Last updated: 2026-07-26
BMW X5 vs Lincoln Aviator: Reliability Compared
BMW X5
Lincoln Aviator
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Lincoln Aviator? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lincoln Aviator currently leads with an average score of 64/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the BMW X5 and Lincoln Aviator Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Lincoln Aviator is more reliable than the BMW X5, scoring 64/100 vs 59/100.
The Lincoln Aviator edges out the BMW X5 in terms of reliability with a slightly higher average reliability score of 64/100 compared to the X5's 59/100. Despite having more recalls at 116 over 6 years, the Aviator benefits from a lower estimated annual repair cost of $807 versus the X5's $1166. However, the Aviator has a significantly higher owner complaint rate of 15.7 per 10,000 sold, compared to the X5's 6.3, indicating potential concerns for prospective buyers. Overall, while the Aviator presents a more cost-effective option for maintenance, the X5 may offer fewer user-reported issues per unit sold.
Key Differences
- 1Lincoln Aviator costs $359 less per year to repair
- 2BMW X5 has 53 fewer total recalls
- 3BMW X5 has 9.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
BMW X5 vs Lincoln Aviator: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | BMW X5 | Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 64/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 63 | 116 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.3 | 15.7 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $1166/yr | $807/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.8/yr | 0.6/yr |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 1 | 5 |
What Are the Common Problems With the BMW X5 and Lincoln Aviator?
The BMW X5 exhibits a higher volume of complaints across multiple categories compared to the Lincoln Aviator, with significant issues in the electrical system and service brakes, both linked to crashes in several instances. The X5's power train also poses a notable concern with a substantial number of complaints, including crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Aviator's primary issue lies in the electrical system, but it has fewer overall complaints and a lower incidence of crash-related problems. Notably, the Aviator has specific issues in back over prevention, a category where it registers crash-linked complaints, highlighting a unique area of concern not prevalent in the X5's profile.
| Component | BMW X5 | Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 3.9Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 2Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.9Very Low | 1.5Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1.1Low | 0.4Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | 1.2Low |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 0.9Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 1.1Low |
| STEERING | 0.3Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW X5 or Lincoln Aviator?
How Does BMW X5 vs Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | BMW X5 | Lincoln Aviator | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/1004R / 49C | 68/10014R / 13C | Lincoln Aviator |
| 2024 | 57/1007R / 134C | 70/1008R / 5C | Lincoln Aviator |
| 2023 | 65/1004R / 24C | 66/10016R / 21C | Lincoln Aviator |
| 2022 | 67/1001R / 51C | 63/10021R / 43C | BMW X5 |
| 2021 | 57/10013R / 85C | 62/10028R / 38C | Lincoln Aviator |
| 2020 | 56/10011R / 81C | 57/10029R / 99C | Lincoln Aviator |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 BMW X5 scored 67/100 and the 2024 Lincoln Aviator scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the BMW X5 vs the Lincoln Aviator?
BMW X5 vs Lincoln Aviator: Common Questions
- Is the BMW X5 more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator?
- Based on our data, the Lincoln Aviator is more reliable with an average score of 64/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the BMW X5 or the Lincoln Aviator?
- The Lincoln Aviator has more recalls (116) compared to the BMW X5 (63). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW X5 or the Lincoln Aviator?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW X5 has a lower complaint rate at 6.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.7 for the Lincoln Aviator. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW X5 or the Lincoln Aviator?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Lincoln Aviator is cheaper to maintain at $807/year versus $1166/year for the BMW X5.
- Is the BMW X5 or Lincoln Aviator safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Lincoln Aviator has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the BMW X5. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between BMW X5 and Lincoln Aviator? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue