Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 58/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Audi A5 (16). 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 Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 sold versus 7 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi A5

Good

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mixed

Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class? 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 sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi A5 currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is in its sixth generation (W214), introduced in 2023. This makes it relatively new in its lifecycle, which might suggest early production teething issues as manufacturers often refine new platforms over time. The previous fifth-generation (W213) had a facelift in 2020, indicating it was a mature and well-sorted platform by its end. The Audi A5 is currently in its third generation (RE10), launched in 2025. Like the E-Class, it is also early in its cycle, potentially facing initial production challenges. The second generation (RE9) saw a refresh in 2022, suggesting it had reached a stable and reliable phase before the new generation debut.

Verdict

The Audi A5 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, scoring 75/100 vs 58/100.

The Audi A5 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a higher average reliability score of 75/100 versus 58/100. The A5's recall history is significantly better, with only 16 recalls over eight years, compared to the E-Class's 184. Additionally, the Audi A5 has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 units sold at 2.9, compared to 7 for the E-Class. While the E-Class lacks specific repair cost data, the Audi A5's estimated annual repair cost stands at $739, making the A5 a more reliable choice for consumers prioritizing dependability.

Key Differences

1Audi A5 has 168 fewer total recalls
2Audi A5 scores 17 points higher in reliability
3Audi A5 has 4.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Audi A5

—

0Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability Score	75/100	58/100
Years Tracked	8	8
Total Recalls	16	184
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.9	7
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A5 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the E-Class having a broader distribution of issues across various components and a higher total complaint count. The E-Class's electrical system and steering problems are notable, with a combined total of five crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Audi A5's issues are predominantly concentrated in the electrical system, which accounts for over half of its total complaints, but it features fewer crash-linked incidents overall. While the E-Class also faces notable issues in the engine and power train categories, the A5’s complaints outside of the electrical system are relatively sparse, suggesting a more focused but less diverse set of reliability challenges.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.5Low	0.5Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	0.3Very Low
TIRES	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

For those comparing maintenance costs, independent repair cost data shows the Audi A5 has an annual repair cost of $739, with an average of 0.6 repair visits per year, suggesting moderate reliability. While specific data for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is unavailable, the Audi A5 provides a tangible baseline for comparison. Assuming similar repair frequencies and risks for the E-Class, the Audi A5 emerges as a potentially more cost-effective option due to its transparent maintenance figures. Cost-conscious buyers might find the Audi A5 a better value, as it provides a clearer understanding of potential expenses over time, amounting to approximately $3,695 over five years.

How Does Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Edge
2023	81/1000R / 0C	63/1005R / 20C	Audi A5
2022	74/1003R / 5C	60/1008R / 19C	Audi A5
2021	71/1005R / 7C	56/10030R / 36C	Audi A5
2020	70/1005R / 60C	56/10026R / 35C	Audi A5
2019	73/1003R / 12C	54/10042R / 100C	Audi A5
2018	77/1000R / 6C	55/10072R / 252C	Audi A5
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	62/100(predicted)	Audi A5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Audi A5 scored 81/100 and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scored 63/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi A5 vs the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

If you prioritize reliability and value peace of mind with fewer unexpected issues, the Audi A5 should be your choice. With a higher reliability score of 75/100 compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's 58/100, the A5 offers a more dependable experience. It has significantly fewer recalls (16 vs. 184) and a lower rate of owner complaints at 2.9 per 10,000 sold. Additionally, its estimated annual repair cost is $739, with a repair frequency of 0.6 times per year, making it an economical option for those concerned with long-term maintenance. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the prestige and features of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and are willing to accept some potential reliability trade-offs, this model might appeal to you. However, be aware of its higher likelihood of issues, particularly in areas like the electrical system and engine, as well as its extensive recall history. Choose the E-Class if brand allure and luxury are your top priorities, but be prepared for potential maintenance challenges.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Common Questions

Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 58/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Audi A5 (16). 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 Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 sold versus 7 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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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. 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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