Last updated: 2026-05-15
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Comparing Lexus 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.
Lexus currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 81/100 | 58/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 210 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 634 |
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Lexus outperforms Mercedes-Benz on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Lexus averages 81/100 (7 models) and Mercedes-Benz averages 58/100 (9 models).
Where Lexus 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 | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 88/100Excellent | 52/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 78/100Good | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Lexus has a 36-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (81/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
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
How Reliable Are Lexus and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lexus
Mercedes-Benz
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 6 models) | 82/100 | 54/100 | Lexus |
| SUVs(5 vs 2 models) | 81/100 | 68/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 23%826 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 16%559 |
| ENGINE | 5%26 | 15%552 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 11%381 |
| STEERING | 1%4 | 7%245 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 5%172 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 3%112 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 4%142 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | 3%124 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 1%33 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Lexus owners reported 60 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 51 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 injury-related complaints. Lexus 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.
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Lexus Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 80/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 61/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 62/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 57/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 56/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 56/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 56/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 56/100(6) | Lexus |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Lexus is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Lexus RX leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
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.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
How many Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Lexus and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Lexus 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.