The new generation of the Lincoln Nautilus is going to start selling in the US in 2024. It will be manufactured in China and then important to the US which is the first bad news for today. Fortunately, the base engine is going to remain the 2.0L Ford turbocharged EcoBoost which is pretty reliable and not extremely problematic.
In today’s article, I will tell you more about the 2.0L Turbo engine that powers the new Lincoln Nautilus and will also outline its main problems. I will pay attention to the transmission and will make a certain guess about the durability of the engine. This is going to help you choose if you still have some hesitations.
Here’s what I will tell you today:
- Key facts about the 2.0L Turbo engine in the new Nautilus.
- How many miles will this engine last in your vehicle?
- What are the most common problems with this engine?
- Can you prolong the life of the 2.0L engine in your Lincoln?
What should you know about the 2.0L Turbo in the new Nautilus?
So, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is going to be powered by the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This is the upgraded Twin-Scroll engine series and it was already used in the previous generation of the model. Also, you will be able to choose the 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 engine if you are ready to pay for more expensive trims. There are two engine options for you.
The engine comes equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission which is the simple torque-converter conventional transmission that’s going to live quite a long and happy life. Overall, the engine doesn’t seem to be a bad option for this vehicle but I suppose you would enjoy having something more powerful and with bigger displacement in this big luxury car.
Here’s what you should know about this machine:
- this is the second-gen 2.0L EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque – wonderful specs;
- the engine is a 4-cylinder, it has a twin-scroll turbocharger that makes it quite powerful and fun to drive;
- the engine is equipped with the 8-speed simple gearbox, as said above, it’s quite quick in shifts and still reliable;
- the timing system is driven by the chain, it’s reliable and durable but still can’t live forever, so needs attention;
- direct injection is quite good here and it helps achieve really high power and torque and also better fuel consumption;
- the Nautilus will go 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on highways, according to EPA estimates.
The same engine has been used in the Corsair and in the Ford Edge since 2019. It’s quite economical and efficient, it gives a lot of available power and can even tow up to one and a half tons. I doubt if you will be towing something with your Nautilus, but knowing this may show you how good and reliable this engine is.
I can also say that the 2-liter turbo engine will be fun to drive. It will deliver high low-end torque and will allow you to accelerate like crazy in your luxury SUV. Yes, it’s not a sports-ready engine, but it will allow you to use different driving styles and have a lot of fun when sitting behind the steering wheel in your Nautilus.
The only thing that should be a point of concern is the fuel consumption. I expected this vehicle to be a little more economical.
How long will this engine live?
Well, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is not that shabby and can live for a lot of years and miles. But it’s not a V6 and its small displacement will play a certain role in the overall durability.
I believe you should expect about 160,000 miles from this engine with no serious issues. After that, the 2.0L Turbo engine becomes a lottery that you will eventually lose. Several expensive parts may fail and lead to fatal failure of the engine after it hits this mileage.
Also, the 2.0L EcoBoost may be killed much sooner than you expect if you don’t maintain it or drive your Nautilus carelessly. Any abuse can cut the lifespan of the unit and make you regret such driving styles in the future.
I should say that the 8-speed automatic transmission shouldn’t cause any issues at all within the entire life of the engine. I believe it will only need several oil change sessions to function well and live happily. In the worst case, it may require repair after 100K miles and it won’t cost you a fortune, so the transmission is completely OK.
What are the common problems with the 2.0L Turbo engine in the Nautilus?
I should say that the problem section is present in every article about engines in my blog because any technology has some common issues. But the 2.0L Turbo engine in your Lincoln Nautilus is pretty good – much better than many other engines with the same size and power on the market. It’s not super technological and still has something to improve, but the engine is decent and won’t spoil your mood too often.
Here are some common problems to remember:
1. Direct injection and carbon buildup
The standard problem for any direct injection engine is the carbon buildup on intake valves and this engine is not an exception. After about 50K miles, intake valves will be clogged and won’t be able to close and open completely as they need to. This will compromise the efficiency of the engine and will change the quality of its work.
You will just need to take the vehicle in and have the engine head cleaned. This is not a very complicated task, but it will cost you some money. Also, the injectors are not very reliable and are pretty expensive.
2. HPFP
Unfortunately, there is one more common issue with the fuel supply in these engines. The high-pressure fuel pump may go bad quite early. But the problem is not in the fact that this module can fail but in its price. The fuel pump for the Lincoln Nautilus will cost you a fortune and a half. And then, you will pay another fortune to have it installed. Ironically, the HPFP may usually fail right after the warranty mileage is over.
3. Turbo issues
Although these problems are not common for younger engines, after some years, your Lincoln may develop problems with the turbocharger. It will mean that the turbo needs repair or maybe even replacement. Interestingly, the turbochargers usually fail because owners experiment with oil viscosity. But original Ford oil for this engine and OEM filters to avoid issues with the turbocharger.
4. Internal coolant leaks
There are several weak points that can cause internal coolant leaks. The coolant may eventually get directly into the combustion chambers and get burnt. This will lead to coolant level drop and also to white smoke from the tailpipe.
Fortunately, it’s almost never a head gasket, but some other problems that are easier to solve. But you need to be careful. If the coolant level drops significantly, the engine may overheat and get serious damage.
5. Chain stretching
As said above, the chain is pretty good but not eternal. It may stretch at about 100,000 miles and will require immediate replacement. The general sign of the stretched chain is engine rattling. Of course, you should also check other engine units to make sure it’s the chain that makes this sound.
The stretched chain may lead to it jumping a tooth or two. This will most likely affect the valves and other parts of the head after the valves hit the pistons in a mistimed engine. So, you better replace the chain kit at 100K miles or so.
How can you prolong the life of this engine?
There is nothing special you should do to drive this engine at least 160,000 miles and have zero problems with it.
Here’s what you should remember:
- maintain the engine strictly according to the driver’s manual;
- buy OEM fluids and parts to avoid incorrect viscosity or something;
- change the chain kit at about 100K miles to avoid fatal stretching;
- don’t ignore abnormal engine sounds or warning lights;
- abusing this engine is the last thing you want to do in the Nautilus;
- check the coolant level regularly to avoid overheating.
Final thoughts
I believe you will be satisfied with the 2.0L engine in the new Lincoln Nautilus. This powerplant is relatively durable, quite powerful, and really good to drive. This is one of the most powerful modifications of the 2-liter engine and it offers you a lot of great advantages by burning a relatively low amount of fuel.
I still see some common problems that may happen with this engine. But if you know about them and are ready to prevent them or cope with them immediately, owning this vehicle will be a lot of fun.
If you have something to add or want to ask a question, write in the comments below!