Last updated: 2026-07-26
Most Reliable Lincoln Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Lincoln model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Lincoln scores 66/100 across all models and years. The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the most reliable Lincoln with a score of 82/100.
Lincoln Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | — | 3.5 | |
| 2 | 2022 Lincoln Nautilus | 2022 | 73/100 | Good | 2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | |
| 3 | 2023 Lincoln Nautilus | 2023 | 73/100 | Good | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | |
| 4 | 2021 Lincoln Nautilus | 2021 | 73/100 | Good | 2 | 7.4 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | 2025 | 72/100 | Good | 6 | 5.9 | 3.5 | |
| 6 | 2026 Lincoln Navigator | 2026 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 0.0 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 7 | 2024 Lincoln Nautilus | 2024 | 71/100 | Good | 7 | 5.7 | 3.5 | |
| 8 | 2024 Lincoln Aviator | 2024 | 70/100 | Good | 8 | 2.0 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 9 | 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | 2020 | 69/100 | Good | 5 | 14.1 | 3.5 | |
| 10 | 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 | 68/100 | Good | 14 | 5.3 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 11 | 2023 Lincoln Aviator | 2023 | 66/100 | Good | 16 | 13.5 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 12 | 2025 Lincoln Navigator | 2025 | 64/100 | Good | 6 | 3.2 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 13 | 2024 Lincoln Navigator | 2024 | 64/100 | Good | 7 | 8.1 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 14 | 2022 Lincoln Aviator | 2022 | 63/100 | Good | 21 | 19.6 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 15 | 2023 Lincoln Navigator | 2023 | 63/100 | Good | 8 | 2.8 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 16 | 2021 Lincoln Aviator | 2021 | 62/100 | Good | 28 | 18.2 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 17 | 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | 2019 | 62/100 | Good | 8 | 30.3 | 3.5 | |
| 18 | 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 2022 | 61/100 | Good | 13 | 12.1 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 19 | 2021 Lincoln Navigator | 2021 | 60/100 | Good | 10 | 16.6 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 20 | 2020 Lincoln Navigator | 2020 | 60/100 | Good | 11 | 15.7 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 21 | 2018 Lincoln Navigator | 2018 | 59/100 | Mixed | 7 | 25.2 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 22 | 2019 Lincoln Navigator | 2019 | 59/100 | Mixed | 4 | 31.1 | 2.5 | $1089/yr |
| 23 | 2020 Lincoln Aviator | 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed | 29 | 42.9 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
Model Summaries
Lincoln Aviator
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. With an estimated annual repair cost of $807 and a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5, the Aviator is best suited for buyers who prioritize luxury features but are prepared for potential maintenance needs.
Average score: 64/100. Best year: 2024 (70/100). 6 years tracked.
Lincoln Nautilus
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. The vehicle is best suited for those who prioritize safety, as all models consistently receive 5-star NHTSA safety ratings, though potential buyers should be aware of recurring power train concerns, particularly in earlier models.
Average score: 72/100. Best year: 2026 (82/100). 8 years tracked.
Lincoln Navigator
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. Recent data from 2026 suggests improvements, with a reliability score of 71/100, no complaints reported, and a reduced number of recalls.
Average score: 62/100. Best year: 2026 (71/100). 9 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Lincoln?
- Based on our data, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the most reliable Lincoln with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 7 owner complaints.
- Are Lincoln vehicles reliable?
- Lincoln vehicles have an average reliability score of 66/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
- Which Lincoln models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Lincoln model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2019 Nautilus (62/100), 2020 Aviator (57/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
- How do Lincoln repair costs compare?
- Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Lincoln model year.
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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