Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Toyota
16 models tracked
Comparing Mercedes-Benz and Toyota on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Toyota currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mercedes-Benz More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 58/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 16 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 210 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 634 | 690 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $807/yr | $473/yr |
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota: The Verdict
If reliability is your priority, Toyota makes a stronger case than Mercedes-Benz by a wide margin. The overall picture: Mercedes-Benz scores 58/100 across 9 models, while Toyota comes in at 75/100 across 16 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at $473/year versus $807/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1670 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Toyota owners.
Where Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 54/100Mixed | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 52/100Mixed | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Toyota outscores by 25 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($473/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 16 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mercedes-Benz
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $473/year compared to $807/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $334/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $606/yr
Average: $473/yr
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(6 vs 5 models) | 54/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| SUVs(2 vs 7 models) | 68/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%826 | 13%1,214 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%381 | 17%1,593 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%559 | 14%1,321 |
| ENGINE | 15%552 | 10%965 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%112 | 9%890 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%172 | 8%792 |
| STEERING | 7%245 | 6%555 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%33 | 8%740 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%142 | 4%355 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 3%124 | 2%180 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota 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. Toyota owners reported 672 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 611 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
Toyota
672
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
611
Injury reports
Every Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mercedes-Benz Models
Toyota Models
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota 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. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | 78/100 | — |
| 2024 | 61/100(8) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 62/100(7) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 57/100(8) | 75/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 56/100(7) | 76/100(11) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 56/100(7) | 73/100(10) | Toyota |
| 2019 | 56/100(7) | 70/100(9) | Toyota |
| 2018 | 56/100(6) | 71/100(9) | Toyota |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
The numbers make a strong case for Toyota — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 84/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Toyota costs less to maintain — $473/year vs $807/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1670 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 Toyota: Common Questions
Is Mercedes-Benz more reliable than Toyota?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Mercedes-Benz and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Mercedes-Benz and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
How many Mercedes-Benz and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
Are Mercedes-Benz and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mercedes-Benz or Toyota?
Comparing Mercedes-Benz vs Toyota? 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.