LincolnNautilus2021Overview/lincoln/nautilus/2021/base/

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Nautilus.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus carries a 5.5-quart engine oil capacity with a recommended 5W-30 viscosity, a baseline service spec worth flagging for owners tracking maintenance across the model's lifespan. Sitting within the 20192026 complaint history window, this model year has registered 18 total owner complaints—led by power train concerns and accompanied by 2 recalls—figures that place it well clear of the troubled 2019 launch year, which peaked at 95 complaints. By contrast, the lineup's quieter 2023 model year would later bottom out at just 6, leaving the 2021 in a transitional middle ground that suggests Lincoln had moved past its early rough patch without yet reaching the maturity reflected in the later data.

Model year20262025202420232022202120202019

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R · 800 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R · 800 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size245/60R18 105VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8, Optional: 8, 9 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189.8 in
Overall width76 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase111.8 in
Curb weight4306 lb
Track (front / rear)64.6 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Nautilus of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–5.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2021 Black Label 2.7T
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V65.70 sec14.30 sec335 hpAWD
2021Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V65.80 sec14.40 sec335 hpAWD
2019Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V65.80 sec14.40 sec335 hpAWD
2019Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V65.90 sec14.40 sec335 hpAWD
2019Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.00 sec14.50 sec335 hpAWD
2019Black Label 2.7T 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.20 sec14.80 sec335 hpAWD
2019Reserve 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.30 sec245 hpAWD
2019Reserve 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, Motorcraft Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid in the differential, Dot 4 brake fluid. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8F35
Brake FluidDot 4
Differential Gear OilMotorcraft Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.8 pt
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine Oil5W-30 · Synthetic

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.083 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)20.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug20.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug8F35: 8.83 ft-lbs; 8F57: 10.33 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub98.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub98.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.030 in
Spark Plug Torque8.83 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.028-0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque10.66 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.25 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity3.2 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberOnly use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumLow Pressure Side: 51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumLow Pressure Side: 87.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-87.0
Engine Oil Pressure27.6-37.7 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure RPM2

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Outer Tie Rod End Nut111 ft. lbs
Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub Retainers98 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 180°, Step 3: 24.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°24 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°14.75 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs, Step 4: 270°166 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs., Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°5.16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 2 complete rotations., Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 180°14.75 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Lower Bolt 144 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 180°30 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.58 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.142.58 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 200,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 200,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 200,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus marks the low point of the generation’s complaint and recall trajectory, dropping to just 18 complaints and two recalls—far below the 95 complaints and eight recalls recorded in 2019 and the 32 complaints and five recalls in 2020. After 2021 the trend continues downward through 2022 (7 complaints, 2 recalls) and 2023 (6 complaints, 3 recalls) before a modest uptick in 2024 (19 complaints, 7 recalls) and 2025 (20 complaints, 6 recalls). Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) also fell sharply, from 141 in both 2019 and 2020 to 126 in 2021 and further to 81 in 2022, indicating fewer reported systemic issues. The top complaint areas for 2021—Power Train (4), Structure (3), Back Over Prevention (2), and Engine & Engine Cooling (2)—are modest in number, and there was only one crash‑related complaint and no fire complaints, suggesting limited safety concerns. Overall, 2021 sits at the most favorable point in the generation’s reliability curve, making it a strong year to consider for a used purchase.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
126
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
18
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 18 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train4
Structure3
Back Over Prevention2
Engine & Engine Cooling2
Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electrical System,Engine1
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

24V635000Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/MechanicalReported 23/08/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves… Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford…

25V315000Back Over Prevention:SoftwareReported 09/05/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger… Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 126 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 26-22972026-06-24Electrical SystemSome of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may…
TSB 26-21942026-04-26Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the…
SSM 547732026-04-24Electrical SystemSome 2021-2023 Nautilus vehicles may exhibit inoperative phone as a key and no…
TSB 26-21712026-04-17EngineThis article updates TSB 25-2154. Reasons for update: *Parts List *Service Procedure to…
24N12 S22026-03-30EngineCertain 2021 - 2022 Model Year Various Vehicles Engine Valve Inspection Test This…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Nautilus. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Nautilus take?

5.5 qt of 5W-30 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Nautilus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.