Lincoln · Known Issues

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2023 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

On the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, the hands-free power liftgate frequently becomes intermittent or fully inoperative on first-generation (2019-2023) Nautilus. The system uses a single electric motor on the driver's side plus a gas strut on the passenger side; failures include the motor straining without the latch releasing, the gate not responding to the fob/dash button/kick sensor, and the gate opening or closing on its own while parked. Ford documents that many 2019-2020 cases are Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM) software, while others are a weak motor or a worn gas support strut (one owner quoted ~$1,200 for struts).

This issue also affects: Ford Bronco

Common Symptoms

Liftgate won't open or close with fob, dash button, or kick gesture
Motor runs/strains but latch doesn't release
Liftgate opens or closes by itself while parked
Gate stops partway or won't hold position
Intermittent operation that comes and goes

How to Fix

Start with an RGTM software reprogram and a power-liftgate re-initialization procedure, which resolves many no-open/erratic cases without parts. If the gate is mechanically weak or won't hold position, replace the failing gas support strut and/or the liftgate drive motor. Verify the kick-sensor and latch operation after repair.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Power liftgate drive motor (RGTM-controlled lift motor, driver's-side spindle drive)
OEMFA1Z-14B351-AOwners useFA1Z14B351A, FA1Z14B351B, Dorman (tailgate lift motor)$216–$400
Lincoln-branded OEM tailgate/liftgate lift motor for the power liftgate; controlled by the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM). This is the part replaced when the motor strains/won't release the latch or the gate won't lift. Verified fitment Lincoln MKX 2016-2018 and Nautilus 2019-2023 (Gen 1, matches thi
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Liftgate gas support strut / lift cylinder (passenger/right side, power-liftgate spec)
OEMFA1Z-58406A10BOwners useFA1Z58406A10B, Amazon B0GYF2KDJQ (electric tailgate gas strut, MKX/Nautilus$102–$185
Pressurized gas support cylinder that holds the liftgate weight on the non-motor (passenger/right) side; the worn/weak strut that lets the gate sag or not hold position (the ~$1,200 owner quote in the issue is for struts plus dealer labor, not the part alone). Verified fitment Lincoln MKX 2016-2018
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Liftgate latch / lock actuator (latch verify/replace after repair)
OEMFA1Z-7443150-BOwners useDorman 931-273, FA1Z7443150B, DS7Z-7443150-B$30–$90
Liftgate latch/lock actuator assembly with motor. The FIX calls to verify latch operation after repair; this is the part replaced when the latch itself won't release/engage (a common companion failure to the no-open/erratic complaints). Verified fitment 2019-2022 Lincoln Nautilus power liftgate (als
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,300

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, first-generation Nautilus owners widely report the SYNC 3 center touchscreen freezing, going completely black, or spontaneously rebooting while driving — sometimes leaving only the backup camera working. Symptoms point to memory corruption in the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module / SYNC module) software rather than the display panel itself, so a black or frozen screen usually traces to the APIM. Distinct from the 2024+ panoramic/center-display reboot recall (25V337), which is the newer multimedia module on the redesigned model.

This issue also affects: Ford Bronco

Common Symptoms

Center screen freezes / unresponsive to touch
Screen goes completely black except backup camera
Infotainment reboots itself while driving
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto drops or won't connect
Audio and navigation glitches

How to Fix

Try a SYNC master reset (hold the power/volume button and Seek-Right for 10 seconds) and install the latest SYNC 3 software via USB or OTA. If freezes recur, the APIM module is reprogrammed or replaced by the dealer; updating to the current software level resolves most memory-related lockups. A pending USB drive update can also stop the reboot loop.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

APIM / SYNC 3 module (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) — WITH navigation
OEMJS7Z-14G371-CDCOwners useJS7Z14G371CDC, JS7Z-14G370-CDC (programmed/asbuilt variant), 14G371 (SYNC 3 nav family)$600–$1400
The load-bearing fix part: the FIX text says a black/frozen/rebooting SYNC 3 screen traces to the APIM (the 'brain'), not the display, and that the dealer reprograms or REPLACES the APIM. This is the navigation-equipped variant. JS7Z-14G371-CDC is a genuine Ford / FoMoCo SYNC 3 (with-nav) APIM servi
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APIM / SYNC 3 module (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) — WITHOUT navigation
OEMKU5Z-14G371-BDFOwners useKU5Z14G371BDF, 14G371 (SYNC 3 non-nav family), KU5T-14G371-* (base casting)$500–$1100
Same fix as the nav module but for Nautilus trims that shipped SYNC 3 WITHOUT factory navigation. KU5Z-14G371-BDF is the genuine Ford non-nav SYNC 3 APIM serviced for 2019-2023 Ford/Lincoln, so it fits the full 2019-2023 issue window. Pick nav vs non-nav by matching the original module / the car's b
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $900

