Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian: Reliability Compared
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Rivian has a slight reliability edge over Mercedes-Benz, mostly on complaint severity and recalls. Mercedes-Benz costs less to repair. Both brands hold a good standing, and complaints per vehicle sold are nearly equal. Mercedes-Benz also offers far more models, including three strong SUVs.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 60/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 192 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 583 | 87 |
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Rivian, and only a slight one. Its owner complaints are less severe, with far fewer crash, fire and injury reports, and its recall impact is lighter. Complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold are almost the same for both brands, so the gap is small.
Mercedes-Benz wins on repair costs, and its problems are spread across systems about as evenly as Rivian's. It also has the deeper lineup, with three good SUVs. Rivian's weak spot is concentrated: air bag complaints make up about a third of its total.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
Rivian's advantage in recall impact (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mercedes-Benz | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 69/100 | 59/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
Mercedes-Benz wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%842 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%564 | 14%18 |
| ENGINE | 15%563 | — |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%387 | 6%8 |
| STEERING | 7%246 | 8%10 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%199 | 2%2 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%119 | 32%42 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%153 | 3%4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%105 | 5%6 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%29 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Rivian Model Ranked
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 71/100(6) | 59/100(1) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2025 | — | 61/100 | — |
| 2024 | 62/100(9) | 65/100(2) | Rivian |
| 2023 | 63/100(8) | 61/100(2) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2022 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 57/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 57/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 56/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mercedes-Benz and Rivian. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian?
If you want a luxury SUV, look at the Mercedes-Benz GLB, GLC or GLE. For the GLB, target the 2022 or 2023 and skip the 2020. Ask for service history, since some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. The E-Class is the one good sedan. Be careful with the CLA: skip the 2022 and, if you must buy one, the 2020 is the pick. Watch for a transmission that drops into Neutral.
If you want an electric truck or SUV and can accept software quirks, the Rivian R1T is the stronger of the two Rivians. The 2024 had the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Do not assume the R1S is equal, since its standing is mixed. On either one, test the passenger air bag with an adult seated, because it can switch itself off. Also check the screens and watch for sudden power loss.
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Rivian?
Pick Rivian if milder complaints and lighter recalls matter most, and verify the passenger air bag before you pay. Pick Mercedes-Benz if lower repair costs and more model choice matter more. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Mercedes-Benz GLB, though its 2020 year is one to skip. Independent repair-cost data puts Mercedes-Benz upkeep near $858 a year on average, and it favors that brand over Rivian on cost.
Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Rivian?
Which brand has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mercedes-Benz or Rivian?
What is the most common problem on a used Rivian?
What goes wrong most often on used Mercedes-Benz cars?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Rivian? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Mercedes-Benz comparisons
More Rivian comparisons
How we score Mercedes-Benz and Rivian 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.