Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Lexus beats Mercedes-Benz on used-car reliability by a large margin. Owners file far fewer complaints per car sold. Recalls and repair costs also favor Lexus, while Mercedes-Benz is improving and its GLB, GLC and GLE hold up well.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 82/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 583 |
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands, and it favors Lexus. Owners filed 0.5 complaints per 1,000 cars sold for Lexus, against 1.6 for Mercedes-Benz. Federal recall records show 125 recalls for Lexus and 1,923 for Mercedes-Benz. Lexus also comes out stronger on complaint severity, recall impact and repair costs.
The one even category is how problems spread across systems. Electrical trouble is the top complaint area for Mercedes-Benz and also shows up for Lexus. The trend matters too. Lexus is stable, and Mercedes-Benz is improving, so newer Mercedes-Benz cars may look better than the older record. That does not close the gap yet.
Where Lexus and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 89/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Lexus has a 31-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 (82/100 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 (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 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) | 83/100 | 55/100 | Lexus |
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 81/100 | 69/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 5%26 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 1%4 | 7%246 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 5%199 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 3%119 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 4%153 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | 3%107 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 1%21 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Lexus Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87/100(6) | 71/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 80/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 62/100(9) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 63/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 59/100(9) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 57/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 57/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 56/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 56/100(6) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want the lowest chance of trouble, lean to Lexus. For an SUV, target the RX, and favor the 2022 year, which has no recalls. The NX is a good second choice, with 2021 the year to pick. Check any 2024 NX closely, since it draws far more complaints than other years. For a sedan, the ES and IS both rate excellent.
Lean to Mercedes-Benz if you want that badge and will buy carefully. The GLB, GLC and GLE rate good. Pick a 2022 or 2023 GLB, skip the 2020, and ask for service history because some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. Among sedans, the E-Class is the only one rated good. Be wary of the CLA, which sits well below other sedans. If you must have one, the 2020 is the pick and the 2022 is the one to skip. The C-Class, A-Class and EQS are all mixed.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Buy Lexus unless a specific Mercedes-Benz appeals to you. The RX is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2022 is the year to find. If you go Mercedes-Benz, stay with the GLB, GLC or GLE. Independent repair-cost data puts Mercedes-Benz upkeep near $858 a year on average, and the data gives Lexus the edge on what you will spend keeping the car running.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz?
What is the most reliable Lexus or Mercedes-Benz model?
Which Mercedes-Benz models should I avoid?
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 score Lexus 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.