Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lincoln vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
Lincoln
3 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Volvo edges out Lincoln on reliability, with fewer complaints per car sold, lower yearly repair costs and fewer recalls. Both brands hold a good standing, so the lead is slight. Lincoln's trend is improving while Volvo's is stable, and each lineup has years worth skipping.
Is Lincoln More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Lincoln | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 72 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 207 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $948/yr | $831/yr |
Lincoln vs Volvo: The Verdict
The edge goes to Volvo, but it is slight. Both brands hold a good reliability standing. Volvo owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 sold (1 against 1.3), yearly repairs average $831 against $948, and federal recall records show 141 recalls against 217 for Lincoln. Volvo also comes out stronger on complaint severity and in the SUV matchup.
The spread of problems across systems is even. Electrical trouble is the top complaint area at both brands. Lincoln's recent trend is improving, which is a point in its favor, while Volvo's trend is stable. Neither brand is a risky buy if you pick the right model year.
Where Lincoln and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lincoln | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 62/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Volvo's advantage in recall impact (+11 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lincoln vs Volvo: 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
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Lincoln and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lincoln
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lincoln or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Volvo is cheaper to maintain at an average of $831/year compared to $948/year for Lincoln. That's a difference of $117/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Lincoln Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1089/yr
Average: $948/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Lincoln vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lincoln | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 66/100 | 69/100 | Volvo |
Volvo wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lincoln vs Volvo
| Component | Lincoln | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%116 | 35%180 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%116 | 5%26 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%70 | 13%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%13 | 12%62 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 6%32 | 7%39 |
| ENGINE | 8%40 | 2%13 |
| STEERING | 5%23 | 5%28 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%23 | 3%18 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%6 | 4%21 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%17 | 1%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lincoln vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lincoln
15
Crash reports
7
Fire reports
12
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Lincoln and Volvo Model Ranked
Lincoln Models
Lincoln vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Lincoln's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Lincoln | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100(2) | 75/100(4) | Lincoln |
| 2025 | 68/100(3) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 69/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2023 | 67/100(3) | 65/100(5) | Lincoln |
| 2022 | 66/100(3) | 70/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2021 | 65/100(3) | 66/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2020 | 62/100(3) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 69/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2018 | 59/100(1) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Lincoln vs Volvo: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Lincoln and Volvo. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Lincoln vs Volvo?
If you want the lowest running costs and more choice, lean Volvo. Target the 2021 XC60, which rates good and costs less to repair than the class average. Know its main risk: the engine can shut off at a stop and refuse to restart. Skip the 2022 XC60, which draws the most complaints. For a smaller SUV, favor the 2020 XC40 and avoid the 2021 and 2023, which have electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out. If you want a sedan, only Volvo offers one here, the S60 or S90.
If you want a larger, plush SUV, lean Lincoln. The 2023 Nautilus is the better pick, with few complaints for the number sold. Skip the 2019, and test any used Nautilus for transmission shudder and blank screens. The Navigator is best in 2024, while 2018 and 2019 draw the most complaints. On any Navigator, check for hard shifts and a cold-start rattle. Budget for repairs near $1,089 a year.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln or Volvo?
Choose Volvo if cost and a wider lineup matter most. Choose Lincoln if you want a bigger SUV and can accept slightly higher upkeep. The strongest single model across both lineups is the XC60, the top-ranked Volvo, best in the 2021 model year. Volvo's lower average repair cost saves about $117 a year, or roughly $585 over five years.
Lincoln vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Lincoln more reliable than Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Lincoln or Volvo?
Is Lincoln or Volvo cheaper to repair?
What is the most common problem on Lincoln and Volvo?
Which Lincoln and Volvo model years should I avoid?
Comparing Lincoln vs Volvo? 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 Volvo 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.