Shop the Lincoln Nautilus as two separate vehicles: the 2019-2023 first generation, a reworked MKX that shares its platform with the Ford Edge and offers a twin-turbo V-6, and the 2024-and-later redesign, which is built in China, comes with AWD standard, and swaps the V-6 for a hybrid. For the older SUV, the recall to confirm is 24V635 on 2021-2022 2.7-liter V-6 cars, where intake valves can break; for the newer one, it is the window and camera software recalls. A clean VIN check plus a history report will tell you more than the badge on the tailgate.
The name is the same and the price brackets overlap on used lots in October 2026, which is exactly how people end up comparing the wrong things. I spent this evening going through Car and Driver's reviews for each generation and every recall the NHTSA API lists for 2019 through 2025, and the two Nautiluses have very little in common beyond the logo.
First generation, 2019-2023
C/D's 2019 review calls the Nautilus a reskinned 2018 MKX with new front styling, more standard driver aids, and a turbocharged four as the new base engine. That 2.0-liter makes 250 hp with front- or all-wheel drive. The optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 is the one people want; C/D quoted 335 hp and ran it to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The same review says the Nautilus shares its platform with the Ford Edge, which is handy because parts and known problems overlap. By 2023, the changes were minor, per C/D's 2023 page: new wheels, a new paint color, and a Premium package for the base trim.
The V-6 is also where the scary recall lives. 24V635 covers 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models with the 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter Nano EcoBoost whose intake valves may break while driving, leading to engine failure. Dealers run an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, and letters went out July 3, 2025. Ask for the dealer paperwork. A seller saying "it runs great" tells you nothing about valves.
Other first-gen entries the API returned: 2019 cars have 18V806 (on cars without Adaptive Front Steering, the driver air bag's plastic cover may detach when it deploys), 19V031 for lane centering that may not detect hands off the wheel, and a 2026 follow-up, 26V377, for cars fixed incorrectly the first time. 2019-2020 cars with 16-way power seats have 20V414, where the seat cushion frame can rub and damage nearby wiring and affect the air bags. 2020 cars have 21V011 for a rear drive unit low on lubricant. 2023 cars have 23V198 (second-row child seat tether welds) and 23V439, rear shocks built wrong that can damage the brake hose and half shaft. 2021-2023 cars also share 25V315, a rearview camera software fix that can come over the air.
Second generation, 2024 and later
For 2024 the Nautilus became a different SUV. C/D's 2024 review says it rides on Ford's C2 platform (the Escape and Bronco Sport base), AWD is standard, the V-6 is gone, and a 250-hp 2.0-liter is joined by a 310-hp hybrid. Inside is a 48-inch screen across the dash. It also moved continents: The Drive reported in 2023 that production shifted from Ontario to Lincoln's plant in Hangzhou, China, making it the brand's first China-built vehicle sold in the U.S. In August 2026, C/D wrote that Ford plans to phase out China-built Lincoln imports starting in 2030.
The 2024-2025 recall list is mostly software and windows. 24V953 and its redo 25V518 recalibrate door modules because the windows' auto-reverse may not react correctly to an obstruction. 2024 cars also have 24V597 and 25V237 for the global window closing feature, and 25V337, where the multimedia software can reboot the big panoramic screen and blank it. 26V165 covers 2024-2025 cars whose image processing module may reset and drop the camera and driver-assist features; the API notes the 2024 Nautilus phase was due to notify owners around June 22, 2026. 2025 cars add 25V519 (LED headlight driver modules) and 26V122 (EGR valve that can cause a loss of drive power), and 25V343 covers block heaters that may overheat.
Which one to buy
Honestly, it comes down to how much you want the V-6. A 2021-2022 2.7 with 24V635 documented as done is a strong, quick SUV. A 2.0-liter first-gen car is the value pick and dodges the valve recall entirely. The 2024-plus SUV is roomier and newer, and C/D lists 4 years or 50,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on 2024 models, but you are buying more screens and more software, and that is what the recalls keep fixing. Check whatever car you pick against our Lincoln recall check by VIN guide and decode it with the Lincoln VIN decoder notes so a 2.0 is not sold as a V-6.
C/D lists coverage at 4 years or 50,000 miles basic and 6 years or 70,000 miles powertrain, so most 2019-2020 cars are now outside both. If a first-gen Nautilus feels like Edge money with a Lincoln markup, read our used Ford Edge buying guide. If you need three rows, the used Lincoln Navigator guide is the jump up.
The report before the handshake
Luxury midsize SUVs come off lease in waves, so the history report tells you about owners, mileage gaps and accidents that a fresh detail job hides. Our CARFAX price is about $5.50 without an account and $4.50 with membership, and adding AutoCheck makes it about $6.75, while retail tends to land between $39.99 and $44.99. Confirm at checkout, because pricing changes. We are licensed to resell both and have no affiliation with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian; CARFAX's overview covers what the report includes.
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