Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Lincoln Nautilus electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 12,821 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 24 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference from the phone being connected into the media hub using a universal serial bus (USB) cable during SYNC system boot up. To correct his condition, advise the customer to disconnect the USB cable from the phone. If the center display screen displays normally, reconnect the phone. If the concern persists, disconnect the phone from the USB cable, cycle the ignition off and open the driver's door so the interior lights come on. Close the door, star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a noise from the rear of the vehicle while approaching the vehicle or prior to starting engine. This may be due to the rear drive unit (RDU) actuator learning process. Reprogram the software in the AWD module to minimize the noise using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. If no other concerns or symptoms are present, further diagnosis or repairs are not recommended. For claiming, use causal part 4000 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the SYNC module (APIM) software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus shows a pattern of serious electrical faults across 24 complaints. The most common issue is the instrument cluster going completely blank—sometimes on startup, sometimes while driving. Owners report losing all visibility of speed, gear position, turn signals, and warning lights for periods ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour. Most describe needing a full vehicle shutdown and restart to restore function, though some say it takes 24 hours or longer. One owner reported seven blackouts in 30 days; another tracked incidents from September 2019 through at least April 2020 without a permanent fix.
Secondary electrical failures compound the problem: one vehicle experienced complete power loss in a parking lot; another drained its battery repeatedly while parked and shut off (nine service visits, no resolution). A third stalled on the highway during rush hour and wouldn't restart. One owner reported unexpected airbag deployment and loss of windows, heating, and radio afterward. Loss of critical controls—speedometer, turn signals, door locks—while driving has been reported at low speeds. Rear hatch failure (all methods), mirror folding inward, and transmission failure also appear in the cluster.
Multiple owners have visited dealerships five to nine times for the same issues. Lincoln has replaced batteries, fuse boxes, modules, and GSMs without consistent results. Some vehicles reference a recall (19V076000) but owners' VINs are not included. This combination of recurring faults, unsuccessful repairs, and lack of manufacturer resolution creates genuine safety hazards.
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument cluster blackout with reboots
Dashboard and instrument cluster go completely blank, eliminating visibility of speed, gear position, warning lights, and turn signals. The cluster undergoes multiple reboot cycles. Normal operation often requires a full vehicle shutdown and restart.
When: Random, some starting, some while driving; reported from early ownership (700 miles) to high mileage (84,200 miles); recurrence unpredictable, sometimes 5–7 times over weeks, sometimes at 20+ minute intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of instrument panel display; Loss of speedometer, odometer, tachometer visibility; Loss of turn signal indicators; Loss of warning lights visibility; Multiple reboot cycles in succession; Message 'Vehicle Network Communication Error' on radio; Airbag restraint fault alerts appearing during or after blackouts
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic trouble codes stored in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate in most cases; Lincoln has replaced battery, fuse junction box, trunk module, telematics module, keyless entry keypad, and GSM in various instances; no permanent fix documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V076000 (Electrical System) referenced by multiple owners; Lincoln has stated some vehicles are not included in recall; Lincoln engineers consulted in at least one case with no resolution; Lincoln ESP PremiumCARE warranty covers repairs through 2030 in one case
Complete vehicle electrical shutdown (total power loss)
All electrical power is lost—no lights, no power, vehicle becomes completely dead. In one instance, vehicle locked in gear and could not be moved manually. Creates immediate hazard in traffic.
When: Parking lot scenario (Dec 2019); timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all interior and exterior lighting; Total power loss; Vehicle locked in gear, unable to shift to neutral; No way to move vehicle to safety
Battery drain when vehicle is shut off
Battery drains significantly when the vehicle is completely powered off, leaving owner unable to start the vehicle. Problem recurs after service attempts.
When: Intermittent; one owner reported 10 roadside assistance calls and 9 service visits over 6 months
Symptoms owners cite: Dead battery on attempted start; Battery drain while parked and shut off; Recurring failure after service
Repairs/costs cited: Nine service visits without resolution; multiple jump starts required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Roadside assistance provided; vehicle loaner used while in shop; no permanent fix documented
Engine stall and shutdown while driving
Engine cuts off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, requiring tow. Vehicle may not restart after stall.
When: During highway driving at rush hour in one case; one case at approximately 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cut off while driving; Vehicle will not restart after stall; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and driver module replaced ($1,706.10); 12-Volt battery and EGR system diagnosed as failed in another case
Unexpected airbag deployment
Driver-side airbag deploys without collision or impact while vehicle is being driven at low speed.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deploys unexpectedly; Occupant struck by airbag; Blind spot and cross-traffic system fault messages displayed; Windows, heating system, and radio become inoperable following deployment
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified by owner
Loss of critical controls during operation
While driving, multiple control systems fail simultaneously. Driver loses visibility of speedometer, odometer, tachometer, turn signals, and door controls. Vehicle network communication error reported on radio.
When: Driving at speeds less than 15 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of speedometer display; Loss of odometer display; Loss of tachometer display; Loss of turn signal controls; Loss of door control access; Vehicle network communication error displayed on radio; Safety feature alerts (forward collision warning, blind spot warnings) disabled; Powertrain malfunction alerts; Emergency brake only function when attempting to shift to park
Rear hatch unable to open
Rear hatch fails to open using any method—dashboard button, remote key fob, or foot opener beneath bumper. Prevents access to spare tire and trunk.
When: Unpredictable timing
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch button on dash non-functional; Remote key fob hatch release non-functional; Foot opener beneath bumper non-functional; Unable to access spare tire
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Outside mirrors folding inward
Outside mirrors fold inward while driving, eliminating side visibility.
When: While driving
Symptoms owners cite: Both outside mirrors fold inward; Unable to see traffic to left or right
Transmission failure
Transmission requires replacement. Owner experienced jerking, misfiring, inability to accelerate, and inability to reverse.
When: Less than one year of ownership; approximately 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking sensation; Misfiring; No acceleration; Unable to reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required, estimated cost approximately $9,000
Vehicle shuddering, power loss, and overheating message
Vehicle shudders, loses motive power, and displays engine overheating message on dashboard, resulting in stall.
When: At approximately 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddering; Loss of motive power; Engine overheating message displayed on instrument panel; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: 12-Volt battery and EGR system diagnosed as failed; repair not yet completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner linked failure to NHTSA Campaign 23V378000 (Engine) but VIN not verified under recall
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While driving, the entire dashboard and instrument cluster intermittently go completely blank, disabling visibility of speed, gear position, warning lights, turn signals, and other critical information. The failure occurs suddenly and without warning. The cluster then goes through multiple reboot cycles, sometimes several times in a row. In many cases, normal operation does not return until the…
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side air bag unexpectedly deployed, and the blind spot and cross-traffic system fault messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted, and no medical attention was required. The contact’s spouse’s arm was struck by the air bag, and the contact…
I reported a similar problem a few weeks ago; as I drive I get alerts of safety features not being available and a powertrain malfunction. While driving this afternoon speed less than 15 MPH, I got the same alerts, but were followed by a complete loss of displays. The radio showed a "vehicle network communication error" and I could still see the prnds, but I lost all other controls:…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,500 and 41,000 miles, with the median around 12,821. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 41,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Lincoln/Nautilus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.