Last updated: 2026-07-26
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Comparing Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Lincoln currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
The numbers favor Lincoln here, but Mercedes-Benz isn't far behind. We scored 13 models between the two makes: Lincoln at 66/100 and Mercedes-Benz at 60/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Mercedes-Benz is cheaper to maintain at $858/year versus $948/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Mercedes-Benz's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
- 80 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%116 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%70 | 16%579 |
| ENGINE | 8%40 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%116 | 11%387 |
| STEERING | 5%23 | 7%250 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%13 | 5%172 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%23 | 4%155 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1%6 | 3%127 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 6%32 | 1%23 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%19 | 1%25 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Lincoln owners reported 15 crash-related, 7 fire-related, and 12 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 237 crash-related, 80 fire-related, and 241 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
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
237
Crash reports
80
Fire reports
241
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Lincoln Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Lincoln vs Mercedes-Benz 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 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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
The data favors Lincoln, 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 Lincoln Nautilus leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mercedes-Benz costs less to maintain — $858/year vs $948/year.
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 Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
How many Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz?
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 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.