Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ford vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Ford
12 models tracked
Lincoln
1 models tracked
Comparing Ford 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.
Ford currently leads with an average score of 65/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 61/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 66 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1735 | 195 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $705/yr | $1089/yr |
Ford vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Ford edges out Lincoln on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 12 Ford and 1 Lincoln models, Ford averages 65/100 to 61/100 — a 4-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Ford is cheaper to maintain at $705/year versus $1089/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1920 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Ford advantage.
Where Ford and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 60/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Ford scores 17 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Ford vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 10 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 163 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: Ford or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ford is cheaper to maintain at an average of $705/year compared to $1089/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $384/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Ford vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 61/100 | Ford |
Ford wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 29%4,864 | 30%45 |
| ENGINE | 16%2,698 | 13%20 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13%2,272 | 19%28 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,660 | 11%17 |
| STRUCTURE | 8%1,376 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | — |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%814 | — |
| STEERING | 3%452 | 7%10 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%191 | 3%5 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%138 | 5%7 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 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.
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Lincoln
5
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Every Ford and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Lincoln Models
Ford vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 64/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Ford | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(10) | 64/100(1) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(11) | 64/100(1) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(12) | 63/100(1) | Ford |
| 2022 | 60/100(11) | 61/100(1) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 60/100(8) | 60/100(1) | Tie |
| 2020 | 63/100(7) | 60/100(1) | Ford |
| 2019 | 66/100(7) | 59/100(1) | Ford |
| 2018 | 62/100(6) | 59/100(1) | Ford |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Lincoln?
Ford 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 Ford Ranger leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Ford costs less to maintain — $705/year vs $1089/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1920 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.
Ford vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ford or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Lincoln vehicles?
How many Ford and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Lincoln?
Are Ford and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Lincoln?
Comparing Ford 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.