Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lincoln vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru has a clear edge over Lincoln on reliability, thanks to lower repair costs and fewer recalls. Lincoln answers with fewer and less serious owner complaints per car sold. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving, so the choice comes down to which cost you most want to avoid.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Lincoln | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 72 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 207 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $948/yr | $605/yr |
Lincoln vs Subaru: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Subaru. Its repairs average about $605 a year, against $948 for Lincoln, and federal recall records show 121 recalls to Lincoln's 217. Subaru also offers five SUVs to Lincoln's three, so you have more used models to shop.
Lincoln wins on severity. Owners report 1.3 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 2.3 for Subaru, and far fewer crash, fire, and injury reports. Problems spread across car systems about evenly for both brands. Each holds a good standing and each is trending up.
Where Lincoln and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 62/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in recall impact (+22 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lincoln vs Subaru: 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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Lincoln and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lincoln
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $343/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Lincoln vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lincoln | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 66/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Subaru
| Component | Lincoln | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%6 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%116 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%70 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%116 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 1%6 | 6%461 |
| ENGINE | 8%40 | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%4 | 3%223 |
| STEERING | 5%23 | 2%191 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%23 | 2%124 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 6%32 | 0%5 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lincoln vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Subaru Model Ranked
Lincoln Models
Subaru Models
Lincoln vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Lincoln and Subaru show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100(2) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 68/100(3) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 67/100(3) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 66/100(3) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 65/100(3) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 62/100(3) | 68/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 63/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Lincoln vs Subaru?
If low running costs matter most, lean toward Subaru. The Legacy ranks first in its lineup, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years and look for a 2024. Among SUVs, the Ascent is the one to check closely. The 2024 is the safer pick and the 2019 is the one to avoid. Watch for a battery that drains while parked and a CVT that shudders, slips, or loses drive on the highway. Windshields that crack easily come up on both the Legacy and the Ascent, so inspect the glass.
Lean toward Lincoln if serious incidents worry you more than repair bills. The Nautilus is the better pick in the 2023 model year, and the 2019 is the one to skip. Test how the transmission shifts, since a replacement has been quoted at $7,000 to $9,000, and watch for screens that go blank. The Navigator is best bought as a 2024. Avoid 2018 and 2019, and listen for hard shifts and a cold-start rattle.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Subaru?
Most used-car shoppers will do better with Subaru. The Legacy, the top-ranked Subaru, is the strongest single model across both lineups, and a 2024 is the safer year. Lincoln averages about $343 more per year in repairs, which comes to roughly $1,715 over five years. Choose Lincoln only if you prefer an SUV like the Nautilus and can accept higher bills. In that case, aim for a 2023.
Lincoln vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Lincoln or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lincoln or Subaru?
What problems do Subaru owners report most?
Which brand has more serious complaints?
Comparing Lincoln vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Lincoln comparisons
How we score Lincoln and Subaru 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.