Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Chrysler comes out ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability by a large gap, with far fewer recalls and lower yearly repair costs. Both brands rate good overall and both are improving. Mercedes-Benz does better on how severe its complaints are.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $858/yr |
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
A large gap separates the two brands, and it favors Chrysler. Recalls are the clearest split: 100 for Chrysler against 1923 for Mercedes-Benz. Repair costs point the same way, at about $642 a year versus $858. Chrysler's problems are also less scattered across systems, though electrical faults top the list for both brands.
Mercedes-Benz wins one category, complaint severity. Owner complaints per 1,000 sold are nearly even, so neither brand has a big edge on how often owners file. Chrysler's lineup is only three models, which makes the comparison narrower than it first looks.
Where Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Chrysler outscores by 16 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $216/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 6 models) | 72/100 | 55/100 | Chrysler |
Chrysler wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 23%842 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 10%387 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 15%563 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 15%564 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 7%246 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 4%153 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%28 | 5%199 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 3%119 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, 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 | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 71/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 62/100(9) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 63/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 59/100(9) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 56/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 56/100(6) | Chrysler |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want the lowest running costs and the fewest recall headaches, lean Chrysler. Target a Voyager, and look at the 2020 model year first. Skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. A Pacifica works too, but avoid the 2018 with its electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 300 is the only Chrysler sedan here, and it rates good.
If you want a luxury badge and accept higher upkeep, lean Mercedes-Benz, but stay with the SUVs and the E-Class. The GLB, GLC and GLE all rate good. Buy a 2022 or 2023 GLB and skip the 2020, which has had blank instrument clusters and spoilers that come off at speed. Be careful with the smaller sedans. The CLA, C-Class and A-Class rate mixed, and the 2022 CLA is the year to skip because of transmissions that drop into Neutral.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
For most used-car shoppers, Chrysler is the safer buy, and the Voyager is the strongest single model across both lineups. Choose Mercedes-Benz only if you want the luxury SUV and can pay for it. Independent repair-cost data puts the gap at about $216 a year, or roughly $1,080 over five years, before any out-of-warranty surprises.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
What goes wrong most often on Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz?
Which Mercedes-Benz models should I avoid used?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler 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.