Last updated: 2026-07-26
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Comparing Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Infiniti currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $858/yr |
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Infiniti pulls well ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability. Across 1 Infiniti and 10 Mercedes-Benz models, Infiniti averages 75/100 to 60/100 — a 15-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at $639/year versus $858/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1095 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Infiniti advantage.
Where Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 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% | 84/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Infiniti scores 25 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 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
- 80 fire-related complaints across lineup
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $219/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 69/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 16%579 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 11%387 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 7%250 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 5%172 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 4%155 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 3%127 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 1%33 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3%4 | 1%23 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Infiniti owners reported 5 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 8 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 237 crash-related, 80 fire-related, and 241 injury-related complaints. Infiniti has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
237
Crash reports
80
Fire reports
241
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Infiniti Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 71/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 62/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 63/100(8) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 59/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 57/100(8) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 57/100(8) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 56/100(7) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 56/100(6) | Infiniti |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
The numbers make a strong case for Infiniti — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Infiniti QX60 leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Infiniti costs less to maintain — $639/year vs $858/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1095 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
How many Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.