Lincoln's lineup has 882 recorded NHTSA recalls across 17 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.0/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Lincoln's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Lincoln — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Lincoln Motor Company, a division of Ford Motor Company, has long been known for crafting elegant and luxurious vehicles with a distinctive American flair. Traditionally appealing to discerning buyers seeking a blend of sophistication and reliability, Lincolns are often favored by those appreciating a quiet, comfortable driving experience. ForCar.org allows you to decode any LINCOLN VIN to uncover comprehensive vehicle specifications, including recall history and detailed technical information.
Buying or selling? See what used Lincoln models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Lincoln models 17
Every Lincoln model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Lincoln SUVs & crossovers 6
Lincoln Cars & sedans 7
Lincoln Trucks 1
Lincoln More models 3
Lincoln recalls
Across the Lincoln lineup, ForCar tracks 882 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Lincoln recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Lincoln model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lincoln Navigator | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Lincoln Town Car | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Lincoln Aviator | 4.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Lincoln MKZ | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Lincoln Continental | 4.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Lincoln Corsair | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Lincoln MKX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Lincoln Nautilus | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Lincoln MKT | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Lincoln Mark | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Lincoln: Back Over Prevention:software. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Lincoln reliable?
Across rated models, Lincoln averages a 4.0/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 13 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Lincoln competes in the US luxury SUV and crossover segments against Cadillac, Acura, Lexus and Genesis, with a smaller passenger-car presence than competitors after retiring the Continental and MKZ in 2020. The brand's positioning around quiet flight and effortless luxury distinguishes it from German rivals' sport-luxury orientation. Lincoln Black Label is the brand's top-tier trim with concierge service, exclusive interior themes and complimentary detail visits.
Lincoln models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Lincoln model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lincoln Town Car | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Lincoln Continental | 4.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Lincoln MKZ | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Lincoln MKX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Lincoln Navigator | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Lincoln LS | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Lincoln MKC | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Lincoln Aviator | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Lincoln MKS | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Lincoln MKT | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Lincoln models
The most fuel-efficient Lincoln models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lincoln MKZ | Car | |
| 02 | Lincoln Corsair | Car | |
| 03 | Lincoln Nautilus | Car | |
| 04 | Lincoln Continental | Car | |
| 05 | Lincoln Mark | Car | |
| 06 | Lincoln Aviator | Car | |
| 07 | Lincoln MKT | Car | |
| 08 | Lincoln MKC | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Lincoln models
Lincoln models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Lincoln model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Continental | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lincoln Aviator | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lincoln Nautilus | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lincoln MKX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lincoln Navigator | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Lincoln MKZ | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Lincoln Corsair | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Lincoln MKS | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
See how they rank against every make — the safest cars & SUVs by crash-test score.
How much is Lincoln insurance?
Across 15 Lincoln models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,384 a year on full coverage. The MKT is cheapest to insure (≈ $1,183/yr) and the MKS priciest (≈ $1,713/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Lincoln insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Lincoln hybrids & electric models
Lincoln's electrified lineup — 4 hybrids. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Lincoln hybrids 4
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Lincoln window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Lincoln's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Lincoln window stickers →How to read a Lincoln VIN
Every Lincoln built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Lincoln and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Lincoln
Henry Leland left GM and Cadillac in 1917 to form the Lincoln Motor Company to build Liberty aircraft engines for World War I. After the war Lincoln pivoted to luxury cars but financial struggles forced sale to Ford in 1922. Edsel Ford modernized Lincoln's styling, and the 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Continental Cabriolet — designed for Edsel's personal use — established the design vocabulary of post-war American luxury. The 1961 Continental, with its rear-hinged suicide doors, defined the brand for the next decade.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1917 |
| Headquarters | Dearborn, USA |
| Parent company | Ford Motor Company |
| Slogan | "Built for the Human Race" |
| Models tracked | 17 (1981–2026) |
Lincoln — frequently asked
How do I decode a Lincoln VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Lincoln models are there?
ForCar tracks 17 Lincoln models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Lincoln made?
Lincoln is headquartered in Dearborn, USA, founded in 1917. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Lincoln recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Lincoln model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Lincoln is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Lincoln warranty?
New Lincoln vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Lincoln dealer.