Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lexus vs Lincoln: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Lexus comes out well ahead of Lincoln on reliability. Owners file far fewer complaints per car sold, and Lexus is stronger on recalls and repair costs too. Lincoln still holds a good standing, and its recent trend is improving.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Lincoln?
| Metric | Lexus | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 82/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 72 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 207 |
Lexus vs Lincoln: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands, and it favors Lexus. Owners file 0.5 complaints per 1,000 sold for Lexus, against 1.3 for Lincoln. Lexus is also stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. Federal recall records list 125 recalls for Lexus and 217 for Lincoln.
Lexus has more total complaints than Lincoln, but it also has more models behind that count, so the per-sale rate is the fairer measure. Problems spread across vehicle systems about evenly for both brands. Lincoln's trend is improving and Lexus is stable, but Lincoln's good standing still sits below Lexus's excellent one.
Where Lexus and Lincoln Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lexus | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 89/100Excellent | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Lexus outscores by 27 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Lexus vs Lincoln: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
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 Lexus and Lincoln Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lexus
Lincoln
Lexus vs Lincoln Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lexus | Lincoln | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 81/100 | 66/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lexus vs Lincoln
| Component | Lexus | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 23%116 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 14%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 23%116 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 1%4 |
| ENGINE | 5%26 | 8%40 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 3%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 5%23 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 0%2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | 1%6 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | — | 6%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lexus vs Lincoln Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Lincoln Model Ranked
Lexus Models
Lexus vs Lincoln Reliability Trend by Year
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Lincoln | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87/100(6) | 77/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 80/100(7) | 68/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 68/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 67/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 66/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 65/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 62/100(3) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 59/100(1) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Lexus vs Lincoln: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Lexus and Lincoln. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Lexus vs Lincoln?
If you want the lowest risk, lean Lexus. Target a 2022 RX, which has no recalls and far fewer complaints than 2019 or 2021. The ES and IS sedans also rank excellent. A 2021 NX is the best year of that model, but check any 2024 closely, since it draws far more complaints than other years. On an RX, ask about airbag problems and test for hesitation when accelerating.
Lean Lincoln only if you specifically want one of its SUVs and accept more risk. A 2023 Nautilus is the better pick, and the 2019 is the year to skip. Feel for shudder at low speed, since a replacement transmission has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000. The 2024 Navigator is the year to buy. Pass on 2018 and 2019 Navigators, and listen for a cold-start rattle and hard shifts when you test drive.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Lincoln?
Buy Lexus unless you have a specific reason to want a Lincoln. The RX is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 example is the one to look for. Lexus is stronger on repair costs, while Lincoln averages $948 a year and the Navigator runs about $1,089. If you choose Lincoln, pick a 2023 Nautilus or 2024 Navigator and check how the transmission shifts.
Lexus vs Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Lincoln?
Which brand has more recalls, Lexus or Lincoln?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lexus or Lincoln?
What goes wrong most often on a used Lincoln?
What are the main complaints on a used Lexus?
Comparing Lexus 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 Lexus 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.