Last updated: 2026-05-15
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
9 models tracked
Lincoln
1 models tracked
Comparing Hyundai 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.
Hyundai currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 61/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 66 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1093 | 195 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $1089/yr |
Hyundai vs Lincoln: The Verdict
The numbers favor Hyundai here, but Lincoln isn't far behind. We scored 10 models between the two makes: Hyundai at 68/100 and Lincoln at 61/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $1089/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2985 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Hyundai's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Hyundai and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Hyundai's advantage in repair costs (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 125 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: Hyundai or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $1089/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $597/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Hyundai vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 61/100 | Hyundai |
Hyundai wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,717 | 19%28 |
| ENGINE | 19%1,626 | 13%20 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,280 | 30%45 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%1,105 | 11%17 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%750 | — |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%308 | 8%12 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%297 | — |
| STEERING | 3%267 | 7%10 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%271 | — |
| SUSPENSION | 2%140 | 3%5 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Hyundai vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Hyundai owners reported 391 crash-related, 125 fire-related, and 326 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.
Hyundai
391
Crash reports
125
Fire reports
326
Injury reports
Lincoln
5
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Hyundai Models
Lincoln Models
Hyundai vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 64/100.
Interestingly, both Hyundai and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(9) | 64/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 72/100(9) | 64/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 66/100(9) | 63/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2022 | 63/100(8) | 61/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2021 | 68/100(6) | 60/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 66/100(6) | 60/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Hyundai |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Lincoln?
The data favors Hyundai, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Hyundai Elantra leads both lineups with a score of 78/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Hyundai costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $1089/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2985 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.
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, Hyundai or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from Hyundai and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with Hyundai and Lincoln vehicles?
How many Hyundai and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Are Hyundai and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Comparing Hyundai 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.