Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator?

Based on our data, the Cadillac XT6 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 64/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator has more recalls (116) compared to the Cadillac XT6 (14). 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 Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 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 Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Cadillac XT6 is cheaper to maintain at $783/year versus $807/year for the Lincoln Aviator.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Cadillac XT6

Good

Lincoln Aviator

Good

Choosing between the Cadillac XT6 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 Cadillac XT6 currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 64/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lincoln Aviator is in its second generation, introduced in 2020, with a facelift occurring in 2025. This generation, now in its mature phase, is likely to offer improved reliability as initial production issues are typically resolved over time. In contrast, the Cadillac XT6, also introduced in 2020, remains in its first generation. With this generation ending in 2025, the XT6 is at the end of its lifecycle, suggesting that its design and engineering have been refined over time. Generally, vehicles later in their generation cycles tend to be more reliable due to addressed issues and incremental improvements.

Verdict

The Cadillac XT6 is more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator, scoring 73/100 vs 64/100.

The Cadillac XT6 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Lincoln Aviator, with an average reliability score of 73 out of 100 versus the Aviator's 64. The XT6 has significantly fewer recalls, totaling just 14 across seven years, compared to the Aviator's 116 over six years. Furthermore, the XT6 boasts a much lower owner complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Aviator’s 15.7. Both models have similar estimated annual repair costs, but the XT6's reduced complaint rate and recall history make it the more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

1Cadillac XT6 has 102 fewer total recalls
2Cadillac XT6 costs $24 less per year to repair
3Cadillac XT6 has 14.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

4Cadillac XT6

—

0Lincoln Aviator

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair Cost

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator: Which Is More Reliable?

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Aviator
Reliability Score	73/100	64/100
Years Tracked	7	6
Total Recalls	14	116
Complaints per 10k Sold	0.9	15.7
Annual Repair Cost	$783/yr	$807/yr
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator exhibits a higher overall number of complaints, notably in the electrical system category with 54 complaints, compared to the Cadillac XT6's 16. The Aviator also shows more significant issues in back over prevention systems, with 17 complaints and 2 linked to crashes, whereas the XT6 has 12 complaints with only 1 crash-linked. Both models report power train concerns, but the Aviator's broader spread of issues, including engine and structure, suggests a need for attention in multiple reliability areas. In contrast, the XT6 faces fewer overall complaints, with its most significant issues being in the power train and electrical systems, indicating relatively better reliability.

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator common problem areas comparison
Component	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Aviator
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	3.9Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	2Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	1.5Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	1.2Low
STRUCTURE	—None	1.1Low
ENGINE	—None	0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.4Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.4Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.3Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.3Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac XT6 or Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator has an annual repair cost of $807, slightly higher than the Cadillac XT6, which sits at $783 per year. This translates to a $24 difference annually, adding up to $120 over five years. The Aviator also requires more frequent repairs, averaging 0.6 visits per year, compared to the XT6, for which repair frequency data isn't specified. Although major repair risks aren't detailed for either model, the Aviator's higher repair frequency might suggest a greater likelihood of encountering issues. For cost-conscious buyers prioritizing lower maintenance expenses, the Cadillac XT6 appears to offer better value.

How Does Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compare by Year?

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Aviator	Edge
2025	74/1001R / 8C	68/10014R / 13C	Cadillac XT6
2024	73/1002R / 14C	70/1008R / 5C	Cadillac XT6
2023	73/1002R / 13C	66/10016R / 21C	Cadillac XT6
2022	72/1003R / 14C	63/10021R / 43C	Cadillac XT6
2021	73/1002R / 18C	62/10028R / 38C	Cadillac XT6
2020	72/1004R / 36C	57/10029R / 99C	Cadillac XT6

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Cadillac XT6 scored 74/100 and the 2024 Lincoln Aviator scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Cadillac XT6 vs the Lincoln Aviator?

If you prioritize reliability and a lower number of recalls, the Cadillac XT6 is the better choice. With a reliability score of 73/100 and only 14 total recalls, it offers peace of mind. You’ll also appreciate the lower owner complaints rate of just 0.9 per 10,000 sold. The estimated annual repair cost is slightly lower at $783, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to minimize unexpected expenses. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Lincoln Aviator, be prepared for a reliability score of 64/100 and a higher number of recalls at 116. The Aviator has more owner complaints at 15.7 per 10,000 sold and a slightly higher annual repair cost of $807. However, if you value its design or specific features, and are willing to manage potential electrical and structural issues, it could still be a suitable option for you.

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Aviator: Common Questions

Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator?: Based on our data, the Cadillac XT6 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 64/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?: The Lincoln Aviator has more recalls (116) compared to the Cadillac XT6 (14). 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 Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 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 Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Aviator?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Cadillac XT6 is cheaper to maintain at $783/year versus $807/year for the Lincoln Aviator.

More Cadillac XT6 comparisons

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More Lincoln Aviator comparisons

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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.

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