Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Mercedes-Benz and Tesla on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Mercedes-Benz currently leads with an average score of 58/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 58/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 210 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 634 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: The Verdict
The numbers favor Mercedes-Benz here, but Tesla isn't far behind. We scored 14 models between the two makes: Mercedes-Benz at 58/100 and Tesla at 52/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 52/100Mixed | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 74/100Good |
Mercedes-Benz's advantage in repair costs (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mercedes-Benz
Tesla
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(6 vs 2 models) | 54/100 | 47/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
| SUVs(2 vs 2 models) | 68/100 | 56/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
Mercedes-Benz wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%79 | 25%2,734 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%826 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%559 | 13%1,412 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%122 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 7%245 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%172 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%24 | 6%708 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%381 | 2%238 |
| ENGINE | 15%552 | 0%9 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%112 | 4%426 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla 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. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints. Mercedes-Benz 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
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Tesla 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 Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
Interestingly, both Mercedes-Benz and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | 64/100 | — |
| 2024 | 61/100(8) | 56/100(5) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2023 | 62/100(7) | 47/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2022 | 57/100(8) | 54/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2021 | 56/100(7) | 43/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2020 | 56/100(7) | 47/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 50/100(3) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 48/100(3) | Mercedes-Benz |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mercedes-Benz and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
Mercedes-Benz comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads both lineups with a score of 68/100.
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.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Mercedes-Benz and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
How many Mercedes-Benz and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
Are Mercedes-Benz and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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Related Make Comparisons
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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.