What the Lincoln Nautilus window recall covers
Lincoln issued a recall for certain Nautilus models because the power window regulators can fail, causing the windows to drop unexpectedly or stop working altogether. The regulator is the mechanical system that moves the window up and down when you press the button. If it breaks, your window may fall into the door frame or become stuck in place.
The recall affects 2018 through 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. Not every Nautilus in that range is included — the recall is limited to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs). You can check whether your Nautilus is part of the recall by looking up your VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or by contacting a Lincoln dealer with your VIN.
A window that drops on its own creates a safety problem because it leaves your vehicle open to theft or weather damage. A stuck window can trap your arm or hand if you are not paying attention, and it prevents you from opening the window in an emergency.
Key Takeaways
- The recall affects 2018–2024 Lincoln Nautilus models with faulty power window regulators that can fail without warning.
- You can check whether your specific vehicle is included by looking up your VIN on the NHTSA website or calling a Lincoln dealer.
- Lincoln will replace the window regulator at no cost to you at any authorized Lincoln dealership.
- The repair typically takes a few hours, and you should schedule an appointment rather than showing up without one.
- If your window has already failed, the recall repair covers it even if the failure happened before you received the recall notice.
How to learn about your Nautilus is affected
The fastest way to check is to visit the NHTSA website at safercar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). Your VIN appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, and the driver's side dashboard. The NHTSA database will show all active recalls for that specific VIN.
You can also call or visit an authorized Lincoln dealership with your VIN. The dealer can tell you when ready whether your vehicle is part of the recall and can schedule the repair for you at the same time. Many dealerships will also send you a recall notice by mail if you are the registered owner, though this can take several weeks after the recall is announced.
If you bought your Nautilus used, the recall still applies to your vehicle if your VIN matches the affected range. You do not need to be the original owner to have the repair done for free.
What happens during the repair
Lincoln dealers will replace the faulty window regulator with a new one. The repair is covered entirely by Lincoln — you will not pay any labor or parts costs. The technician will remove the door panel, take out the broken regulator, and install the replacement. The process typically takes two to four hours per window, depending on which windows are affected on your vehicle.
You should schedule an appointment at a dealership rather than arriving without one. Recall repairs are prioritized, but dealerships still need to plan their schedule. When you call, tell them you are coming in for the window regulator recall so they can set aside time for the work.
If both front windows or multiple windows are affected, the repair may take longer. Ask the dealership for an estimate of how long you should expect to be without your vehicle, and whether they offer a loaner car while yours is being serviced.
What to do if your window has already failed
If your window regulator has already broken and your window is stuck or has dropped, you can still have it repaired under the recall at no cost. The recall covers the defect itself, not just vehicles that have not yet experienced a failure. Bring your vehicle to a Lincoln dealership and explain that the window regulator has failed. They will confirm the failure is related to the recall and perform the repair.
In the meantime, a dropped window leaves your vehicle vulnerable. If your window is stuck down, consider parking in a garage or covering the opening with plastic sheeting and tape to keep out rain and debris. If your window is stuck up but you need to open it, a technician at the dealership can sometimes manually lower it during your appointment, though this depends on how the regulator failed.
Do not attempt to force the window up or down yourself, as this can cause additional damage to the door panel or the regulator mechanism.
How to schedule your recall repair
Contact an authorized Lincoln dealership in your area by phone or through their website. When you call, provide your VIN and explain that you need to schedule a recall repair for the window regulator. The dealership will confirm your vehicle is part of the recall and offer you available appointment times.
You can find authorized Lincoln dealerships through the Lincoln website or by searching "Lincoln dealer near me" in your web browser. Some dealerships are busier than others, so if your local dealer has a long wait, you may be able to travel to a nearby dealership to get the repair sooner.
Bring your vehicle registration or proof of ownership to your appointment. The dealership will verify your VIN against the recall list before beginning work.
What if you no longer own the vehicle
If you sold or traded in your Nautilus after the recall was issued, the recall responsibility transfers to the new owner. If you are the new owner of a recalled Nautilus, you can have the repair done at any authorized Lincoln dealership at no cost.
If you were the original owner and no longer have the vehicle, you do not need to take any action. The recall notice will have been sent to the registered owner at the time the recall was issued.
Understanding the NHTSA recall process
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety and recalls. When a manufacturer like Lincoln discovers a defect that poses a safety risk, they must notify NHTSA and the vehicle owners. NHTSA then tracks the recall and can investigate whether the manufacturer is handling it properly.
Recalls are free repairs — the manufacturer is required by law to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. You have the right to have the repair done at any authorized dealership for that brand, and the manufacturer must cover all costs. There is no time limit on recalls, meaning you can have the repair done years after the recall was issued.
If you believe the dealership is charging you for a recall repair, or if you have other concerns about how the recall is being handled, you can file a complaint with NHTSA through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the dealership give me a loaner car while my Nautilus is being repaired?
Many dealerships offer loaner vehicles during recall repairs, but it depends on the dealership's policy and whether they have one available. When you schedule your appointment, ask whether a loaner is available. Some dealerships charge a small fee for a loaner, though recall repairs themselves are always free.
Can I have the repair done at any Lincoln dealership, or does it have to be the one where I bought the car?
You can have the repair done at any authorized Lincoln dealership, regardless of where you purchased your vehicle. This gives you flexibility if your local dealership is booked or if you are traveling.
What if my window regulator fails again after the recall repair?
If the replacement regulator fails within a reasonable time after the repair, contact the dealership that performed the work. They can inspect the repair and determine whether the new part is defective. If it is, Lincoln will typically cover a second repair under warranty.
Do I have to pay for the repair if my vehicle is out of warranty?
No. Recall repairs are free regardless of your vehicle's warranty status or age. The manufacturer is required by law to cover all costs for safety-related recalls.
How long does the window regulator repair usually take?
The repair typically takes two to four hours per window. If multiple windows are affected, the total time may be longer. Ask the dealership for a specific estimate when you schedule your appointment.