Last updated: 2026-07-26
BMW vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
BMW
11 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing BMW 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.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | BMW | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 11 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 65 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 308 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1037/yr | $948/yr |
BMW vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Choosing between BMW and Lincoln on reliability alone? It's a coin flip. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, BMW averages 66/100 (11 models) and Lincoln averages 66/100 (3 models).
On the cost front, Lincoln is cheaper to maintain at $948/year versus $1037/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where BMW and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | BMW | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 57/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Lincoln has a 5-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
BMW vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 11 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($1037/year avg)
- 71 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 BMW and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
BMW
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Lincoln is cheaper to maintain at an average of $948/year compared to $1037/year for BMW. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1037/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
BMW vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 3 models) | 63/100 | 66/100 | Lincoln |
Lincoln wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | BMW | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%532 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%349 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%261 | 23%116 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%318 | 3%13 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 8%40 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%239 | 1%4 |
| STEERING | 4%98 | 5%23 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%89 | 5%23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%94 | 0%2 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%48 | 6%32 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
BMW vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, BMW owners reported 208 crash-related, 71 fire-related, and 182 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.
BMW
208
Crash reports
71
Fire reports
182
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every BMW and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
BMW Models
BMW vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both BMW and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | BMW | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66/100(9) | 77/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 68/100(8) | 68/100(3) | Tie |
| 2024 | 67/100(10) | 68/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2023 | 67/100(11) | 67/100(3) | Tie |
| 2022 | 68/100(11) | 66/100(3) | BMW |
| 2021 | 65/100(9) | 65/100(3) | Tie |
| 2020 | 64/100(8) | 62/100(3) | BMW |
| 2019 | 63/100(8) | 61/100(2) | BMW |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 59/100(1) | BMW |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
BMW vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between BMW and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: BMW or Lincoln?
With these two makes essentially tied, your decision should come down to the specific model, not the badge on the hood.
If you want the single most reliable option: the BMW I4 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Lincoln costs less to maintain — $948/year vs $1037/year.
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.
BMW vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, BMW or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, BMW or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from BMW and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from BMW and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with BMW and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, BMW or Lincoln?
How many BMW and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, BMW or Lincoln?
Are BMW and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, BMW or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, BMW or Lincoln?
Comparing BMW 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.