Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Chevrolet beats Lincoln on reliability by a clear margin. Repairs cost less and problems spread more evenly across systems, though both brands hold a good standing. Lincoln's three SUVs are not weak, but they cost more to keep running and draw slightly more complaints per vehicle sold.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $948/yr |
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Reliability favors Chevrolet with a clear edge. Independent repair-cost data puts Chevrolet at about $641 a year against about $948 for Lincoln. Chevrolet also does better on recall impact and on how widely problems are spread across systems. Complaints per 1,000 sold run at 1 for Chevrolet and 1.3 for Lincoln.
Severity of complaints is even. Both brands show crash, fire and injury reports at similar levels for their size. Chevrolet has more recalls on paper, 324 against 217, but it also fields 17 models to Lincoln's 3. Both brands are on an improving trend.
Where Chevrolet and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Chevrolet has a 20-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 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 Chevrolet and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $641/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $307/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/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(10 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 66/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Lincoln
| Component | Chevrolet | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 23%116 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 23%116 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 8%40 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 14%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 3%13 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 5%23 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 0%2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 1%6 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%181 | 5%23 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%60 | 3%17 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Lincoln Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Chevrolet and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 77/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 68/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 68/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 67/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 66/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 65/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 62/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 61/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 59/100(1) | Chevrolet |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean Chevrolet. The Silverado-EV and Trax rate excellent, and the Colorado, Equinox and Tahoe all hold a good standing. On a Silverado-EV, the 2024 is the pick, but check the rear door sensors, mostly on the WT trim, and the front trunk latch. Be careful with the Bolt and Blazer-EV, which rate mixed. Blazer-EV owners report sudden power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning and unexpected hard braking.
If you want a Lincoln, target the Nautilus or the Navigator by model year. Choose the 2023 Nautilus and skip the 2019, which has transmission shudder and blank instrument screens. A replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. For the Navigator, the 2024 is the year to buy. Skip 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints about slamming shifts and a cold-start rattle.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Buy Chevrolet if reliability and cost matter most. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Silverado-EV, ideally a 2024. Lincoln's lineup is good but narrower. Its repair costs run about $307 a year higher, which adds up to roughly $1,535 over five years. Pick a Lincoln only if you want the Nautilus, Aviator or Navigator and will target the better years.
Chevrolet vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Lincoln?
What is the most common problem on a used Lincoln Nautilus?
Which Chevrolet models should I avoid used?
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 score Chevrolet 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.