cold weather.

Infotainment & Cameras​

• The right-side screen has limited functionality and is underutilized.
• The surround-view cameras are low quality, especially in low-light conditions.
• No auto-clean feature for front and rear cameras, making them useless in bad weather.

Drive Modes & Parking Assist​

• Drive modes feel like a gimmick with little real-world difference.
• Park Assist is unreliable and slow, making it more frustrating than helpful.

---

Service Experience: Unacceptable for a Luxury Brand​

Getting service for my Nautilus has been a long, frustrating process.

• Appointments take weeks to schedule.
• The loaner vehicle has strict limitations—I cannot drive out of state, forcing me to rent a vehicle for work.
• Carelessness during service—finding food wrappers stuffed into my car was unacceptable.

Unfulfilled Promises​

• The Rejuvenate feature, advertised as part of the Reserve III package, is missing.
• No clear timeline for when (or if) it will be activated.

---

Final Thoughts: A Disappointing Luxury SUV​

I really want to love this vehicle. It’s quiet, smooth (aside from the tire vibration), and drives well overall. However, the constant issues, unrefined software, and poor service experience have made it difficult to enjoy.

This is my first Lincoln vehicle, and unfortunately, it has not lived up to expectations. I expected excellence in both the vehicle and service, yet I’ve encountered constant mechanical failures, unpolished technology, and dealership service that falls far short of a luxury experience.

I hope Lincoln improves these critical areas, as the brand’s reputation should reflect the level of excellence I was expecting.

 

[Reserve25]

How many times are you going to post this?

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[reconguru]

There should be three different posts with some overlapping content. I'm sorry if that's annoying; that was not my intention.

 

[markfm]

There should be three different posts with some overlapping content. I'm sorry if that's annoying; that was not my intention.

Tacking new thoughts in a single thread, either by adding replies to it (you can reply to your own post), or editing the original post (valid for some length of time after the original post), works well.

(Not a problem, but it helps keep things together under a single overall "Why I'm not happy" thread)

 

[reconguru]

Tacking new thoughts in a single thread, either by adding replies to it (you can reply to your own post), or editing the original post (valid for some length of time after the original post), works well.

(Not a problem, but it helps keep things together under a single overall "Why I'm not happy" thread)

Thank you so much for the recommendations.

 

[A Charles 9920]

A great looking vehicle and WAS #1 on my list for a replacement to my MKZ. But after reading through this forum and others there is just too many issues for me to consider any Lincoln product. I have been told I'll get warts on my butt if I drive any other make but it's looking more like an import is in the future for me. Anyone know how to prevent butt warts?

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[Reserve25]

A great looking vehicle and WAS #1 on my list for a replacement to my MKZ. But after reading through this forum and others there is just too many issues for me to consider any Lincoln product. I have been told I'll get warts on my butt if I drive any other make but it's looking more like an import is in the future for me. Anyone know how to prevent butt warts?

Look at a 2025 model year.

 

[G-774734]

I will but are there sufficient numbers on the road to be evaluated...I don't know but ok....I will. Good thought. Thanks

 

[Howleyt]

Picked up my buy back check and dropped off my lemon Nautilus today. Best looking car around, but a different issue every day. A huge waste of two months where I was only able to drive it around 10 days. Many of the same issues as yours. Leaving this forum tonight and reclaiming my life.

 

[angore]

Sorry to hear. All the best.

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[reconguru]

Sorry to see you go, I'm hanging on as long as I can.

 

[gfdublin]

A great looking vehicle and WAS #1 on my list for a replacement to my MKZ. But after reading through this forum and others there is just too many issues for me to consider any Lincoln product. I have been told I'll get warts on my butt if I drive any other make but it's looking more like an import is in the future for me. Anyone know how to prevent butt warts?

Your dermatologist can take them off.

 

[demark1]

Frankly, the tech is an issue. I bought a 2021 vs a 2024 partly for that reason. Even so, I had a horrible time updating phone as a key, and I could not pair my contacts list (separately). I turns out I had one contact with a phone type of "Mobil2" instead of cell, or similar: I had had edited the phone number type (allowed). I found this out when hand-downloading contacts by exporting as a file. Th contacts on the Lincoln were missing after that entry, and I was debugging it as I woul a program issue (I am a computer programmer). I corrected it. My "favorite" list still explodes: the icon does not exist after I pair a phone. And some phones don't show it even using Android Auto (newer versions of the OS).

Yet after enough fussing, and hours with he Lincoln Concierge doing master resets over and over, I got things to a working state. I don't want to breathe on it.

No offense to us Lincoln owners. I have had new and recent-model-low-mileage used cars (last purchased new was a Buick Lesabre in 2001). Some of each were trouble free, and some were not. I am extremely reluctant to buy a newly released model in any case. I would not have bought my 2021 Nautilus new, and probably not bought a 2019 at all. The tech is not the only issue, but it exacerbates it. I also try to avoid cutting edge, new tech. Although, yes, I like wireless Android Auto and adaptive cruise. Reading, I think it is all hit or miss. We are expecting too much from tech these days, with OTA updates, etc!

