Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz beats Tesla on reliability by a clear margin. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and repair costs run lower. Tesla's record is dominated by braking and speed-control complaints, and most of its lineup rates only mixed.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 60/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 192 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 583 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: The Verdict
On reliability, the clear edge goes to Mercedes-Benz. Its owners file 1.6 complaints per 1,000 cars sold, against 3.9 for Tesla. Complaints that involve crashes and injuries are also far more common on the Tesla side. Independent repair-cost data and the spread of problems across systems both favor the German brand.
Recall impact comes out even. Mercedes-Benz has more recall records, 1923 to 509, but that does not change the overall result. Both brands show an improving recent trend, so neither is sliding.
The gap is not total. Only four Mercedes-Benz models rate good, and six rate mixed.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 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% | 59/100Mixed | 59/100Mixed |
| 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 (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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 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) | 55/100 | 48/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
| SUVs(3 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 56/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
Mercedes-Benz wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%82 | 25%2,730 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%842 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%564 | 12%1,360 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%105 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 7%246 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%153 | 8%895 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%29 | 6%683 |
| ENGINE | 15%563 | — |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%387 | 2%173 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%119 | 4%416 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Model Ranked
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Interestingly, both Mercedes-Benz and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 71/100(6) | 59/100(2) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2025 | — | 64/100 | — |
| 2024 | 62/100(9) | 56/100(5) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2023 | 63/100(8) | 47/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2022 | 59/100(9) | 54/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2021 | 57/100(8) | 43/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2020 | 57/100(8) | 47/100(4) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 50/100(3) | Mercedes-Benz |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 48/100(3) | Mercedes-Benz |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla?
If you want the safest bet, shop the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The GLB, GLC and GLE all rate good. On the GLB, aim for a 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 good-rated sedan. Be pickier with the CLA, where the 2020 is the pick and the 2022 is the year to skip. Watch for a transmission that drops into Neutral.
Tesla suits you if you want an electric car and can accept a mixed record. Every Tesla model rates mixed. The Model S is the weakest. If you look at one, the 2019 is the safer used pick and the 2021 draws the most worry. Owners report phantom braking and sudden acceleration while parking. Be cautious with the Cybertruck. The 2024 year has trim that comes off at highway speeds and doors that do not latch, and the 2025 and 2026 years are too new to judge.
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
For most used-car shoppers, Mercedes-Benz is the better pick, and the GLB is the strongest model across both lineups. Independent repair-cost data puts the brand at about $858 a year, and it rates stronger than Tesla on upkeep. Choose a Tesla only if you want an electric car, and then check the specific year for braking and speed-control complaints before you pay.
Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Tesla?
Which brand has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?
Is a Mercedes-Benz cheaper to repair than a Tesla?
What problems do Tesla owners report most?
Which Mercedes-Benz model is the most reliable used pick?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Mercedes-Benz and Tesla 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.