Is the Audi Q5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on our data, the Audi Q5 is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q5 (49). 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 Q5 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 10.4 for the Audi Q5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi Q5

Good

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Good

Choosing between the Audi Q5 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi Q5 currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi Q5 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. Being midway through its generation cycle, the GLE benefits from having initial issues typically ironed out, leading to improved reliability compared to earlier models. In contrast, the Audi Q5 lacks detailed generation history data, which makes it challenging to evaluate its reliability based on generational changes. Generally, vehicles in the later stages of their generation, like the current GLE, have matured platforms that are often more dependable, while newer models might encounter early production challenges.

Verdict

The Audi Q5 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 69/100 vs 68/100.

The Audi Q5 slightly edges out the Mercedes-Benz GLE in terms of reliability with an average score of 61/100 compared to the GLE's 59/100. The Q5 also has a more favorable recall history, with 49 recalls over nine years versus the GLE's 98 over eight years. Although the Q5 has a higher estimated annual repair cost of $928, the GLE's higher owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 0.6 suggests more frequent issues in practice. Both vehicles suffer from similar common issues, but the Q5's overall lower recall and complaint rates make it a marginally more reliable choice.

Key Differences

1Audi Q5 has 49 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 9.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Audi Q5 scores 1 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Audi Q5

—

1Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score	69/100	68/100
Years Tracked	9	8
Total Recalls	49	98
Complaints per 10k Sold	10.4	0.6
Year Wins	3 (2 tied)	2 (2 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q5 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with each model facing different challenges. The GLE has a notable concentration of issues in the electrical system, accounting for 76 complaints, including two crash-linked incidents, and the power train, with 43 complaints and four crash-linked. In contrast, the Audi Q5's most reported issue is also the electrical system, with a higher count of 110 complaints, though it lacks crash-linked concerns in this area. Both models have crash-linked complaints in their power train and service brakes, but the GLE's higher incidence in crash-related power train issues suggests a potentially more critical focus area for safety improvements.

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.4Low	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	0.7Very Low	0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.6Very Low	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	0.5Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.5Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.4Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.3Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.2Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
TIRES	—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 Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Industry estimates for the Audi Q5 show an annual repair cost of $928, with an average of 1.2 service visits per year and a 9% risk of major repairs. In contrast, while specific data for the Mercedes-Benz GLE is unavailable, Mercedes models typically have higher maintenance costs and less frequent, though more costly, repair needs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Audi Q5 appears to be the more economical choice. Over five years, Audi's repair costs could total around $4,640, assuming stable rates, providing a clearer picture of potential expenses compared to the often higher and less predictable costs of maintaining a Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How Does Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Edge
2024	70/1005R / 26C	70/1008R / 59C	Tie
2023	71/1002R / 6C	70/1005R / 29C	Audi Q5
2022	68/1008R / 39C	68/10011R / 58C	Tie
2021	66/10016R / 126C	65/10022R / 76C	Audi Q5
2020	69/1006R / 22C	61/10036R / 112C	Audi Q5
2019	69/1005R / 40C	70/1006R / 22C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2018	60/1007R / 197C	69/1009R / 51C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2026(predicted)	72/100(predicted)	69/100(predicted)	Audi Q5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Audi Q5 scored 71/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi Q5 vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize a slightly better reliability score and fewer recalls, the Audi Q5 might be your preferred choice. With a reliability score of 61/100, it edges out the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which has a score of 59/100. The Q5 also has fewer total recalls (49 compared to the GLE's 98), suggesting potentially fewer manufacturer-related issues. However, if you're concerned about running costs and owner satisfaction, consider the GLE. Despite its lower reliability score, it boasts fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (0.6) compared to the Q5's total of 471 complaints. While the Q5 has an estimated annual repair cost of $928 and a repair frequency of 1.2 times a year, this information is not available for the GLE, which might imply variable maintenance costs. If you value fewer day-to-day issues and are willing to manage potential recall visits, the GLE could be a suitable option.

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Audi Q5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Based on our data, the Audi Q5 is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q5 (49). 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 Q5 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 10.4 for the Audi Q5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Audi Q5 comparisons

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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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