Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing Buick 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.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Buick | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $948/yr |
Buick vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Buick has a commanding reliability lead over Lincoln, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 10 models between the two makes: Buick at 77/100 and Lincoln at 66/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Buick is cheaper to maintain at $543/year versus $948/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2025 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Buick's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Buick and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Buick's advantage in recall impact (+28 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Buick vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 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 Buick and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $405/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Buick vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 66/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 23%116 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 14%70 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 8%40 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 3%13 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%2 | 6%32 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 1%4 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 5%23 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1%6 | 4%19 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 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.
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Buick and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Buick vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick'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 Buick and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Buick | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 77/100(2) | Buick |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 67/100(3) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 66/100(3) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 65/100(3) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 62/100(3) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 61/100(2) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Lincoln?
If reliability is a top priority, Buick deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Buick Encore leads both lineups with a score of 79/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Buick costs less to maintain — $543/year vs $948/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2025 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.
Buick vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Buick or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Lincoln?
How many Buick and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Lincoln?
Are Buick and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Lincoln?
Comparing Buick vs Lincoln? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.