Last updated: 2026-07-26

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Lexus TX and the Lincoln Aviator? 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 Lexus TX currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 64/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Lexus TX and Lincoln Aviator Generations Compare?

The Lexus TX is in its first generation, introduced in 2024, making it relatively new in its lifecycle. Newer platforms can often experience first-year teething issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks, which may affect reliability. On the other hand, the Lincoln Aviator is currently in its second generation, which began in 2020. This generation received a facelift in 2025, indicating a mid-cycle update that typically addresses earlier issues and refines the vehicle. The Aviator's more mature platform, with several years of production and a facelift under its belt, suggests that it may offer improved reliability compared to a newly launched model like the Lexus TX.

Verdict

The Lexus TX is more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator, scoring 81/100 vs 64/100.

The Lexus TX outperforms the Lincoln Aviator in reliability, with an average score of 81/100 compared to the Aviator's 64/100. The TX has a significantly lower complaint rate of 0.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold, while the Aviator's rate is 15.7 per 10,000. Furthermore, the Aviator has faced 116 recalls over six years, starkly higher than the TX's seven recalls over three years. Although the Aviator's estimated annual repair cost is $807, the TX's data on repair costs is unavailable, but its stronger reliability metrics suggest potentially lower maintenance concerns.

Key Differences

  1. 1Lexus TX has 109 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Lexus TX scores 17 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Lexus TX has 15.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Lexus TX
0Lincoln Aviator
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricLexus TXLincoln Aviator
Reliability Score81/10064/100
Years Tracked36
Total Recalls7116
Complaints per 10k Sold0.115.7
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins20

What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus TX and Lincoln Aviator?

The Lexus TX and Lincoln Aviator exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Aviator showing significantly higher overall complaint numbers. The Aviator's most frequent issue lies in the electrical system, with 54 complaints, whereas the Lexus TX's primary concern is with airbags, accounting for 17 complaints, including two crash-linked incidents. Notably, the Aviator has a more diverse range of issues, including back over prevention with 17 complaints, two of which are crash-linked, and a notable number of power train and structure complaints. In contrast, the Lexus TX has fewer complaints across all categories, suggesting fewer widespread reliability issues compared to the Aviator.

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator common problem areas comparison
ComponentLexus TXLincoln Aviator
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNone3.9Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNone2Low
POWER TRAINNone1.5Low
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNone1.2Low
STRUCTURENone1.1Low
ENGINENone0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKESNone0.4Very Low
FUEL SYSTEMNone0.4Very Low
SEATSNone0.3Very Low
STEERINGNone0.3Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPERNone0.2Very Low
SUSPENSIONNone0.2Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.1Very Low
VISIBILITYNone0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTSNone0.1Very Low

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Lexus TX or Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator has an annual repair cost of $807, with an expected 0.6 repair shop visits yearly. In contrast, the Lexus TX lacks available data on repair costs and frequency, making it challenging to predict its maintenance expenses accurately. For cost-conscious buyers, the Aviator's known maintenance costs provide a clearer picture for budgeting, despite potential variations in repair frequency or risk. Over five years, the Aviator's repair expenses could accumulate to approximately $4,035. Without comparable data for the Lexus TX, the Aviator might be a more predictable choice, though the Lexus could potentially offer lower costs if its reliability aligns with typical brand performance.

How Does Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compare by Year?

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator year-by-year reliability scores
YearLexus TXLincoln AviatorEdge
202580/1003R / 15C68/10014R / 13CLexus TX
202482/1003R / 35C70/1008R / 5CLexus TX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Lexus TX scored 82/100 and the 2024 Lincoln Aviator scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus TX vs the Lincoln Aviator?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus TX stands out as a more dependable choice. With a reliability score of 81/100 and only 0.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a solid track record. Though it has had 7 recalls, this is significantly lower than the Lincoln Aviator's 116 recalls. If you value a vehicle with fewer headaches and potential issues, the Lexus TX is better suited to meet those needs. On the other hand, if you are attracted to the Lincoln Aviator's features but are prepared for higher maintenance, it might still appeal to you. However, be aware of its lower reliability score of 64/100 and its higher estimated annual repair cost of $807. With 15.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the Aviator is more likely to demand attention and investment in repairs. Choose the Aviator if you are willing to trade off reliability for other factors you might find appealing.

Lexus TX vs Lincoln Aviator: Common Questions

Is the Lexus TX more reliable than the Lincoln Aviator?
Based on our data, the Lexus TX is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 64/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Lexus TX or the Lincoln Aviator?
The Lincoln Aviator has more recalls (116) compared to the Lexus TX (7). 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 Lexus TX or the Lincoln Aviator?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus TX has a lower complaint rate at 0.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.7 for the Lincoln Aviator. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Lexus TX or Lincoln Aviator safer?
Both the Lexus TX and Lincoln Aviator received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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