Is the Audi Q3 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on our data, the Audi Q3 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q3 (17). 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 Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus 6.4 for the Audi Q3. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi Q3

Good

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Good

Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE? 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 compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi Q3 currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation (W167), which was introduced in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. This places it in the middle of its generation cycle, suggesting that many initial issues typically associated with newer platforms may have been resolved, enhancing its reliability profile. In contrast, the Audi Q3 is in its third generation (Typ FJ), which began in 2025. Being early in its generation cycle, the Q3 might experience some first-year issues as the platform is still maturing. Historically, the GLE's mature platforms have shown improved reliability over time, whereas the Q3's current stage might require some refinement.

Verdict

The Audi Q3 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 73/100 vs 68/100.

The Audi Q3 outshines the Mercedes-Benz GLE in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 77/100 compared to the GLE's 59/100. Despite having a higher owner complaint rate per 10,000 vehicles sold, the Q3's total recalls are significantly lower, with only 17 over nine years compared to the GLE's 98 across eight years. Additionally, the Q3 has an estimated annual repair cost of $859, providing a clearer cost expectation for potential owners. While both vehicles face common issues with the electrical system, the GLE's broader range of problems, including engine and power train concerns, further tips the reliability scale in favor of the Q3.

Key Differences

1Audi Q3 has 81 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 5.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Audi Q3 scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Audi Q3

—

1Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score	73/100	68/100
Years Tracked	9	8
Total Recalls	17	98
Complaints per 10k Sold	6.4	0.6
Year Wins	7	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibits a broader spectrum of issues, with significant attention needed for its electrical system, which accounts for the highest number of complaints (76), including two linked to crashes. The power train is another critical area for the GLE, with 43 complaints and four crash-related incidents, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Audi Q3 shows fewer overall complaints, with its electrical system also being the most problematic area, albeit with fewer total issues (37) and an equal number of crash-linked incidents. Notably, the Audi Q3's complaints are more evenly distributed across components, with fewer severe safety concerns compared to the GLE's power train and vehicle speed control issues.

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.5Low	0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.9Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.4Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
EQUIPMENT	0.1Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on industry estimates, the Audi Q3 incurs an annual repair cost of $859, with an average of 0.6 repair visits per year. In practical terms, this suggests a fairly predictable expense pattern, totaling approximately $4,295 over five years. Unfortunately, specific data for the Mercedes-Benz GLE is unavailable, making a direct cost comparison challenging. However, the predictable nature of the Audi Q3's repair visits provides some assurance for cost-conscious buyers. In terms of value, the Audi Q3 appears to offer a more transparent and potentially lower maintenance cost profile, especially for those wary of unexpected expenses. Without more details on the GLE, the Q3 stands out as the practical choice in terms of repair predictability and potential savings over time.

How Does Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Edge
2024	75/1002R / 16C	70/1008R / 59C	Audi Q3
2023	74/1001R / 1C	70/1005R / 29C	Audi Q3
2022	70/1005R / 28C	68/10011R / 58C	Audi Q3
2021	74/1002R / 13C	65/10022R / 76C	Audi Q3
2020	69/1002R / 62C	61/10036R / 112C	Audi Q3
2019	72/1003R / 10C	70/1006R / 22C	Audi Q3
2018	74/1001R / 25C	69/1009R / 51C	Audi Q3
2026(predicted)	66/100(predicted)	69/100(predicted)	Mercedes-Benz GLE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Audi Q3 scored 75/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi Q3 vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Audi Q3 is your best bet. With a reliability score of 77/100 and only 17 total recalls, it stands out as the more dependable option. The Q3's estimated annual repair cost is $859, with a modest repair frequency of 0.6 times per year, making it suitable for those who want predictability in their maintenance expenses. Although it has a higher rate of owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the nature of these complaints is generally less severe. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a premium driving experience and can tolerate a few more potential issues, the Mercedes-Benz GLE might appeal to you. Despite a lower reliability score of 59/100 and 98 total recalls, it garners fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 0.6. However, be mindful of the GLE's top issues, which include critical systems like the electrical and powertrain. This model is better suited for those who value luxury features over absolute reliability.

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Audi Q3 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Based on our data, the Audi Q3 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q3 (17). 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 Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus 6.4 for the Audi Q3. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Audi Q3 comparisons

Audi Q3 vs BMW X1 reliability Audi Q3 reliability by year Audi Q3 years to avoid

More Mercedes-Benz GLE comparisons

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 reliability Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability by year Mercedes-Benz GLE years to avoid

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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