Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Mercedes-Benz and Subaru on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Subaru currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 58/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 210 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 634 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $807/yr | $613/yr |
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Subaru pulls well ahead of Mercedes-Benz on reliability. Across 9 Mercedes-Benz and 6 Subaru models, Subaru averages 72/100 to 58/100 — a 14-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $807/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $970 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Subaru advantage.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 52/100Mixed | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 78/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 31 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 (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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($613/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 60 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 $613/year compared to $807/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $194/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/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 2 models) | 54/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
| SUVs(2 vs 4 models) | 68/100 | 71/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%4 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%826 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%559 | 15%968 |
| ENGINE | 15%552 | 4%247 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%381 | 4%276 |
| STEERING | 7%245 | 3%203 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%112 | 3%198 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%172 | 2%100 |
| VISIBILITY | 1%21 | 3%185 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%142 | 1%33 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints. Subaru 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.
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | 79/100 | — |
| 2024 | 61/100(8) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 62/100(7) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 57/100(8) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 56/100(7) | 72/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 56/100(7) | 68/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 63/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 66/100(5) | Subaru |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
If reliability is a top priority, Subaru deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Subaru WRX leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $807/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $970 in savings.
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.
Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Mercedes-Benz and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
How many Mercedes-Benz and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Are Mercedes-Benz and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Subaru?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Subaru? 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.