Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
BMW
11 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
BMW and Lincoln tie on overall reliability, and both hold a good standing. BMW wins on complaint severity and recalls, while Lincoln costs less to repair. Both brands show an improving recent trend, so your choice comes down to model and model year.
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
Neither brand pulls ahead overall. The split is in what each one costs you. BMW draws fewer complaints for the cars it sells, at 0.5 per 1,000 sold against 1.3 for Lincoln. Its complaints are also less severe, with 225 involving crashes versus 15 for Lincoln's much smaller pile. BMW also comes out stronger on recall impact, even though it has more recalls on paper across 11 models against Lincoln's 3.
Lincoln wins on repair bills, averaging $948 a year against $1037 for BMW. Problems spread evenly across systems for both, and electrical trouble leads each list. Lincoln also rates stronger among SUVs.
Where BMW and Lincoln Differ Most
| 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)
- 73 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
| Component | BMW | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%544 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%377 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%272 | 23%116 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%309 | 3%13 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 8%40 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%236 | 1%4 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%105 | 5%23 |
| STEERING | 3%93 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%53 | 6%32 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2%45 | 3%17 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
BMW vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
BMW
225
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
202
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every BMW and Lincoln Model Ranked
BMW Models
BMW vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy BMW vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest chance of a serious problem, lean BMW and target the I4 sedan, ideally a 2024. The 2-Series, X1 and 3-Series also sit in good standing. Skip the IX unless you can verify its history. It rates mixed, with dash blackouts and drive power cutting out while moving. The X5 is also mixed.
If you want an SUV and a smaller repair budget, lean Lincoln. The Nautilus ranks strongest in its lineup, and a 2023 is the better pick. Avoid the 2019, which is the year to skip. Transmission shudder and blank instrument screens are the worries, and a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. The Navigator is best bought as a 2024. Stay away from 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints for hard, slamming shifts and a cold-start rattle. Wherever you shop, check the recall history first.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Lincoln?
Buy for the model, not the badge, since the two brands tie overall. The I4 is the strongest single model across both lineups, and a 2024 is the pick. Lincoln is the cheaper brand to keep running. The $89 yearly gap adds up to about $445 over five years. That is modest next to a transmission bill on a bad Nautilus year.
BMW vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Lincoln?
Which has more recalls, BMW or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, BMW or Lincoln?
What are the most common problems on BMW and Lincoln?
Which Lincoln and BMW years should I avoid?
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 score BMW 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.