Last updated: 2026-05-15
Lincoln vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lincoln
1 models tracked
Nissan
8 models tracked
Comparing Lincoln and Nissan on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Nissan currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Lincoln | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 61/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 66 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 195 | 683 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1089/yr | $488/yr |
Lincoln vs Nissan: The Verdict
Nissan has a commanding reliability lead over Lincoln, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 9 models between the two makes: Lincoln at 61/100 and Nissan at 77/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at $488/year versus $1089/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $3005 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Nissan's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Lincoln and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 69/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 50/100Mixed | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 60/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
Nissan's advantage in repair costs (+28 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lincoln vs Nissan: 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
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($488/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 35 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $488/year compared to $1089/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $601/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $542/yr
Average: $488/yr
Lincoln vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lincoln | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 4 models) | 61/100 | 76/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Nissan
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Lincoln | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19%28 | 18%833 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%17 | 16%758 |
| POWER TRAIN | 30%45 | 12%554 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | — | 12%560 |
| ENGINE | 13%20 | 9%428 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 7%337 |
| STEERING | 7%10 | 6%287 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 4%194 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%5 | 1%35 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 5%7 | 0%14 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Lincoln vs Nissan 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. Nissan owners reported 297 crash-related, 35 fire-related, and 242 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
Nissan
297
Crash reports
35
Fire reports
242
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Lincoln Models
Nissan Models
Lincoln vs Nissan 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. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Interestingly, both Lincoln and Nissan show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/100(1) | 79/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 64/100(1) | 78/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 63/100(1) | 78/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 61/100(1) | 77/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 60/100(1) | 78/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 60/100(1) | 75/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 59/100(1) | 74/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 75/100(8) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Nissan?
The numbers make a strong case for Nissan — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Nissan Frontier leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Nissan costs less to maintain — $488/year vs $1089/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $3005 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 Nissan: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Lincoln or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, Lincoln or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from Lincoln and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with Lincoln and Nissan vehicles?
How many Lincoln and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Lincoln or Nissan?
Are Lincoln and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Lincoln or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Lincoln or Nissan?
Comparing Lincoln vs Nissan? 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.