Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru comes out well ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability, mostly on lower repair costs and far fewer recalls. Both brands rate good, but the gap between them is large. Mercedes-Benz sedans are where the trouble concentrates.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 60/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 192 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 583 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $858/yr | $605/yr |
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands, and it favors Subaru. Independent repair-cost data puts Subaru near $605 a year against $858 for Mercedes-Benz, and federal recall records show 121 recalls against 1923.
Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems are even. Subaru draws more owner complaints per car sold, and the biggest group is visibility and wipers. Mercedes-Benz complaints lean toward the electrical system and engine. Both brands show an improving recent trend.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 25 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: 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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mercedes-Benz and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mercedes-Benz
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $253/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(6 vs 3 models) | 55/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 69/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%842 | 23%1,805 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%4 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%564 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 15%563 | 3%272 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%387 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 1%35 | 6%461 |
| STEERING | 7%246 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%119 | 3%223 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%199 | 2%124 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%153 | 2%132 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Subaru Model Ranked
Mercedes-Benz Models
Subaru Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 71/100(6) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | — | 79/100 | — |
| 2024 | 62/100(9) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 63/100(8) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 59/100(9) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 57/100(8) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 57/100(8) | 68/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 63/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean Subaru. Target the Legacy, WRX or Forester, which top that lineup. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, and the 2019 Ascent, which also draws reports of CVT shudder and batteries that drain while parked. Expect windshield cracking to come up on several models.
If you want a luxury badge, stay with Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The GLB, GLC and GLE all rate good. On the GLB, look at 2022 and 2023 and skip 2020, since early cars have spoilers that come off at speed and instrument clusters that go blank. Ask for service history because some owners report cylinder head and valve failures. Be careful with the sedans. Only the E-Class rates good, while the CLA, C-Class, A-Class, EQE and EQS rate mixed. If you buy a CLA, pick 2020 and avoid 2022.
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Buy Subaru unless you specifically want a Mercedes-Benz SUV. The Legacy is the strongest pick across both lineups, and it costs less to keep. Across five years, the yearly repair-cost difference comes to about $1,265 in Subaru's favor. If you choose Mercedes-Benz, stay with the GLB, GLC or GLE and avoid the mixed-rated sedans.
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
Which Mercedes-Benz models are the most reliable?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru? 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
How we score Mercedes-Benz and Subaru 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.