Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Ford
16 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Lincoln edges out Ford on reliability, but it is effectively a tie. Ford is cheaper to repair. Both brands hold a good standing and are improving, so the better choice depends on whether you care more about fewer complaints or lower yearly repair bills.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $701/yr | $948/yr |
Ford vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Effectively a tie, with Lincoln slightly ahead. Both brands hold a good reliability standing, and both show an improving recent trend. Lincoln wins on complaint severity, with 1.3 complaints per 1,000 sold against 2.5 for Ford. Ford wins on repair costs, with a lower yearly average. Recall impact and the spread of problems across systems come out even.
The lineups differ in depth. Ford covers 16 models, and three of them (Focus, F-150 Lightning, Bronco) rate only mixed. All three Lincolns rate good. Power train faults lead the complaints at both brands.
Where Ford and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in complaint severity, where Lincoln scores 8 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
- 13 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 257 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 Ford and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ford is cheaper to maintain at an average of $701/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $247/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$569 – $861/yr
Average: $701/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/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(8 vs 3 models) | 64/100 | 66/100 | Lincoln |
Lincoln wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Lincoln
| Component | Ford | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 35%10,835 | 23%116 |
| ENGINE | 14%4,262 | 8%40 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%3,325 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%2,600 | 14%70 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,067 | 0%2 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,638 | 5%23 |
| STEERING | 4%1,195 | 5%23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%1,015 | 3%13 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%209 | 6%32 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%142 | 3%17 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ford vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ford
859
Crash reports
257
Fire reports
793
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Ford and Lincoln Model Ranked
Ford Models
Ford vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Ford | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 77/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 68/100(3) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 68/100(3) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 67/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 66/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 65/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 62/100(3) | Tie |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2018 | 61/100(10) | 59/100(1) | Ford |
| 2017 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2016 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2015 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2014 | 52/100 | — | — |
| 2013 | 54/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Ford vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ford and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Ford vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest running costs or need a truck, shop Ford. The Ranger is the model to target, and the 2022 draws far fewer complaints than the 2019, which you should skip for its hard-shifting, slipping transmission. Escape and Maverick also rate good. Treat the Bronco with care. The 2021 and 2022 draw the most complaints, including sudden power loss while driving, and the 2024 is the steadier year. Focus and F-150 Lightning rate mixed.
If you want a luxury SUV and can accept higher repair bills, look at Lincoln. The Nautilus is the strongest of the three, and the 2023 has few complaints for the number sold. Skip the 2019, and check how any used one shifts, since a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. On the Navigator, buy the 2024 and avoid 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints for slamming shifts and a cold-start engine rattle.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Lincoln?
Pick Lincoln for the slightly better complaint record in SUVs, and pick Ford if repair cost matters more. The single strongest model across both lineups is the Ford Ranger, best bought as a 2022. Lincoln averages about $247 more a year to repair, which adds up to roughly $1,235 over five years. Check transmission behavior on any used example from either brand.
Ford vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Ford or Lincoln?
Is Ford or Lincoln cheaper to repair?
What problem do Ford and Lincoln owners report most?
Which Ford and Lincoln model years should I avoid?
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 score Ford 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.