Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lincoln vs Ram: Reliability Compared
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Lincoln edges out Ram on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Ram has the lower repair bill and fewer severe complaints. Lincoln's SUVs all hold a good standing, and both brands are trending up in recent model years.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Lincoln | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 72 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 207 | 1448 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $948/yr | $691/yr |
Lincoln vs Ram: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Lincoln, and the two are effectively tied. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving, so the gap should not drive your choice alone.
The deciding differences sit underneath. Ram has the lower rate of owner complaints per 1,000 sold, 1.1 against 1.3, and it runs cheaper to repair at about $691 a year versus $948. Ram also does better on complaint severity. Its raw complaint count is far larger, at 4,345 against 620, but the rate per vehicle sold is the fairer measure. Recall impact and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Electrical trouble is a top complaint area for both.
Where Lincoln and Ram Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 62/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Lincoln's advantage in repair costs (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lincoln vs Ram: 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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ram is cheaper to maintain at an average of $691/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $257/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Ram
| Component | Lincoln | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%116 | 24%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%116 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 5%23 | 15%559 |
| ENGINE | 8%40 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%70 | 9%330 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%13 | 6%213 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%23 | 4%134 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0%2 | 4%152 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 6%32 | 0%9 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%17 | 0%7 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lincoln vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Ram Model Ranked
Lincoln vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Interestingly, both Lincoln and Ram show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100(2) | 70/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 68/100(3) | 68/100(2) | Tie |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 70/100(2) | Ram |
| 2023 | 67/100(3) | 68/100(2) | Ram |
| 2022 | 66/100(3) | 63/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2021 | 65/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2020 | 62/100(3) | 64/100(2) | Ram |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 58/100(2) | Lincoln |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 66/100(2) | Ram |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Lincoln vs Ram?
If you want an SUV, shop Lincoln. The Nautilus ranks first in the lineup, and the 2023 is the better pick. Skip the 2019. On the Navigator, target the 2024 and avoid 2018 and 2019. On either one, test how the transmission shifts, since a replacement on a Nautilus has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000.
If you need a truck or a work van, Ram is the natural fit. The 1500 is the stronger of its two tracked models. Go for the 2024 and avoid the 2019, and check the touchscreen for ghost touches and the steering for sudden cut-outs. For the Promaster, favor the 2018 and be wary of 2019 and 2021. Look for harsh shifts, no reverse, and any sign of water leaking past the windshield cowl. Expect that parts for a van may be back-ordered for weeks or months.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Ram?
Pick by body style first, since the brands are close. The Nautilus is the strongest single model across both lineups, and the 2023 is the one to look for. Ram's lower running costs add up: about $257 less per year comes to roughly $1,285 over five years. Buy the 1500 if you need a truck, and check steering and screen behavior before you sign.
Lincoln vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Ram?
Which brand has more recalls, Lincoln or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lincoln or Ram?
What goes wrong most on a used Ram?
What goes wrong most on a used Lincoln?
Comparing Lincoln vs Ram? 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 Ram 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.