Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Infiniti beats Mercedes-Benz on reliability by a wide margin. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and repairs cost less. The catch is choice: Infiniti is tracked with a single model, the QX60, while Mercedes-Benz offers ten.
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 edge goes to Infiniti by a wide margin. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems. Owners file 0.8 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 1.6 for Mercedes-Benz, and yearly repairs average $639 against $858. Both brands are rated good and both trends are improving.
Infiniti's record rests on one model, so it says little about a wider lineup. That model's known weak spot is the CVT, which can shudder or hesitate and does not always respond to repair.
Where Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| 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
- 79 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
| Component | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 7%246 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 5%199 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 4%153 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 3%119 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3%4 | 1%41 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 1%21 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want a midsize SUV with low running costs, lean toward the Infiniti QX60. Target the 2021 model year and look hard at the 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. On a test drive, pay attention to any shudder or hesitation, since the CVT is the weak spot.
If you want a sedan or a wider choice, Mercedes-Benz is the place to shop, but be selective. The GLB, GLC, GLE and E-Class all rate good. Within the GLB, the 2022 and 2023 years stand strongest and the 2020 is the one to skip. Ask for service history, because some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. Be more careful with the mixed-rated EQE, Metris Passenger Van, A-Class, C-Class, EQS and CLA. If you still want a CLA, choose the 2020 and skip the 2022, and watch for transmissions that drop into Neutral while driving.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
For reliability and low upkeep, choose Infiniti. The QX60 is the strongest single pick across both lineups, and its repair costs run about $219 a year below the Mercedes-Benz average, roughly $1,095 over five years. Pick Mercedes-Benz only for a body style or model Infiniti does not offer, and then stay with the GLB, GLC, GLE or E-Class.
Infiniti vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz?
What is the most common problem with the Infiniti QX60?
What goes wrong most often on Mercedes-Benz cars?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.