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Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L EcoBoost V6, nautilus models with the optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 produce a ticking, tapping, or rattle noise from the top-front-cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more, lasting roughly 2-5 seconds. Ford TSB 23-2356 (superseding 22-2376 and 23-2049) attributes the noise to stuck internal components in the variable cam timing (VCT) / cam phaser units. Left unaddressed it can set crank/cam correlation codes (P0016). It is a well-documented EcoBoost cam-phaser pattern failure also seen on the F-150 2.7L.

This issue also affects: Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Expedition

Common Symptoms

Ticking/tapping/rattle from front of engine for 2-5 seconds on cold start
Noise only after the car sits 6+ hours
Noise diminishes once oil pressure builds
Possible check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes at higher mileage

How to Fix

Per TSB 23-2356 the prescribed repair is to replace all four VCT (cam phaser) units — a substantial ~14.7-hour labor job. Using the correct oil viscosity and avoiding extended oil-change intervals helps slow phaser wear. Many out-of-warranty owners report Ford goodwill covering a large portion (one owner quoted ~$2,600 with ~2/3 covered at 88k miles).

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Intake VCT unit (variable cam timing phaser, intake) - 2 required
OEML1MZ-6256-COwners useL1MZ-6256-E (latest Ford supersession - current revision), L1MZ-6256-A / L1MZ-6256-B (earlier superseded revisions)$45–$66
Primary repair part. Ford TSB 23-2049 (predecessor to the cited 23-2356; same 2.7L EcoBoost Edge/Nautilus 2019-2023, causal part 6C525) calls for 2x 'VCT Unit - Intake' = L1MZ-6256-C. Verified on FordPartsGiant as SPROCKET-CAMSHAFT / Actuator, ~$45.70 (MSRP $65.67) each, explicitly fits 2020-2023 Li
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Exhaust VCT unit (variable cam timing phaser, exhaust) - 2 required
OEML1MZ-6C525-COwners useL1MZ-6C525-E (latest Ford supersession - current revision), L1MZ-6C525-A / L1MZ-6C525-B (earlier superseded revisions)$42–$62
Primary repair part. TSB 23-2049 calls for 2x 'VCT Unit - Exhaust' = L1MZ-6C525-C. Verified on FordPartsGiant as CAM/Actuator, ~$42.67 (MSRP $61.83) each, explicitly fits 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L (also Edge/F-150/Bronco/Explorer/Ranger 2.7L). Qty 2 per engine -> ~$85-124 for the pair. Superse
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VCT unit bolt (phaser-to-camshaft bolt) - 4 required
OEMCP9Z-6279-COwners useFT4Z-6279-A (superseded-by/interchange Ford PN)$2–$8
Required cited hardware. TSB 23-2049 parts table: 4x 'VCT Unit Bolts' = CP9Z-6279-C. Single-use torque-to-yield bolts - must be replaced, not reused. Verified ~$1.68 each on FordPartsGiant (also sold by Freedom Racing as '2.7L/3.0L Camshaft Sprocket Bolt'); replaces FT4Z-6279-A; fits Nautilus/Edge/C
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Engine front cover gasket set (4 gaskets) - reseal after VCT access
OEMFT4Z-6020-KOwners useFT4Z-6020-H (Front Cover Gasket 2), FT4Z-6020-J (Front Cover Gasket 3), FT4Z-6020-A (Front Cover Gasket 4)$30–$90
Required consumables to reseal the timing/front cover (must come off to reach the phasers). TSB 23-2049 lists FOUR distinct front-cover gaskets - FT4Z-6020-K (Gasket 1), FT4Z-6020-H (2), FT4Z-6020-J (3), FT4Z-6020-A (4) - plus FT4Z-00815-C oil gallery seal, each Qty 1. Listed FT4Z-6020-K as the prim
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Valve cover gasket set (left + right, 2-piece each side) - removed for cam access
OEMFT4Z-6584-DOwners useFT4Z-6584-B (Right Valve Cover Gasket), FT4Z-6584-C (Left Valve Cover Gasket), FT4Z-6584-E (Right Valve Cover Gasket)$20–$90
Required consumables. TSB 23-2049 lists FOUR valve-cover gaskets (the 2.7L uses an inner+outer gasket per cover): Left FT4Z-6584-D & FT4Z-6584-C, Right FT4Z-6584-B & FT4Z-6584-E, each Qty 1. Verified pricing: FT4Z-6584-B ~$9.10 (MSRP $13.18); FT4Z-6584-E ~$44.92 (MSRP $65.67). Listed -D as primary,
