Is the Audi Q8-E-Tron more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on our data, the Audi Q8-E-Tron is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Audi Q8-E-Tron or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q8-E-Tron (2). 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 Q8-E-Tron or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q8-E-Tron has a lower complaint rate at 0 per 10,000 sold versus 0.6 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi Q8-E-Tron

Good

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Good

Choosing between the Audi Q8-E-Tron 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 full-size suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi Q8-E-Tron currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi Q8-E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation (W167), which was redesigned in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. Being in the latter part of its generation, the GLE's platform has likely matured, often translating to improved reliability as early issues are typically addressed in subsequent production years. In contrast, the Audi Q8 e-tron is in its second generation, which began in 2023. As a relatively new platform, it might still be working through initial production kinks that can affect reliability, a common trait with newer models. The 2022 facelift of its first generation helped refine the earlier model, but the newer generation might still be smoothing out early issues.

Verdict

The Audi Q8-E-Tron is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 77/100 vs 68/100.

The Audi Q8-E-Tron demonstrates superior reliability with a higher average reliability score of 77/100 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 68/100. The Q8-E-Tron has had only 2 recalls over two years and zero owner complaints per 10,000 units, while the GLE has faced 98 recalls over eight years and a complaint rate of 0.6 per 10,000 units. The GLE's common issues with the electrical system, engine, and powertrain further highlight its reliability challenges. Overall, the Audi Q8-E-Tron stands out as the more reliable choice with fewer recalls and no identified common problems.

Key Differences

1Audi Q8-E-Tron has 96 fewer total recalls
2Audi Q8-E-Tron scores 9 points higher in reliability
3Audi Q8-E-Tron has 0.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Audi Q8-E-Tron

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0Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi Q8-E-Tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score	77/100	68/100
Years Tracked	2	8
Total Recalls	2	98
Complaints per 10k Sold	0	0.6
Year Wins	1	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q8-E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibits a diverse problem profile with 410 total complaints, notably featuring issues in the electrical system (76 complaints, 2 crash-linked) and the power train (43 complaints, 4 crash-linked). Safety concerns are further underscored by crash-linked complaints in vehicle speed control (2) and service brakes (3). In contrast, the Audi Q8-E-Tron currently has no recorded complaints, suggesting either a higher reliability or a lack of reported data. The absence of any complaints for the Q8-E-Tron highlights a potential advantage in perceived reliability, particularly in areas where the GLE shows vulnerabilities.

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi Q8-E-Tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	—None	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
TIRES	—None	—None
STEERING	—None	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	—None
AIR BAGS	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—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.

How Does Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi Q8-E-Tron	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Edge
2024	75/1002R / 0C	70/1008R / 59C	Audi Q8-E-Tron

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Audi Q8-E-Tron 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 Q8-E-Tron vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize reliability and want peace of mind with fewer potential issues, the Audi Q8-E-Tron is your best choice. With a higher reliability score of 77/100, only two total recalls, and zero owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a smoother ownership experience. The absence of identified top issues further suggests that the Q8-E-Tron is a solid option for those who want to avoid frequent visits to the mechanic. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Mercedes-Benz brand and can tolerate some potential reliability concerns, the GLE might still appeal to you. However, be aware that it has a lower reliability score of 68/100 and significantly more recalls at 98, with notable issues in critical areas such as the electrical system and engine. If these factors are less of a concern, and you value the luxury and performance associated with Mercedes-Benz, the GLE could still be a satisfying choice.

Audi Q8-E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Audi Q8-E-Tron more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Based on our data, the Audi Q8-E-Tron is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Audi Q8-E-Tron or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Audi Q8-E-Tron (2). 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 Q8-E-Tron or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q8-E-Tron has a lower complaint rate at 0 per 10,000 sold versus 0.6 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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More Mercedes-Benz GLE comparisons

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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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