Last updated: 2026-07-26
Dodge vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
6 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing Dodge 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.
Dodge currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Dodge | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $948/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Dodge edges out Lincoln on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 6 Dodge and 3 Lincoln models, Dodge averages 73/100 to 66/100 — a 7-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $948/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1530 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Dodge advantage.
Where Dodge and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Dodge scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Dodge vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
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 ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 22 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 Dodge and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge 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.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Dodge vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 69/100 | 66/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%526 | 23%116 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%192 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%233 | 14%70 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%194 | 1%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 1%4 |
| ENGINE | 6%116 | 8%40 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%104 | 5%23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%85 | 3%13 |
| STEERING | 4%66 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%29 | 6%32 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Dodge owners reported 97 crash-related, 22 fire-related, and 98 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.
Dodge
97
Crash reports
22
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 77/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 68/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 68/100(3) | Tie |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 67/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 66/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 65/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 62/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 61/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Dodge vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Lincoln?
Dodge comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Dodge Grand-Caravan leads both lineups with a score of 78/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Dodge costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $948/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1530 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.
Dodge vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Lincoln?
How many Dodge and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Lincoln?
Are Dodge and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Lincoln?
Comparing Dodge vs Lincoln? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Dodge 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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.