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Crankshaft front oil seal (front cover removal)
OEMXW4Z-6700-B$10–$30
Required consumable per TSB 23-2049 (Qty 1) - the crank front seal is disturbed when the front cover comes off. Note: the 3.5L sibling TSB uses XW4Z-6700-AA; for the 2.7L the correct PN is XW4Z-6700-B. Price estimated from typical Ford front crank seal range (not independently price-verified this pa
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Crankshaft pulley/damper bolt (single-use)
OEMFT4Z-6A340-A$8–$25
Required single-use TTY hardware per TSB 23-2049 (Qty 1) - crank pulley must be removed to pull the front cover; this bolt is not reusable. PN/fitment from the TSB parts table (2.7L Edge/Nautilus). Price estimated from typical Ford damper-bolt range; PN confident, price estimate.
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Oil pump seal
OEMFT4Z-6626-AOwners useBR3Z-6C535-A / BR3Z-6C535-B (oil pump electrical connector s$5–$20
Required consumable per TSB 23-2049 (Qty 1). PN/fitment from the 2.7L TSB parts table. Price estimated (not independently verified this pass). The TSB also notes oil pump electrical connector seal and VCT oil control seal share a service PN on the 3.5L; on the 2.7L the spark-plug/VCT solenoid seals
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Oil pan press-in-place gasket + oil pan gasket (pan dropped for front cover)
OEMJT4Z-6710-AOwners useKT4Z-6710-A (Oil Pan Gasket - second pan gasket)$15–$60
Required consumables per TSB 23-2049: JT4Z-6710-A 'Oil Pan Press-In-Place Gasket' (Qty 1) + KT4Z-6710-A 'Oil Pan Gasket' (Qty 1) - the lower oil pan is removed to access the bottom of the front cover. PNs/fitment from the 2.7L TSB. Combined price estimate.
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Coolant pump gasket + coolant pump seal (water pump is behind front cover)
OEMFT4Z-6020-GOwners useFT4Z-8507-C (Coolant Pump Seal)$10–$40
Required consumables per TSB 23-2049: FT4Z-6020-G 'Coolant Pump Gasket' (Qty 1) + FT4Z-8507-C 'Coolant Pump Seal' (Qty 1). The 2.7L EcoBoost coolant pump sits behind the front timing cover, so it is disturbed during the job. PNs/fitment from the 2.7L TSB. Combined price estimate.
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Engine oil filter (oil change part of the job)
OEMKU2Z-6731-AOwners useMotorcraft FL-2062-A, FL-2062, FT4Z-6731-A (interchange Ford PN)$10–$20
Required consumable per TSB 23-2049 (Qty 1). Engine must be drained/refilled. Verified: KU2Z-6731-A = Motorcraft FL-2062-A cartridge element, ~$10.31-16.82, fits 2019+ Edge/Nautilus/F-150 2.7L EcoBoost. Cheap, well-stocked aftermarket cross-refs exist (FRAM CH11955, Wix 57064, etc., as element 2062
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Catalytic converter / turbo gaskets & exhaust hardware (exhaust removed for access)
OEMBL3Z-9450-AOwners useW712458-S900 (Exhaust Studs x4), W714265-S442 (Cat-to-turbo flange nuts x4), 1X4Z-9E936-AA (Throttle Body Gasket)$15–$60
Required consumables per TSB 23-2049: 2x BL3Z-9450-A 'Catalytic Converter Gasket' plus exhaust studs (W712458-S900 x4), cat-to-turbo flange nuts (W714265-S442 x4) and a throttle body gasket (1X4Z-9E936-AA) - the turbos/exhaust manifolds are pulled to reach the front of the heads. PNs/fitment from th
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Fluids & shop chemicals (5W-30 oil, yellow coolant, RTV, thread sealant, anti-seize)
OEMXO-5W30-Q1SPOwners useVC-13DL-G (Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant), TA-357 (Motorcraft High Performance Engine RTV Silicone), TA-26 (Motorcraft Threadlock 262)$60–$130
Required 'as needed' fluids/chemicals per TSB 23-2049. The 2.7L EcoBoost takes Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 (XO-5W30-Q1SP; ~6 qt, ~$8-10/qt) - correct viscosity matters (TSB/owner note: right oil + avoiding extended OCIs slows phaser wear). Plus Motorcraft VC-13DL-G yellow coolant, TA-357 RTV (front cover b
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,500

