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2021 Lincoln Corsair: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2021 Lincoln Corsair has 43 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 23 recalls[2]. The recalls touch the rearview camera, the plug-in hybrid battery, the engine and more, so the recall status of each car matters.
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. One complaint mentions a crash and three injuries are reported. No fires and no deaths are reported[1]. These are owner reports that nobody has verified, and one complaint can name more than one component group. Here is how the named groups stack up:
- Unknown or other: 13 complaints, with 2 injuries[5]. These have no specific part attached, so there is little to say about them.
- Electrical system: 13 complaints[6].
- Back over prevention: 9 complaints[7]. This group covers the rearview camera[8].
- Engine: 7 complaints[9].
- Power train: 5 complaints[10].
- Exterior lighting, visibility and structure: 2 complaints each[11][12][13].
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. These are themes in that sample, not a measure of how many owners are affected.
In the electrical system sample, some plug-in hybrid owners describe waiting for a battery recall repair and not being able to charge as they wanted. Some describe a backup camera screen that turns blue, sometimes after the recall repair was done. Single owners also describe a total electrical shutdown, an overheated charging cord and a detached charging port cover[6].
In the back over prevention sample, owners describe a blue, blank or blurry camera image that came back after the recall repair. Others say the dealer told them the repair parts were not available yet[7].
In the engine sample, owners describe a stall or a sudden loss of power. Others describe waiting on parts for recall work[9].
In the power train sample, owners describe transmission trouble such as hesitation, shuddering and one outright failure[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 23 recalls for this model year[2]. They are below, newest first. Many of them also cover other Ford and Lincoln models, and some apply only to Corsairs with certain engines.
- Remedy pending
Wiper motor (26V117). March 2026. The front wiper motor can fail, so the wipers stop working properly and visibility drops. That raises crash risk. Dealers will inspect the motors and replace them as needed. The final remedy is not yet available, and Ford anticipated it in October 2026[14]. - Flipped rearview image (26V123). March 2026. The picture on the center screen can flip upside down when you shift into reverse. That cuts your view behind the car. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software[15].
- Plug-in hybrid battery (25V789). November 2025. Bad cells in the high-voltage battery can short inside and fail. That can cut drive power and raises the fire risk. Dealers will update two control modules. Until then owners are told to use only "Auto EV" mode and will get mailed instructions to limit how full the battery gets. Cars that were fixed under the earlier recall 24V954 need this new work too[16].
- Remedy pending
Engine block heater (25V685). October 2025. The block heater can crack, leak coolant and short out when plugged in, which raises the fire risk. Owners are told not to plug it in until the car is repaired. Dealers will replace the heater, and owners can instead choose to have it capped off and the cord removed. The final remedy is not yet available, and Ford anticipated it in September 2026[17]. - Rearview camera water (25V510). August 2025. Water can get into the camera connectors, so the image can go blank or look distorted. Dealers will replace the camera and its wiring harness[8].
- Rearview camera software (25V442). June 2025. A software error can leave the camera image blank. It can also leave the image on screen after you leave reverse, which can distract you. Dealers will update the camera software[18].
- Seat belt chime (25V338). May 2025. This covers cars with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under 22V953. The chime for an unbuckled driver sounds too briefly. Dealers will update the audio module software[19].
- Engine fire risk, repeat repair (25V345). May 2025. This covers cars with 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines that were repaired incorrectly under 23V380[20]. If the engine fails, oil and fuel vapor can collect near hot parts and start a fire. Owners are told to park and shut off the engine quickly if they hear odd noises, lose power or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control software[20].
- Camera video output, repeat repair (25V159). March 2025. This covers cars that were repaired incorrectly under 23V342. The video output can fail, so no camera image appears. Dealers will update the image processing module software[21].
- Hybrid shifts to neutral, repeat repair (25V133). February 2025. This covers cars that were repaired incorrectly under 24V330. The hybrid control software can drop the car into neutral and cut drive power. Dealers will update that software[22].
- Rearview camera (25V048). January 2025. The camera can show a blank or distorted image. Dealers will replace the camera as needed[23].
- Plug-in hybrid battery (24V954). December 2024. This is the same kind of cell defect as 25V789. Owners are told not to charge the battery until the repair is done. Dealers will update the battery control software and replace the high-voltage battery pack as needed[24]. Cars in this recall later needed the newer remedy from 25V789[16].
- Airbag warning label (24V852). November 2024. The airbag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. Ford will mail owners a label[25].
- Hybrid shifts to neutral (24V330). May 2024. The hybrid control software can drop the car into neutral and cut drive power. Dealers will update that software[26].
- Engine fire risk (23V380). May 2023. This covers cars with 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines[27]. If the engine fails, oil and fuel vapor can reach hot parts and start a fire. Owners are told to park and shut off the engine quickly if they hear odd noises, lose power or see smoke. For 2021 cars, dealers will update the powertrain software and replace the engine long-block if they find a bearing failure. This recall expands and replaces 22V484, and cars fixed under that one need the new remedy[27].
- Camera replacement (23V342). May 2023. For cars with the surround-view camera, the video output can fail so no rearview image appears[28]. Dealers will replace that camera. This replaces 23V022, and cars fixed under it need the new remedy[28].
- Surround camera software (23V022). January 2023. Same camera problem as above[29]. Dealers will update the image processing module software. This replaced 21V735[29].
- Seat belt chime (22V953). December 2022. This covers cars with a Revel Audio System. The chime for an unbuckled driver sounds too briefly. Dealers will update the audio module software[30].
