Last updated: 2026-05-15
Lincoln vs Mazda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lincoln
1 models tracked
Mazda
6 models tracked
Comparing Lincoln and Mazda on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Mazda currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Lincoln | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 61/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 66 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 195 | 519 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1089/yr | $487/yr |
Lincoln vs Mazda: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Mazda pulls well ahead of Lincoln on reliability. Across 1 Lincoln and 6 Mazda models, Mazda averages 73/100 to 61/100 — a 12-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $487/year versus $1089/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $3010 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Mazda advantage.
Where Lincoln and Mazda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 50/100Mixed | 71/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 60/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 81/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mazda scores 21 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Lincoln vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Mazda
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 ($487/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $487/year compared to $1089/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $602/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Lincoln vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lincoln | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 4 models) | 61/100 | 66/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Mazda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Lincoln | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13%20 | 26%665 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19%28 | 16%414 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%17 | 12%322 |
| POWER TRAIN | 30%45 | 11%287 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | — | 6%168 |
| STEERING | 7%10 | 6%148 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%114 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 4%101 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%5 | 1%31 |
| SEAT BELTS | 8%12 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Lincoln vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Lincoln owners reported 5 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 6 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mazda owners reported 189 crash-related, 14 fire-related, and 116 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.
Lincoln
5
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Mazda
189
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
116
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Mazda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Lincoln Models
Lincoln vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 64/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/100(1) | 72/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 64/100(1) | 69/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 63/100(1) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 61/100(1) | 79/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 60/100(1) | 73/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 60/100(1) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 59/100(1) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 74/100(3) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Mazda?
Mazda is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $487/year vs $1089/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $3010 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.
Lincoln vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Lincoln or Mazda?
Which make has more recalls, Lincoln or Mazda?
What are the most reliable models from Lincoln and Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Lincoln and Mazda vehicles?
How many Lincoln and Mazda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Lincoln or Mazda?
Are Lincoln and Mazda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Lincoln or Mazda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Lincoln or Mazda?
Comparing Lincoln vs Mazda? 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.