Reliability is the most important thing to think about when buying a car. Lincoln vehicles not only look sophisticated, but they also have cutting-edge technology that makes driving them such a fun experience. Despite their reputation for reliability, many potential buyers are uncertain about how reliable these high-end cars are. You deserve clear answers about whether Lincoln models will serve you reliably for years to come. Let's take a look at Lincoln's reliability track record using industry data and expert assessments to help you make an informed decision about your next luxury vehicle purchase.
Defining Reliability in Vehicles
Car reliability refers to how often a vehicle runs without issues such as trouble starting up. Many things can affect a car's reliability, but one of the biggest factors is how frequently it needs repairs. The seriousness of those repairs matters, too — little problems don't impact reliability scores as much as big mechanical breakdowns.
Maintenance costs greatly affect a car's reliability. If keeping up with maintenance doesn't break the bank, it's way easier to keep the car for the long haul. Also, how long a car lasts matters a lot. Cars running smoothly past 100,000 miles show they have top-notch engineering and durability.
RepairPal, J.D. Power, and other sites can help you determine how reliable a Lincoln is. J.D. Power looks at issues in the first three years of ownership through its Vehicle Dependability Study. Consumer Reports gets information from hundreds of thousands of real users about their experiences. If you use RepairPal, you'll be able to know how often and how much it costs to fix different Lincoln models on average. With reviews from these sources, you can confidently buy your Lincoln.
Lincoln's Reputation for Reliability
Lincoln cars last long due to their smart engineering and high-quality parts. The brand rigorously tests each car to make sure it has a robust construction and meets high standards for efficiency.
If we compare Lincoln's reliability ratings to those of other high-end brands, it does pretty well. Lincoln reached a major objective when it beat Porsche, Lexus, Jaguar, and other high-end brands to get the top rank in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study in 2011. Another study from Customer Reports found that Lincoln is one of the most reliable car brands in the U.S. RepairPal only gives Lincoln 3 out of 5 stars, but this is a good score for a luxury car that usually needs more specialized maintenance.
Cost of Ownership and Maintenance
A Lincoln might set you back a bit more than other luxury cars, but it's totally worth it. You're looking at around $879 a year for repairs, which is more than the $652 average. That extra cost makes sense because Lincolns have high-quality parts and advanced tech features.
In addition, Lincoln owners only take their cars to the shop about 0.4 times a year for repairs, which is pretty impressive considering all the tech packed into these vehicles. This rate is the same as the national average, meaning you won't have to stress about surprise trips to the mechanic. However, that doesn't mean you can slack off on maintenance. Sticking to the recommended schedule helps your ride last longer and saves you from dealing with expensive repairs down the line.
Our Jim Burke Lincoln service team is experienced in servicing Lincoln cars. We use genuine parts and have the latest tech to spot issues before they worsen. Our service department makes maintenance much easier with our free pickup and delivery service — we can pick up your car wherever you are. We handle everything according to factory standards. Once everything is taken care of, your vehicle comes back in fantastic shape. This simple process makes it easy to keep your Lincoln reliable for the long haul.
Lincoln Models and Their Individual Reliability Scores
The reliability of a Lincoln depends on which model you're looking at and how old it is. Take the Navigator, for instance — it's actually the most reliable one in the lineup. iSeeCars gave this full-size luxury SUV an impressive 9.3 out of 10. It also tops the list of Kelly Blue Book's and U.S. News & World Report's best luxury full-size SUVs of 2025.
The Lincoln Aviator is no slouch either, offering solid reliability thanks to its advanced powertrain options. This midsize luxury SUV scored an 8.7 out of 10 on the reliability scale from iSeeCars. These high scores highlight how durable Lincoln's engineering is across the board.
Let's not forget about the Lincoln MKZ. Despite its discontinuation, the MKZ established a benchmark for reliability that continues to shape modern cars, with J.D. Power naming it the most dependable midsize premium car. This just shows how good Lincoln is at making cars that last and perform well over the years.
Invest in a Lincoln Today
If you're looking to drive a Lincoln and experience its luxury, innovation, and reliability, check out our latest inventory and see why Lincolns are so well regarded. Whether it's a stylish sedan or a versatile SUV, each Lincoln offers a unique blend of style and practicality.
You can custom order your Lincoln or schedule a test-drive today. At Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield, California, our priority is to provide you with top-notch luxury vehicles. Reach out to us today.