Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Audi comes out ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability, with a clear edge built on fewer recalls and lighter complaint records. Both brands rate good overall and both are improving, so the gap shows up in the details.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $858/yr |
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Audi. Federal recall records show 332 recalls for Audi against 1923 for Mercedes-Benz. Owners also file more complaints per 1,000 cars sold on the Mercedes-Benz side, and its crash, fire and injury complaints run well above Audi's. Audi is stronger in sedans, while Mercedes-Benz is stronger in SUVs.
One point cuts the other way. Independent repair-cost data puts Audi at about $930 a year, against $858 for Mercedes-Benz. Audi's costs also vary more from model to model.
Where Audi and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Audi has a 18-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (60/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($858/year avg)
- 6 of 10 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Audi and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mercedes-Benz is cheaper to maintain at an average of $858/year compared to $930/year for Audi. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 6 models) | 72/100 | 55/100 | Audi |
| SUVs(7 vs 3 models) | 67/100 | 69/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Audi vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 7%246 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%11 | 5%199 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 4%153 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 3%119 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 2%82 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%29 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Audi and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Audi Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100.
Interestingly, both Audi and Mercedes-Benz show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Audi | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 71/100(6) | Audi |
| 2025 | 72/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 62/100(9) | Audi |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 63/100(8) | Audi |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 59/100(9) | Audi |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 57/100(8) | Audi |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 57/100(8) | Audi |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 56/100(7) | Audi |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 56/100(6) | Audi |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Audi vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want a sedan, lean toward the Audi A5 or A4. Both rate good, while most Mercedes-Benz sedans rate mixed. The CLA sits well below other sedans on the site. Owners report transmissions that drop into Neutral while driving. If you still want one, the 2020 is the pick and the 2022 is the year to skip. The E-Class is the Mercedes-Benz sedan that rates good.
If you want an SUV, the Mercedes-Benz lineup is stronger. Target the GLB, GLC or GLE. On the GLB, look for a 2022 or 2023, skip the 2020, and ask for service history because some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. Audi's Q3 and Q5 are solid alternatives. Skip the Audi E-Tron unless you find a 2020. Its main risk is an electrical fault that shuts down the motors and needs a tow.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Choose Audi for the better overall record, especially in a sedan. Choose Mercedes-Benz when you are shopping for a GLB, GLC or GLE. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Audi Q8-E-Tron, though it has only two model years on the road. The 2024 is the pick. Mercedes-Benz averages $72 less a year in repair costs, about $360 over five years.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
What goes wrong most often on Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars?
Which Audi and Mercedes-Benz models should I avoid?
Comparing Audi vs Mercedes-Benz? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Audi and Mercedes-Benz models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.