Home › Guides › Lincoln › Engine And Engine Cooling
Lincoln engine oil leaks and sudden power loss recalls explained
This group splits between fire risk and losing power. Two recalls, in December 2024 and March 2025, cover the same defect on the 2024 Navigator: a misaligned engine cup plug in the 3.5L GTDI engine that can cause a rapid oil leak, stalling the engine and feeding a fire. The 2021-2022 Nautilus and Aviator with 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engines are recalled because intake valves can break while driving, causing engine failure and loss of drive power. The 2025 Nautilus appears in a 2026 recall for EGR valves that fail and cut drive power. The oldest entry is the 2021-2022 Corsair 2.5L hybrid, where oil and fuel vapor can reach ignition sources.
Warning signs to watch for
- Sudden, unexpected loss of drive power while driving, including at highway speed or while merging
- Visible oil leak, oil smell or smoke from under the hood on the Navigator
- Engine stalls without warning after losing oil rapidly
- Unexpected engine noises, reduced power or smoke on the hybrid Corsair — Ford says park and shut the engine off as quickly as possible
- The broken intake valve and EGR valve failures are described as unexpected, with no warning sign named in the notices
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall here tells owners to stop driving or park outside. Ford still frames the Navigator oil leak as the most urgent: have the cup plug inspected right away, and stop driving if you see or smell leaking oil, because the engine can quit without warning and leaking oil can ignite. The EcoBoost intake valve and EGR valve recalls allow continued driving while you schedule the free repair, with sudden power loss in traffic as the stated risk. On hybrid Corsair, pull over and shut the engine off if noise, power loss or smoke appears.
What the free repair involves
The work varies by cause. Navigator engines get a cup plug alignment inspection, with the plug replaced if it is misaligned. Nautilus and Aviator EcoBoost engines get an engine cycle test and a replacement engine if necessary. The 2025 Nautilus gets new EGR valves. Hybrid Corsair vehicles get a modified under-engine shield and active grille shutter. Every repair is free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 3 |
| high | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-03 | Ford Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus can lose driving power | high |
| 2025-03-28 | Ford F-150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator engines may leak oil | critical |
| 2024-12-20 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator: sudden engine oil leak | critical |
| 2024-08-23 | Ford and Lincoln EcoBoost engines can break, losing power | high |
| 2022-07-07 | Ford Escape, Maverick and Lincoln Corsair engine fire risk | critical |
Common questions
My 2024 Navigator was inspected in 2024 — why a second cup plug recall?
Ford issued the cup plug recall again in March 2025, adding 2025 Expedition and F-150 vehicles alongside the 2024 Navigator. The remedy is the same inspection and, if needed, plug replacement. Check your VIN to see whether your vehicle is listed in the newer campaign.
How does the dealer decide whether my Nautilus needs a new engine?
Dealers run an engine cycle test on the 2.7L and 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engines in the 2021-2022 Nautilus and Aviator, and replace the engine only when the test shows it is necessary. Both the test and any replacement are free of charge.
Is the 2025 Nautilus EGR recall the same as the EcoBoost valve recall?
No. The EGR valve recall covers the 2025 Nautilus and several 2025 Ford models where the valve can fail and cause unexpected loss of drive power; dealers replace the valves. The EcoBoost recall concerns intake valves breaking in 2021-2022 engines.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.