- Engine fire risk (22V484). July 2022. This covers cars with 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines[31]. Oil and fuel vapor from an engine failure can reach hot parts and start a fire. Dealers will modify the under-engine shield and the active grille shutter[31]. Recall 23V380 later expanded and replaced it[27].
- Hybrid battery welds (22V331). May 2022. Weak welds inside the high-voltage battery of 2021 Corsairs with the 2.5L hybrid powertrain[32] can fail and cut drive power. Dealers will replace the battery. The notice lists 27 potentially affected vehicles[32].
- Surround camera software (21V735). September 2021. The video output can fail on cars with the surround-view camera, so no rearview image appears[33]. Dealers will update the image processing module software[33].
- Fuel delivery module (21V625). August 2021. The fuel delivery module can leak inside the tank and lower fuel pressure, which can stall the engine. Dealers will replace the module[34].
- Rear drive unit lubricant (21V011). January 2021. Too little lubricant in the rear drive unit can lock up the rear axle and cause a loss of drive or control. Dealers will check the level and top it up, or replace the axle if it is too low. The notice lists 147 potentially affected vehicles[35].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings differ by version. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (S8)[3] | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| AWD, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (S8)[36] | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| AWD, 2.3L turbo, Automatic (S8)[37] | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
The plug-in hybrid (AWD PHEV, 2.5L, regular gas and electricity) is rated 33 MPGe combined, with 430 miles of range[38]. Two plug-in hybrid battery recalls ask owners to limit or avoid charging until the repair is done[16][24]. Check where a specific car stands before counting on that rating.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the AWD version 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal and 5 for side crashes[4]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[4]. The FWD version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[39]. NHTSA lists the plug-in hybrid as not rated[40].
Engine and size
The EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2021 Corsair test vehicles:
Size comes from Transport Canada specifications, so these are Canadian-market figures and can differ slightly from US models.
| Measure | AWD | FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181 in | 181 in |
| Width | 74 in | 74 in |
| Height | 64 in | 64 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 107 in |
| Curb weight | 3,858 lb | 3,699 lb |
How 2021 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 61 | 16 |
| 2021 | 43 | 23 |
| 2022 | 58 | 20 |
| 2023 | 23 | 10 |
| 2024 | 27 | 6 |
| 2025 | 8 | 7 |
NHTSA counts for each Corsair model year[2]:
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020[2] | 61 | 16 |
| 2021[2] | 43 | 23 |
| 2022[2] | 58 | 20 |
| 2023[2] | 23 | 10 |
| 2024[2] | 27 | 6 |
| 2025[2] | 8 | 7 |
| 2026[2] | 0 | 5 |
The 2021 model year has the most recalls of any year in the list, 23 against 20 for 2022 and 16 for 2020[2]. On complaints it is third highest, behind 2020 with 61 and 2022 with 58[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them to compare Corsair years with each other and not with other models.
Should you buy a used 2021 Corsair?
The 2021 Corsair has more recalls on file than any other Corsair year in our data, so the recall status of a specific car matters most[2]. Ask the seller or a Lincoln dealer to check the VIN, since several recalls were repeat repairs of earlier ones[19][20][21][22]. If it is a plug-in hybrid, find out whether the battery recall work is finished, because the notices limit charging until then[16][24]. Electrical and back over prevention are the named complaint groups with the most reports, at 13 and 9[6][7]. The 5-star overall ratings for the rated versions are a point in the car's favor, but they do not replace those checks[4][39].
Frequently asked questions
- What problems do owners report on the 2021 Lincoln Corsair?
- NHTSA has 43 complaints on file[1]. The electrical system and unknown or other groups have 13 each[5][6]. Back over prevention has 9[7] and the engine has 7[9].
- How many recalls does the 2021 Lincoln Corsair have?
- NHTSA lists 23 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover the rearview camera, plug-in hybrid battery, engine fire risk, wiper motor and more. See the recalls section for each one.
- What gas mileage does the 2021 Lincoln Corsair get?
- The FWD 2.0L is rated 25 mpg combined[3]. The AWD 2.0L and 2.3L are each rated 24 mpg combined[36][37]. The plug-in hybrid is rated 33 MPGe combined[38].
- How safe is the 2021 Lincoln Corsair?
- NHTSA gives the AWD and FWD versions 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[4][39]. The plug-in hybrid is not rated[40].
- Is 2021 a good year for the Lincoln Corsair?
- By the counts, 2021 has the most recalls of any Corsair year at 23, and the third-highest complaints at 43[2]. Those counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lincoln Corsair (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln Corsair model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Corsair FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V510, filed August 8, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- 7 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V117, filed March 3, 2026: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V123, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V789, filed November 14, 2025: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V685, filed October 10, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V338, filed May 23, 2025: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V345, filed May 23, 2025: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V159, filed March 14, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V133, filed February 28, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V048, filed January 31, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V954, filed December 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System / Energy Control Module (Bms / Becm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V330, filed May 10, 2024: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V380, filed May 26, 2023: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V342, filed May 12, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V022, filed January 23, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V953, filed December 23, 2022: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V484, filed July 7, 2022: Structure › Body › Bumpers › Active Shutters / Grill. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V331, filed May 13, 2022: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V735, filed September 22, 2021: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V625, filed August 10, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control / Drive Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V011, filed January 15, 2021: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Corsair AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Corsair AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Corsair AWD PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 33 MPGe combined, 430 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Lincoln Corsair with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Lincoln Corsair with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 285 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Lincoln Corsair with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 162 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORSAIR 4DR SUV AWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,858 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORSAIR 4DR SUV FWD: length 181 in, width 74 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,699 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov