Last updated: 2026-07-26
Genesis vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Genesis
5 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing Genesis 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.
Genesis currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Genesis More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Genesis | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 109 | 207 |
Genesis vs Lincoln: The Verdict
The numbers favor Genesis here, but Lincoln isn't far behind. We scored 8 models between the two makes: Genesis at 67/100 and Lincoln at 66/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Genesis and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Genesis | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 63/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 60/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 75/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Genesis's advantage in recall impact (+13 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Genesis vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
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 Genesis and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Genesis
Lincoln
Genesis vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Genesis | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(2 vs 3 models) | 66/100 | 66/100 | Tie |
Common Problems: Genesis vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Genesis | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 26%113 | 23%116 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%72 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%62 | 14%70 |
| ENGINE | 8%36 | 8%40 |
| STEERING | 6%25 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | — | 6%32 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%9 | 5%23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%15 | 3%13 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2%8 | 4%19 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5%21 | 0%2 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Genesis vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Genesis owners reported 31 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 15 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.
Genesis
31
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
15
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Genesis and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Genesis Models
Genesis vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 72/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Genesis and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Genesis | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(3) | 77/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 70/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Genesis |
| 2024 | 71/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Genesis |
| 2023 | 66/100(4) | 67/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2022 | 64/100(3) | 66/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 67/100(2) | 65/100(3) | Genesis |
| 2020 | 67/100(2) | 62/100(3) | Genesis |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 61/100(2) | Tie |
| 2018 | 55/100(1) | 59/100(1) | Lincoln |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Genesis or Lincoln?
Genesis 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 Lincoln Nautilus leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
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.
Genesis vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Genesis more reliable than Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Genesis or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Genesis and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from Genesis and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Genesis and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Genesis or Lincoln?
How many Genesis and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Genesis or Lincoln?
Are Genesis and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Genesis or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Genesis or Lincoln?
Comparing Genesis 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.