Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Buick comes out well ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability, with a large gap. Buick draws fewer complaints per car sold, far fewer recalls and lower repair bills. Both brands stand good and both are improving, but the Mercedes-Benz lineup carries more risk and cost.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $858/yr |
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it runs the same direction on every measure. Buick draws fewer complaints per car sold, far fewer recalls and lower yearly repair costs. Its problems also stay less severe. Mercedes-Benz owners report many more crashes, fires and injuries in their complaints.
Electrical trouble tops the list for both brands, so it does not separate them. Volume and cost do. Mercedes-Benz recalls run into the thousands, against 40 for Buick. Both brands hold a good standing and both are trending better, but the Mercedes-Benz path costs more and carries more risk.
Where Buick and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Buick outscores by 31 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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 Buick and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $315/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 69/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 6 models) | 75/100 | 55/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 7%246 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 4%153 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 5%199 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 3%119 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | 0%3 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Buick and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Buick Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 71/100(6) | Buick |
| 2025 | 80/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 62/100(9) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 63/100(8) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 59/100(9) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 57/100(8) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 57/100(8) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 56/100(7) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 56/100(6) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Buick vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want the least hassle, lean toward Buick. The Encore, Envista, Envision and Enclave all rate good among SUVs. For a sedan, look at a 2020 Regal, but watch for a false "Shift to Park" message that can drain the battery. On an Encore, ask about turbocharger repairs and read up on the reported air bag problems before you buy.
If you want a luxury badge, go with Mercedes-Benz, but stay with its strongest models. The GLB, GLC, GLE and E-Class rate good. Target a 2022 or 2023 GLB, skip the 2020, and ask for service history because of reported cylinder head and valve failures. Be careful with the sedans. The CLA, C-Class, A-Class and EQS all rate mixed. If you still want a CLA, a 2020 draws far fewer complaints than 2018, 2019 or 2021, and the 2022 is the one to skip.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Mercedes-Benz?
Choose the Buick if you want the safer used purchase and the cheaper one to own. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Buick Encore, with 2022 the pick, though turbocharger history and the air bag complaints need checking first. Independent repair-cost data puts Mercedes-Benz about $315 a year higher, roughly $1,575 over five years. Pay that only for the badge, and stay with the GLB, GLC, GLE or E-Class.
Buick vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Buick or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems on Buick and Mercedes-Benz cars?
What is the best Mercedes-Benz to buy used instead of a Buick?
Comparing Buick 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
More Buick comparisons
How we score Buick 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.