Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
GMC
5 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
GMC comes out ahead of Lincoln on used-car reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair costs and fewer recalls drive the lead. Both brands hold a good standing and are improving, but Lincoln costs more to keep running, and its Navigator and Nautilus carry costly transmission worries.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | GMC | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $948/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Lincoln: The Verdict
Reliability favors GMC by a clear margin. Owners file fewer complaints per vehicle sold, 0.8 per 1,000 against 1.3 for Lincoln. Estimated repairs run $647 a year on average for GMC and $948 for Lincoln. GMC also has fewer recalls, 146 against 217, and its problems spread across more systems instead of piling up in a few.
Lincoln wins on severity. Its owners report far fewer crash, fire, and injury complaints, though it also sells fewer vehicles. Both brands are rated good and both trend upward, so neither is a bad buy. The gap shows up in what ownership costs and how often something goes wrong.
Where GMC and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — GMC outscores by 19 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
GMC vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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 GMC and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, GMC is cheaper to maintain at an average of $647/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $301/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
GMC vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 66/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Lincoln
| Component | GMC | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 8%40 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 23%116 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 14%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 3%13 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 5%23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | 0%2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 1%4 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%155 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%7 | 6%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every GMC and Lincoln Model Ranked
GMC Models
GMC vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
GMC'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.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | GMC | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 77/100(2) | GMC |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 68/100(3) | GMC |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 68/100(3) | GMC |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 67/100(3) | Tie |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 66/100(3) | GMC |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 65/100(3) | GMC |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 62/100(3) | GMC |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 61/100(2) | GMC |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 59/100(1) | GMC |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
GMC vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy GMC vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean toward GMC. The Canyon is the model to target, and the 2024 is the pick, though its headlights can flicker. Skip the 2023, where the forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead. For a full-size SUV, the Yukon's 2020 is the safer year. Avoid the 2021, because engine lifter and camshaft failure can bring ticking, misfires, and sudden power loss with no warning light.
If you want a Lincoln, accept higher bills and shop carefully. The Nautilus is the better bet, with the 2023 showing few complaints for the number sold. Skip the 2019. Test how any used Nautilus shifts, since a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. The Navigator's 2024 is the year to buy. Stay away from 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints, and listen for a cold-start rattle tied to the cam phasers.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Lincoln?
Buy GMC if cost and fewer problems matter most. Pick Lincoln only if its cabin or styling wins you over and you can absorb larger repair bills. The Canyon is the strongest single model across both lineups, topping the GMC ranking. Over five years, the average Lincoln costs about $1,505 more to repair than the average GMC. Check the transmission on any used Lincoln before you pay.
GMC vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, GMC or Lincoln?
What is the biggest problem with a used Lincoln Navigator?
What goes wrong most often on a used GMC Yukon?
Comparing GMC vs Lincoln? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How we score GMC 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.