Last updated: 2026-05-15
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz: Reliability Compared
Land Rover
2 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Comparing Land Rover 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.
Mercedes-Benz currently leads with an average score of 58/100 compared to 56/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Land Rover More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 56/100 | 58/100 |
| Models Tracked | 2 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 99 | 210 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 472 | 634 |
Land Rover Models
2 models ranked by reliability
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz edges out Land Rover on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 2 Land Rover and 9 Mercedes-Benz models, Mercedes-Benz averages 58/100 to 56/100 — a 2-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Land Rover 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 | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 50/100Mixed | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 40/100Mixed | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 61/100Good | 52/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mercedes-Benz scores 14 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Land Rover
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (56/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (58/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($807/year avg)
- 7 of 9 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 2 models) | 60/100 | 68/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
| Sedans(1 vs 6 models) | 54/100 | 54/100 | Tie |
Mercedes-Benz wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 30%244 | 23%826 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%100 | 16%559 |
| ENGINE | 8%70 | 15%552 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%99 | 11%381 |
| STEERING | 8%66 | 7%245 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%15 | 5%172 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%26 | 4%142 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 3%124 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 10%86 | 0%4 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%30 | 1%25 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Land Rover owners reported 32 crash-related, 17 fire-related, and 41 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 injury-related complaints. Land Rover 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.
Land Rover
32
Crash reports
17
Fire reports
41
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Every Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Land Rover Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Land Rover's reliability is improving — recent model years average 64/100, up from earlier years. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 64/100(2) | 61/100(8) | Land Rover |
| 2023 | 55/100(2) | 62/100(7) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2022 | 56/100(2) | 57/100(8) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2021 | 56/100(2) | 56/100(7) | Tie |
| 2020 | 42/100(1) | 56/100(7) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2019 | 56/100(1) | 56/100(7) | Tie |
| 2018 | 47/100(1) | 56/100(6) | Mercedes-Benz |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads both lineups with a score of 68/100.
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.
Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Land Rover more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
How many Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Land Rover vs Mercedes-Benz? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Land Rover comparisons
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.