Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Reliability Compared
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Hyundai edges out Lincoln on reliability, mostly because repairs cost about half as much each year. Both are rated good and improving. Lincoln does better on complaint severity, so the choice depends on whether you value low upkeep or fewer serious incidents.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $948/yr |
Hyundai vs Lincoln: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Hyundai on overall reliability. It comes out ahead on repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. Repairs run about $492 a year against $948 for Lincoln.
Lincoln wins on severity. Its owners filed far fewer complaints involving crashes, fires, and injuries. Recall counts are close, 232 for Hyundai and 217 for Lincoln. Both brands hold a good standing and an improving recent trend, so neither looks risky on the numbers alone. The gap is real, but small.
Where Hyundai and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 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% | 76/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Hyundai's advantage in recall impact (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 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 Hyundai and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Hyundai
Lincoln
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 $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $456/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/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(6 vs 3 models) | 67/100 | 66/100 | Hyundai |
Hyundai wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Lincoln
| Component | Hyundai | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 23%116 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 8%40 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 14%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 3%13 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | 3%17 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 0%2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | 1%6 |
| STEERING | 3%226 | 5%23 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%136 | 5%23 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Lincoln Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Hyundai vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Hyundai and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 77/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 68/100(3) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 68/100(3) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 67/100(3) | Tie |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 66/100(3) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 65/100(3) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 62/100(3) | Hyundai |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 61/100(2) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Hyundai |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Lincoln?
If you want low running costs, lean toward Hyundai. Target the Elantra, the strongest sedan in either lineup, and favor the 2024 over the 2020 and 2022. Watch for heavy oil burning, since engine failure can arrive with no warning light first. Skip the Ioniq 5 unless you find a 2024. The 2022 and 2023 years collect the most complaints about sudden loss of drive power.
If you want a luxury SUV and can absorb bigger repair bills, lean toward Lincoln. The 2023 Nautilus is the better pick, and the 2019 is the one to skip. Check how any used Nautilus shifts, because a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. On the Navigator, buy a 2024 and avoid 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints for slamming shifts and a cold-start rattle.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Lincoln?
Choose Hyundai for the lower bills, and make the Elantra your first stop, since it is the strongest model across both lineups. The yearly repair gap of about $456 adds up to roughly $2,280 over five years. Pick Lincoln if fewer serious crash, fire, and injury complaints matter more to you, and buy the 2023 Nautilus or 2024 Navigator.
Hyundai vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Lincoln?
Which brand has more serious complaints?
What is the biggest problem with a used Lincoln Nautilus?
Comparing Hyundai vs Lincoln? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Hyundai 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.