Last updated: 2026-07-26
Lincoln Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Lincoln offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Lincoln models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.
Lincoln Best Year Score Comparison
Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Lincoln model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.
Lincoln Model Rankings
Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln Nautilus | 2026 | 72/100 | Good | 33 | 10.8 | 3.5 | |
| 2 | Lincoln Aviator | 2024 | 64/100 | Good | 116 | 16.7 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 3 | Lincoln Navigator | 2026 | 62/100 | Good | 68 | 13.7 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
Lincoln Models
Lincoln Nautilus
2nd gen (2024–present)
The Lincoln Nautilus, covering model years 2019 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability rating. Common issues reported by owners include power train and electrical system problems, with significant improvements in complaint rates over the years, dropping from 30.3 complaints per 10,000 sold in 2019 to 2.5 in 2023.
Lincoln Aviator
2nd gen (2020–2023), facelifted 2025
The Lincoln Aviator, spanning the 2020 to 2025 model years, holds an average reliability score of 64/100, placing it in the "Good" category according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with the electronic shifter and camera systems, as well as power train and engine problems, which have been addressed through numerous recalls.
Lincoln Navigator
5th gen (2025–2023)
The Lincoln Navigator, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a mixed reliability record with an average score of 62/100, indicating common issues primarily with the power train and electrical systems. Owners frequently report transmission problems, particularly in earlier years, and electrical issues are noted across several model years, with repair costs averaging $1089 annually, slightly below the luxury fullsize SUV average.
Common Lincoln Problems
Top complaint categories across all Lincoln models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Lincoln cars reliable?
- Lincoln vehicles have an average reliability score of 66/100 ("Good") across 3 models and 9 years in our database. Lincoln offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
- What is the most reliable Lincoln?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring Lincoln model-year is the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus at 82/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Lincoln reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Lincoln?
- Annual repair costs for Lincoln models range from $807 to $1089 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
- Which Lincoln models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Lincoln models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2019 Nautilus (62/100), 2020 Aviator (57/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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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 via vehicles.dev. 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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