Which has more recalls, the BMW X6 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the BMW X6 (15). 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 BMW X6 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 1.6 for the BMW X6. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

BMW X6

Good

More Reliable

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Good

Choosing between the BMW X6 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 63/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation (W167), which debuted in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. Being in the middle of its generation cycle, the GLE has likely addressed initial teething issues common in new platforms, potentially offering improved reliability. In contrast, the BMW X6 is also in its third generation (G06), introduced in 2020 and facelifted in 2024. Similar to the GLE, the X6 is mid-cycle, indicating that it may have resolved early production issues. Generally, vehicles later in their generation cycles benefit from refined engineering, making them more reliable compared to new or just-launched models.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable than the BMW X6, scoring 68/100 vs 63/100.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X6 both exhibit moderate reliability scores, with the GLE slightly ahead at 59/100 compared to the X6's 56/100. The GLE has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus the X6's 1.6, suggesting fewer issues per vehicle despite a higher total recall number over a longer period. However, the X6's estimated annual repair cost of $1,206 provides a tangible figure for potential maintenance expenses, which is not available for the GLE. While the GLE shows a broader range of common issues, the X6's problems are more concentrated but potentially costly, making the GLE a marginally more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1BMW X6 has 83 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 5 points higher in reliability
3Mercedes-Benz GLE has 1.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1BMW X6

—

2Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score	63/100	68/100
Years Tracked	5	8
Total Recalls	15	98
Complaints per 10k Sold	1.6	0.6
Year Wins	0	4

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE shows a higher overall complaint volume with notable issues in the electrical system, engine, and power train, accumulating 169 complaints across these categories, with a total of 6 crash-linked incidents. The BMW X6, with only 22 complaints, predominantly faces issues in the service brakes category, but does not exhibit any crash-linked complaints. The GLE's significant number of electrical system complaints, including 2 crash-linked, highlights a critical area of concern not mirrored in the X6's profile. While both models report issues with service brakes, the GLE's broader spectrum of complaint categories, particularly those affecting safety, indicates a more complex reliability profile.

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
Component	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE
SERVICE BRAKES	0.5Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
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
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.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on independent repair cost data, the BMW X6 incurs an annual repair cost of $1,206, with an expected one visit to the repair shop each year and a 21% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Mercedes-Benz GLE is unavailable, preventing a direct cost comparison. However, the BMW X6's repair frequency and major repair risk suggest potential costs that can add up significantly over time. For cost-conscious buyers, without clear data for the GLE, the BMW X6's known expenses might seem less appealing due to its higher likelihood of major repairs, suggesting the need for careful consideration.

How Does BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
Year	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Edge
2024	62/1004R / 9C	70/1008R / 59C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2023	65/1001R / 1C	70/1005R / 29C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2022	66/1001R / 3C	68/10011R / 58C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2021	60/1007R / 7C	65/10022R / 76C	Mercedes-Benz GLE
2026(predicted)	64/100(predicted)	69/100(predicted)	Mercedes-Benz GLE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 BMW X6 scored 66/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the BMW X6 vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize a slightly higher reliability and lower owner complaints, the Mercedes-Benz GLE may be your better option. With a reliability score of 59/100 and only 0.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a more reassuring ownership experience despite its high number of recalls (98). However, be aware of potential issues with the electrical system, engine, and power train. On the other hand, if you are concerned about recall frequency and prefer transparent repair cost information, consider the BMW X6. It has significantly fewer recalls (15) and an independent repair cost estimate of $1206 annually. However, its reliability score is slightly lower at 56/100, and it has a higher major repair risk of 21%. Choose the X6 if you value fewer recalls and predictable costs, but be prepared for potential issues with service brakes and structure.

BMW X6 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the BMW X6 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 63/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the BMW X6 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the BMW X6 (15). 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 BMW X6 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 1.6 for the BMW X6. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More BMW X6 comparisons

BMW X6 vs BMW X5 reliability BMW X6 vs Audi Q7 reliability BMW X6 reliability by year BMW X6 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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue