Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chevrolet
13 models tracked
Lincoln
1 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet 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.
Chevrolet currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 61/100 |
| Models Tracked | 13 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 66 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1004 | 195 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $634/yr | $1089/yr |
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Chevrolet outperforms Lincoln on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Chevrolet averages 72/100 (13 models) and Lincoln averages 61/100 (1 models).
On the cost front, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at $634/year versus $1089/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2275 in savings. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Chevrolet and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Chevrolet has a 21-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($634/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 13 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 134 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Lincoln
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (61/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($1089/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $634/year compared to $1089/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $455/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $634/yr
Chevrolet vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 61/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,809 | 30%45 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,063 | 19%28 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,758 | 13%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,001 | 11%17 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%987 | — |
| STEERING | 7%805 | 7%10 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%357 | — |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%304 | — |
| SUSPENSION | 1%167 | 3%5 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%53 | 8%12 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 408 crash-related, 134 fire-related, and 375 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Lincoln owners reported 5 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 6 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.
Chevrolet
408
Crash reports
134
Fire reports
375
Injury reports
Lincoln
5
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Lincoln Models
Chevrolet vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 64/100.
Interestingly, both Chevrolet and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 78/100(11) | 64/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 74/100(12) | 64/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(11) | 63/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(11) | 61/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 70/100(11) | 60/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 71/100(11) | 60/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(12) | 59/100(1) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 68/100(11) | 59/100(1) | Chevrolet |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Chevrolet is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chevrolet costs less to maintain — $634/year vs $1089/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2275 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.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Lincoln vehicles?
How many Chevrolet and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Are Chevrolet and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Comparing Chevrolet 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.