Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Chrysler edges out Lincoln on used-car reliability, mainly on lower repair bills and fewer recalls. Both brands rate good and both are trending better. Lincoln counters with fewer complaints per 1,000 sold and less severe complaints, so the gap is slight.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Chrysler | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $948/yr |
Chrysler vs Lincoln: The Verdict
The edge goes to Chrysler, and it is slight. Repair costs decide it. Independent repair-cost data puts Chrysler near $642 a year and Lincoln near $948. Chrysler also has fewer recalls, 100 against 217.
Lincoln wins on severity. Its owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 sold, and fewer of them involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Problems spread across systems about the same way at both brands, with electrical and power train trouble at the top of each list. Both rate good, and both are improving.
Where Chrysler and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 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% | 73/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Chrysler has a 11-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 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 Chrysler and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $306/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Lincoln
| Component | Chrysler | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 23%116 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 23%116 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 8%40 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 14%70 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 5%23 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 1%4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 3%13 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%29 | 6%32 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 1%28 | 5%23 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Lincoln Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Chrysler and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 77/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 67/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 66/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 65/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 62/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 61/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 59/100(1) | Tie |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean toward the Chrysler lineup. Target a 2020 Voyager and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. A Pacifica also fits, but pass on the 2018, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for stalls that leave the van coasting. On a Voyager, check for steering that sticks mid-turn and for start/stop faults.
If you want an SUV and can handle bigger repair bills, look at Lincoln. The Nautilus is the strongest of the three, but skip the 2019. Watch for low-speed transmission shudder and instrument screens that go blank, since a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. Choose a Navigator only if you can live with repairs near $1,089 a year, and avoid 2018 and 2019. Check for hard, slamming shifts and a cold-start rattle. The Aviator also rates good.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Lincoln?
Buy the Chrysler Voyager, the strongest model across both lineups, and aim for a 2020. Choose a Lincoln Nautilus if you want an SUV and a lower chance of severe complaints. Chrysler costs about $306 less a year to repair, roughly $1,530 over five years. Navigator is the priciest Lincoln to keep running, so budget for it.
Chrysler vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Lincoln?
Which brand has more serious owner complaints?
What goes wrong most on Chrysler and Lincoln vehicles?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler 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.