Last updated: 2026-07-26
KIA vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
KIA
10 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Comparing KIA 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.
KIA currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is KIA More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | KIA | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 691 | 207 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $948/yr |
KIA vs Lincoln: The Verdict
KIA edges out Lincoln on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 10 KIA and 3 Lincoln models, KIA averages 73/100 to 66/100 — a 7-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, KIA is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $948/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2280 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that KIA advantage.
Where KIA and Lincoln Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | KIA | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 63/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where KIA scores 15 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
KIA vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 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
- 145 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 KIA and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
KIA
Lincoln
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA or Lincoln?
Based on independent repair cost data, KIA 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.
KIA Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
KIA vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | KIA | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(7 vs 3 models) | 72/100 | 66/100 | KIA |
KIA wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: KIA vs Lincoln
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | KIA | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 21%1,275 | 8%40 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%1,122 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%974 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%895 | 23%116 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 5%320 | 1%6 |
| STEERING | 4%228 | 5%23 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%227 | 1%4 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%183 | 5%23 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%2 | 6%32 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%9 | 4%19 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
KIA vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, KIA owners reported 315 crash-related, 145 fire-related, and 307 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Lincoln owners reported 15 crash-related, 7 fire-related, and 12 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.
KIA
315
Crash reports
145
Fire reports
307
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every KIA and Lincoln Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
KIA Models
KIA vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
KIA'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.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | KIA | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78/100(6) | 77/100(2) | KIA |
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 68/100(3) | KIA |
| 2024 | 75/100(8) | 68/100(3) | KIA |
| 2023 | 70/100(9) | 67/100(3) | KIA |
| 2022 | 70/100(9) | 66/100(3) | KIA |
| 2021 | 71/100(8) | 65/100(3) | KIA |
| 2020 | 71/100(6) | 62/100(3) | KIA |
| 2019 | 72/100(5) | 61/100(2) | KIA |
| 2018 | 71/100(5) | 59/100(1) | KIA |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: KIA or Lincoln?
The data favors KIA, 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 KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that KIA costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $948/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2280 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.
KIA vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is KIA more reliable than Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to maintain, KIA or Lincoln?
Which make has more recalls, KIA or Lincoln?
What are the most reliable models from KIA and Lincoln?
What are the least reliable models from KIA and Lincoln?
What are the most common problems with KIA and Lincoln vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, KIA or Lincoln?
How many KIA and Lincoln models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, KIA or Lincoln?
Are KIA and Lincoln getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, KIA or Lincoln?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, KIA or Lincoln?
Comparing KIA 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.