In terms of service, Lincoln has all these programs: send service to you, get a loaner car, etc. But many are capped at 4 years/50k and are "if available at a specific dealer". I agree this does not seem promising. My 2005 Lexus I can get a loaner at any dealer with scheduling, from my experience. And rarely a huge delay to get it. My Cadillac, I can no longer get a loaner since I did not buy the car at the local dealer. They changed policies. So I crossed Cadillac off my list when looking to buy this time, in case I have to take it elsewhere.
At least with Lincoln, I can go to a wider dealer network: pretty much any Ford dealer can service it, although not sure about the 2024.

I think Lincoln has great concepts for luxury ownership, but from what I have seen they do not yet execute right. I know dealers are being forced to build separate new Lincoln facilities (separate from Ford) ... my salesperson told me that.
But it is the execution that matters : you need loaners available, etc. My Lexus dealers hourly rate has become highway robbery: $270 book rate, vs $195 at some Ford dealers (some have a Lincoln upcharge). They are far from perfect, and I am careful when I go there to have real need. But when they are slow to get parts, or make a diagnosis, I have kept a loaner for 2 weeks without issue. Somehow they have a system that works. That does not mean their repairs or diagnostics are perfect.

Lots of companies are having issues with newer cars, Toyota included. My brother in law has a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that has been perfect (until they recently told him he cannot plug it in anymore pending a recall they cannot do yet!). So quality control and service experience are a big deal. I am very reluctant to buy new and especially a brand new model like the 2024 Nautilus. Lincoln's record is not great, but they are not alone.

Sorry for yout troubles. I know forums tend to bring out problems, rather than mostly happy owners, but I am more reluctant than ever before to buy a brand new car and especially a brand new model loaded with tech.

 

[A Charles 9920]

"We are expecting too much from tech these days"

Could not agree with you more. Are we buying a vehicle or a laptop/pc/cell phone? Give me something that gets me from place to place comfortably and with some style. I do not want to Blue Cruse along the highway. I don't need lane keeping unless I want to take a nap. I appreciate the warning from the collision avoidance system but do not need adaptive cruse control. Oh yes, I know how to parallel park. And "fragrance" generally makes me sneeze. I know I'm the odd one but wish they would offer a "low tech" or "NO tech" option. I recently looked an a window sticker on some Lincoln vehicle. $4000 for a package of no value to me. But they keep jamming things in making the cost higher and elevating the frustration for the consumer when it fails to perform.

Kids in product development foam at the mouth to add some other junk feature. Old Henry or even Hank the Duce would cut this crap out and focus on sound design and solid performance.

So everyone is concerned about a "new" or refreshed model....exactly what the 2025 Nautilus is. Maybe best to avoid it.

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[reconguru]

Indeed, those are some valid points. However, I personally appreciate the technological advancements, particularly the BlueCruise, Adaptive Cruise, and Lane Centering systems. Given the significant amount of time I spend on the road for my job, these systems assist me in arriving more relaxed and potentially enhancing the safety of my trips. I hold high expectations for these technologies. Additionally, I value the finer aspects of my vehicle, encompassing both luxury and comfort, with safety being of paramount importance.

 

[demark1]

"We are expecting too much from tech these days"

Could not agree with you more. Are we buying a vehicle or a laptop/pc/cell phone? Give me something that gets me from place to place comfortably and with some style. I do not want to Blue Cruse along the highway. I don't need lane keeping unless I want to take a nap. I appreciate the warning from the collision avoidance system but do not need adaptive cruse control. Oh yes, I know how to parallel park. And "fragrance" generally makes me sneeze. I know I'm the odd one but wish they would offer a "low tech" or "NO tech" option. I recently looked an a window sticker on some Lincoln vehicle. $4000 for a package of no value to me. But they keep jamming things in making the cost higher and elevating the frustration for the consumer when it fails to perform.

Kids in product development foam at the mouth to add some other junk feature. Old Henry or even Hank the Duce would cut this crap out and focus on sound design and solid performance.

So everyone is concerned about a "new" or refreshed model....exactly what the 2025 Nautilus is. Maybe best to avoid it.

I hear you, but I admit I am a sucker for adaptive cruise. I did read recently that it along with lane centering was shown to actually increase accident rates, to my great surprise. I can see if you expect it to brake and you turned if off with previous braking how that could fool you. Or via distraction. But I personally have found it a safety feature if someone cuts me off or I am turning my head for a moment. And it cuts fatigue for me, I find. But the info-tech stuff can get very hairy.

 

[angore]

I believe the buying public wants more tech. I recall the time when safety, like using seat belts, was disliked. Remember the ignition interlocks around 1974?

 

[A Charles 9920]

Is it the public that wants more tech or the manufacturers that push tech? I see some advantages to "tech" for the manufacturers. But yes there are a lot of techies in the world. Tech for the sake of tech and tech that does not function stinks....maybe they can program the refresh thingy to address the smell.