Is the Dodge Journey more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus?

Based on our data, the Dodge Journey is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Dodge Journey or the Lincoln Nautilus?

The Lincoln Nautilus has more recalls (33) compared to the Dodge Journey (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Journey or the Lincoln Nautilus?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Lincoln Nautilus has a lower complaint rate at 10.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 18 for the Dodge Journey. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Dodge Journey or Lincoln Nautilus safer?

Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Lincoln Nautilus has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Journey. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Dodge Journey

Good

Lincoln Nautilus

Good

Choosing between the Dodge Journey and the Lincoln Nautilus? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Journey currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Dodge Journey and Lincoln Nautilus Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Dodge Journey is no longer in production, with its first and only generation (2009–2020) having ended. This mature platform, especially following its 2011 facelift, was well-sorted by the end of its lifecycle, typically benefiting reliability due to its long production span and refinement over time. The Lincoln Nautilus, currently in its second generation (2024–2026), represents a newer platform. The first generation (2019–2023) included a significant refresh in 2021. Newer generations, like the current Nautilus, can sometimes face initial reliability challenges as manufacturers work out early production kinks. Buyers might consider the Journey's established reliability versus the Nautilus's developing track record.

Verdict

The Dodge Journey is more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus, scoring 74/100 vs 72/100.

The Dodge Journey and Lincoln Nautilus present a stark contrast in reliability. The Dodge Journey scores a respectable 78/100 in reliability, with an estimated annual repair cost of $562, but it suffers from a higher owner complaint rate of 16.8 per 10,000 vehicles and has faced 8 recalls over five years. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus, despite a concerning average reliability score of 0/100, maintains a low owner complaint rate of 2.6 per 10,000 vehicles and has no identified common issues, though it has experienced 33 recalls over eight years. The key differentiator is the Nautilus's low complaint rate, suggesting fewer problems reported by owners, though its numerous recalls and lack of repair cost data warrant careful consideration.

Key Differences

1Dodge Journey has 25 fewer total recalls
2Lincoln Nautilus has 7.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Dodge Journey scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Dodge Journey

—

2Lincoln Nautilus

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus: Which Is More Reliable?

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Dodge Journey	Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability Score	74/100	72/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	8	33
Complaints per 10k Sold	18	10.8
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2020 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Journey and Lincoln Nautilus?

The Dodge Journey's problem profile is heavily skewed towards electrical system issues, which account for the largest share of complaints and include one crash-linked incident. Additionally, its air bags category is significant, with seven out of 17 complaints linked to crashes, suggesting a notable safety concern. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus has fewer overall complaints, but specific problem categories are not detailed, making it difficult to assess specific areas of vulnerability. The available data indicates the Dodge Journey faces both a broader range of issues and more frequent safety-related complaints compared to the Lincoln Nautilus.

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus common problem areas comparison
Component	Dodge Journey	Lincoln Nautilus
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4.6Average	1.8Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.9Low	1.3Low
POWER TRAIN	1.2Low	2.6Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	1.2Low	0.4Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	1.1Low	0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.9Very Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	0.8Very Low	0.5Very Low
ENGINE	0.8Very Low	0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.8Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	0.2Very Low	0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.2Very Low
SEATS	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge Journey or Lincoln Nautilus?

Independent repair cost data shows the Dodge Journey incurs an average annual repair cost of $562, with a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and a 12% risk of major repairs. While specific figures for the Lincoln Nautilus are unavailable, potential buyers should consider the Dodge Journey’s relatively low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk as favorable indicators. For cost-conscious buyers, the Dodge Journey offers a clear advantage with its transparent maintenance costs and manageable repair risks, suggesting it could be a more economical choice over a five-year period compared to the Lincoln Nautilus, whose maintenance costs remain uncertain.

How Does Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Compare by Year?

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Dodge Journey	Lincoln Nautilus	Edge
2020	77/1001R / 61C	69/1005R / 32C	Dodge Journey
2019	78/1001R / 92C	62/1008R / 96C	Dodge Journey

Best years to cross-shop: The 2019 Dodge Journey scored 78/100 and the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus scored 69/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Dodge Journey vs the Lincoln Nautilus?

If you prioritize reliability and lower ongoing costs, the Dodge Journey is the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 78/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $562, it offers a more dependable experience. The Journey's repair frequency is relatively low at 0.3 times per year, and while it has a 12% risk of major repairs, its issues are well-documented, making it easier to anticipate maintenance needs. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a vehicle with fewer owner complaints despite a worrying reliability score, you might consider the Lincoln Nautilus. However, its 33 total recalls and lack of detailed repair cost data suggest potential hidden expenses and reliability concerns. Given the data, it’s advisable to proceed with caution if considering the Nautilus, especially without clear insights into repair frequency and costs.

Dodge Journey vs Lincoln Nautilus: Common Questions

Is the Dodge Journey more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus?: Based on our data, the Dodge Journey is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Journey or the Lincoln Nautilus?: The Lincoln Nautilus has more recalls (33) compared to the Dodge Journey (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Journey or the Lincoln Nautilus?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Lincoln Nautilus has a lower complaint rate at 10.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 18 for the Dodge Journey. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Dodge Journey or Lincoln Nautilus safer?: Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Lincoln Nautilus has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Journey. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

More Dodge Journey comparisons

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More Lincoln Nautilus comparisons

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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.

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