Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Hornet vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: Reliability Compared
Dodge Hornet
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Mercedes-Benz GLC? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mercedes-Benz GLC currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 68/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Hornet has 97 fewer total recalls
- 2Mercedes-Benz GLC has 14.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Mercedes-Benz GLC scores 9 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Hornet vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Hornet | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 68/100 |
| Years Tracked | 3 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 110 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 21.7 | 7.1 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 2 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
| Component | Dodge Hornet | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | —None | 1Very Low |
| ENGINE | —None | 0.9Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | —None | 0.8Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| STEERING | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Dodge Hornet vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Hornet | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 54/1007R / 60C | 72/1007R / 20C | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
| 2023 | 59/1004R / 25C | 67/10011R / 57C | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Dodge Hornet scored 59/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Dodge Hornet vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
- Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC has more recalls (110) compared to the Dodge Hornet (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Hornet or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a lower complaint rate at 7.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Dodge Hornet comparisons
Decided between Dodge Hornet and Mercedes-Benz GLC? Run a VIN check 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.
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