Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Infiniti comes out ahead of Lincoln on reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair costs and far fewer recalls drive the gap. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving, but the Infiniti QX60 costs less to keep running than any Lincoln SUV.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Infiniti | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $948/yr |
Infiniti vs Lincoln: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Infiniti. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, 0.8 per 1,000 against 1.3 for Lincoln. Repairs average about $639 a year, compared with $948 for Lincoln. Federal recall records show 13 recalls for Infiniti and 217 for Lincoln. Complaints are also spread less widely across systems on the Infiniti side.
One caution applies. Infiniti is judged on a single model, the QX60, while Lincoln has three. The QX60's known weak spot is its CVT, which can shudder or hesitate. Lincoln owners report the most trouble with the electrical system and power train.
Where Infiniti and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Infiniti's advantage in recall impact (+22 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Infiniti vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $309/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Infiniti vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 66/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Lincoln
| Component | Infiniti | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 23%116 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 14%70 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 8%40 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3%4 | 6%32 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 5%23 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 3%13 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 5%23 |
| SEAT BELTS | — | 3%17 |
| SEATS | 3%4 | 1%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Lincoln Model Ranked
Infiniti vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Infiniti and Lincoln show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 77/100(2) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 68/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 68/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 67/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 66/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 65/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 62/100(3) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 61/100(2) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 59/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean to the QX60. Target the 2021 model year and look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Drive any QX60 long enough to feel whether the CVT shudders or hesitates, because it does not always respond to repair.
Lincoln suits you if you want a different SUV than the QX60 offers. The Nautilus is the strongest Lincoln. Buy a 2023 and skip the 2019, and pay attention to how the transmission shifts, since a replacement has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. Watch for instrument screens that go blank while driving. The Navigator ranks below average among SUVs on the site. Favor the 2024 and avoid 2018 and 2019, which draw the most complaints. Listen for a cold-start rattle and feel for hard, slamming shifts. The Aviator also holds a good standing, though the data gives no model-specific warnings for it.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Lincoln?
Buy the QX60 if cost and low recall exposure matter most, and aim for a 2021. It is the strongest single model across both lineups. At about $309 less per year in repairs than the average Lincoln, it saves roughly $1,545 over five years. Choose a Lincoln only if its lineup offers something you need, and then pick a 2023 Nautilus or a 2024 Navigator.
Infiniti vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Lincoln?
What is the most common problem on a used Infiniti QX60?
Which used Lincoln model is the safest bet?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.