Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Audi
10 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Audi edges out Lincoln on reliability, but only slightly. Both brands rate good, and the gap comes down to recall impact. Lincoln's complaint rate is a touch lower, and repair bills for the two brands run close together.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Audi | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $948/yr |
Audi vs Lincoln: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Audi, and recall impact is the deciding factor. Audi is stronger there even though it has more recall records in total. Lincoln is stronger on repair costs. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems are even, and so is the SUV matchup.
Neither brand has a clear lead in everyday trouble. Electrical complaints top both lists, and both brands are improving. Audi's lineup is deeper and has one mixed-rated model, the E-Tron. Every Lincoln model rates good, but the Nautilus and Navigator each have a costly transmission issue to check for.
Where Audi and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Audi outscores by 15 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Audi vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- 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 Audi and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Audi is cheaper to maintain at an average of $930/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Audi vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 3 models) | 67/100 | 66/100 | Audi |
Audi wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Lincoln
| Component | Audi | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 23%116 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 14%70 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 8%40 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 5%23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 3%13 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 2%8 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%17 | 6%32 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 0%2 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%11 | 5%23 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Audi and Lincoln Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Audi | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 77/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 68/100(3) | Audi |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 68/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 67/100(3) | Audi |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 66/100(3) | Tie |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 65/100(3) | Tie |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 62/100(3) | Audi |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Audi |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 59/100(1) | Audi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Audi vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Audi and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Audi vs Lincoln?
If you want the widest choice, lean toward Audi. The Q8-E-Tron, A5, Q3 and A4 all rate good. Pick a 2024 Q8-E-Tron if you want an electric SUV, though it has two recalls and only two model years of history. Skip the E-Tron unless it is a 2020. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, followed by motor shutdown and a tow.
If you want an SUV from a smaller lineup with a tighter repair-cost spread, lean toward Lincoln. The Nautilus is the strongest of its three models, and the 2023 is the better pick. Avoid the 2019 Nautilus. Transmission shudder and blank instrument screens are the worries there, and a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. For a Navigator, target the 2024 and pass on 2018 and 2019. Those years draw the most complaints about slamming shifts and a cold-start rattle.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Lincoln?
Go with Audi if you want the slightly stronger record and more models to choose from. Go with Lincoln if you prefer a smaller lineup where every model rates good and the worst-case repair bill is lower. The strongest single model across both is the Q8-E-Tron, though it has no complaint history yet. Audi's average repair cost is about $18 a year lower, roughly $90 over five years, so cost should not decide this one.
Audi vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Lincoln?
Which has more recalls, Audi or Lincoln?
Is Audi or Lincoln cheaper to repair?
What are the most common problems on Audi and Lincoln?
Which Audi or Lincoln model should I avoid?
Comparing Audi 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 score Audi and Lincoln models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.