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On the 2022-2024 Lincoln Nautilus, owners of the redesigned 2024 Nautilus (and some 2022-2023 cars) report a loud groan, grunt, or grinding noise from the front brakes as the vehicle comes to a complete stop, more pronounced in cooler temperatures and often fading once the brakes warm. Ford service message SSM 52556 ('Front Brake Grunt Noise') ties it to the front rotor material/finish. Lincoln revised the rotors on the production line starting June 16, 2024, with service replacement parts following in Q3; many early-2024 owners reported rotors on nationwide backorder.

Common Symptoms

Groan / grunt noise from front brakes just before the car stops
Noise worse when brakes are cold or in cool weather
Noise dissipates after brakes warm up
Rear brake squeak/squeal in some cars

How to Fix

Dealer remedy is to install the revised front rotors (and, for squeal complaints, an updated rear brake-pad shim kit). It is a noise/quality concern, not a stopping-performance failure; replacement is covered under the new-vehicle warranty. Owners experiencing backorder should ask the dealer to document the concern so it stays covered.

What you need to fix it

The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.

Front brake disc rotor (revised material/finish) — replace BOTH front rotors as a pair. Primary SSM remedy part.
OEMPZ1Z-1125-B$78–$113
CONFIRMED primary fix. Lincoln SSM 52556 / 52785 / 53329 ('Front Brake Grunt Noise') specify replacing both front disc rotors with the revised-material rotor PZ1Z-1125-B on redesigned 2024 (and carried into 2025) Nautilus built on/before June 13, 2024. Supersedes PZ1Z-1125-A / BRRF-1973. OEM MSRP ~$
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Nautilus problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023-2023 Lincoln Nautilus has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power liftgate inoperative / opens or closes on its own (RGTM software, motor, strut), SYNC 3 / APIM infotainment freezes, black-screens, and reboots, 2.7L EcoBoost cold-start VCT rattle (top-front-cover tick/tap on startup). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

The 2023-2023 Lincoln Nautilus has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Nautilus problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln Nautilus issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus Power liftgate inoperative / opens or closes on its own (RGTM software, motor, strut)?

The hands-free power liftgate frequently becomes intermittent or fully inoperative on first-generation (2019-2023) Nautilus. The system uses a single electric motor on the driver's side plus a gas strut on the passenger side; failures include the motor straining without the latch… Repairs typically run $150-$1,300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus SYNC 3 / APIM infotainment freezes, black-screens, and reboots?

First-generation Nautilus owners widely report the SYNC 3 center touchscreen freezing, going completely black, or spontaneously rebooting while driving — sometimes leaving only the backup camera working. Symptoms point to memory corruption in the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interfac… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L EcoBoost cold-start VCT rattle (top-front-cover tick/tap on startup)?

Nautilus models with the optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 produce a ticking, tapping, or rattle noise from the top-front-cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more, lasting roughly 2-5 seconds. Ford TSB 23-2356 (superseding 22-2376 and 23-2049) att… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022-2024 Lincoln Nautilus Front brake groan/grunt noise on stopping (rotor material defect)?

Owners of the redesigned 2024 Nautilus (and some 2022-2023 cars) report a loud groan, grunt, or grinding noise from the front brakes as the vehicle comes to a complete stop, more pronounced in cooler temperatures and often fading once the brakes warm. Ford service message SSM 525… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: low.

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus: Power liftgate inoperative / opens or closes on its own (RGTM software, motor, strut)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus: SYNC 3 / APIM infotainment freezes, black-screens, and reboots#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus: 2.7L EcoBoost cold-start VCT rattle (top-front-cover tick/tap on startup)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

2022-2024 Lincoln Nautilus: Front brake groan/grunt noise on stopping (rotor material defect)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

Other Lincoln Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln Nautilus problems?

Is the Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln Nautilus problems?

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus Power liftgate inoperative / opens or closes on its own (RGTM software, motor, strut)?

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus SYNC 3 / APIM infotainment freezes, black-screens, and reboots?

What is the 2019-2023 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L EcoBoost cold-start VCT rattle (top-front-cover tick/tap on startup)?

What is the 2022-2024 Lincoln Nautilus Front brake groan/grunt noise on stopping (rotor material defect)?