Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Honda
9 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Honda comes out ahead of Lincoln on reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair bills and fewer recall and system-spread problems drive that lead, though Lincoln owners file far fewer complaints about crashes, fires and injuries.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Honda | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $948/yr |
Honda vs Lincoln: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Honda. Both brands hold a good reliability standing and both are improving, so the gap shows up in the details. Honda is stronger on repair costs, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems. Yearly upkeep averages $441 for Honda against $948 for Lincoln.
Lincoln wins on complaint severity. Owners filed far fewer complaints involving crashes, fires and injuries, and complaints per 1,000 sold run 1.3 against 1.9. Its trouble clusters in the electrical system and power train, and a replacement Nautilus transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000.
Where Honda and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+22 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Honda vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 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 Honda and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Honda
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $507/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Honda vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 73/100 | 66/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Lincoln
| Component | Honda | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 5%23 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 23%116 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 0%2 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 8%40 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 23%116 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | 1%6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 3%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%371 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%85 | 6%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Honda and Lincoln Model Ranked
Honda Models
Honda vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Honda and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Honda | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 77/100(2) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 68/100(3) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 68/100(3) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 67/100(3) | Honda |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 66/100(3) | Honda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 65/100(3) | Honda |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 62/100(3) | Honda |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 61/100(2) | Honda |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 59/100(1) | Honda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Honda vs Lincoln?
If you want low upkeep, shop Honda. The HR-V tops the Honda lineup, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Be wary of the 2019 and 2023 unless the car checks out cleanly. On a 2019, test the instrument display in cold weather. On a 2023, ask about the rear hatch glass. Treat a Prologue with care: the 2024 is the year to favor, while the 2025 holds every owner complaint on file, and dealers often return those cars unrepaired.
If you want a Lincoln, the Nautilus is the strongest of the three. Target the 2023 and skip the 2019. Drive any used one at low speed and watch for transmission shudder and a blank screen. On a Navigator, the 2024 is the year to buy, while 2018 and 2019 draw the most complaints. Listen for a cold-start rattle and feel for hard shifts. Budget for higher repair bills with either Lincoln.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Lincoln?
Buy Honda if cost matters most. The HR-V is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Over five years, Lincoln's higher average repair cost adds up to about $2,535 more than Honda's. Pick a Lincoln only if you have a specific model in mind, and make it a 2023 Nautilus or a 2024 Navigator. Check how the transmission shifts before you pay.
Honda vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Honda or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Lincoln?
What are the most common problems on a used Lincoln?
What are the most common problems on a used Honda?
Comparing Honda 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 Honda 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.