Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Lincoln is the more reliable brand in this matchup, with fewer complaints per car sold and a lighter recall record. Both hold a good standing, but all three Lincoln SUVs rate good, while most Mercedes-Benz sedans rate only mixed.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 72 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 207 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $948/yr | $858/yr |
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Lincoln. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, 1.3 per 1,000 against 1.6, and crash, fire and injury reports are lighter. Recall counts are far lower too, though Lincoln tracks only 3 models to Mercedes-Benz's 10, so lineup size explains part of that gap.
Mercedes-Benz wins on two points. Its average yearly repair estimate is lower, near $858 against $948, and its SUVs beat Lincoln's head to head. The weak spot is sedans: the EQE, A-Class, C-Class, EQS and CLA all rate mixed. Electrical complaints lead for both brands.
Where Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 62/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Lincoln's advantage in repair costs (+8 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (60/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($858/year avg)
- 6 of 10 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lincoln
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mercedes-Benz is cheaper to maintain at an average of $858/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 66/100 | 69/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
Mercedes-Benz wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%116 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%70 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 8%40 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%116 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 5%23 | 7%246 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%23 | 5%199 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%13 | 4%153 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%4 | 3%119 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 6%32 | 1%41 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%17 | 1%26 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Lincoln Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100.
Interestingly, both Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100(2) | 71/100(6) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 68/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 62/100(9) | Lincoln |
| 2023 | 67/100(3) | 63/100(8) | Lincoln |
| 2022 | 66/100(3) | 59/100(9) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 65/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Lincoln |
| 2020 | 62/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Lincoln |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 56/100(7) | Lincoln |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 56/100(6) | Lincoln |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz?
Shoppers who want the least risk in a used luxury SUV should look at the Lincoln Nautilus or Aviator. Target a 2023 Nautilus and skip the 2019, which is tied to low-speed transmission shudder. The Navigator is a fair choice in a 2024, but 2018 and 2019 draw the most complaints. On any test drive, feel for slamming shifts and listen for a cold-start rattle.
Buyers who care most about yearly upkeep, or who want the strongest SUV in either lineup, should look at the Mercedes-Benz GLB, GLC or GLE. Favor a 2022 or 2023 GLB and skip the 2020, which had spoilers that come off at speed and blank instrument clusters. Ask for service history on any GLB, since some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. For a sedan, the E-Class is the only one rated good. Treat the CLA with caution. The 2020 is the pick and the 2022 is the year to skip.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Choose Lincoln if you want the lower-risk brand, with a Nautilus or Aviator as the safest entries. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you want an SUV and cheaper upkeep. The GLB is the strongest single model across both lineups. The $90 yearly repair gap adds up to about $450 over five years in Mercedes-Benz's favor. Skip its mixed-rated sedans unless the price is right.
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems on Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz?
What should I check on a used Lincoln Nautilus?
Comparing Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz? 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 Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz 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.