Last updated: 2026-07-26
Acura vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Acura
5 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing Acura and Lincoln on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Acura currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Acura | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 467 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $948/yr |
Acura vs Lincoln: The Verdict
The numbers favor Acura here, but Lincoln isn't far behind. We scored 8 models between the two makes: Acura at 75/100 and Lincoln at 66/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Acura is cheaper to maintain at $577/year versus $948/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1855 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Acura's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Acura and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Acura's advantage in repair costs (+22 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Acura vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Lincoln
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($948/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Acura and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Acura
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Acura is cheaper to maintain at an average of $577/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $371/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Acura vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 66/100 | Acura |
Acura wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Acura vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 23%116 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 23%116 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 5%23 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 8%40 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | 1%6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 3%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%68 | 5%23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | 0%2 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%3 | 6%32 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Lincoln owners reported 15 crash-related, 7 fire-related, and 12 injury-related complaints. Lincoln has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Acura and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura Models
Acura vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Acura and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Acura | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(3) | 77/100(2) | Acura |
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 68/100(3) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 68/100(3) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 67/100(3) | Acura |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 66/100(3) | Acura |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 65/100(3) | Acura |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 62/100(3) | Acura |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Acura |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 59/100(1) | Acura |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Acura vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Acura and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Acura or Lincoln?
Acura has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Acura ZDX leads both lineups with a score of 82/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Acura costs less to maintain — $577/year vs $948/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1855 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from Acura and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Acura and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Acura or Lincoln?
How many Acura and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or Lincoln?
Are Acura and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or Lincoln?
Comparing Acura vs Lincoln? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle 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.