Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 60/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Lexus ES (15). 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 Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Lexus ES has fewer owner complaints (95) versus 469 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Lexus ES

Excellent

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Good

Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class? 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 midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus ES currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is in its sixth generation (W214), introduced in 2023. This places it early in its generation cycle, where first-year models might exhibit teething issues typical of new platforms. In contrast, the Lexus ES is in its seventh generation (XZ10), which began in 2019 and received a facelift in 2021. Being further along in its cycle, the Lexus ES benefits from a mature platform, often indicating a well-sorted vehicle with improved reliability over time. Buyers seeking reliability may find the more established Lexus ES platform appealing, while the newer Mercedes-Benz E-Class could offer cutting-edge features but potentially more initial issues.

Verdict

The Lexus ES is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, scoring 83/100 vs 60/100.

The Lexus ES significantly outshines the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of reliability, boasting an average reliability score of 83/100 compared to the E-Class's 58/100. Over the past eight years, the ES has had just 15 recalls, a stark contrast to the E-Class's 184 recalls. While the Mercedes-Benz has a lower complaint rate per 10,000 sold, its frequent issues with the electrical and powertrain systems raise concerns. Overall, the Lexus ES offers a more dependable ownership experience, with fewer recalls and a higher reliability score.

Key Differences

1Lexus ES has 169 fewer total recalls
2Lexus ES scores 23 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Lexus ES

—

0Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability ScoreTotal Recalls

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Lexus ES	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability Score	83/100	60/100
Years Tracked	8	8
Total Recalls	15	184
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	95	469
Year Wins	7	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class exhibits a higher volume of complaints across various categories, totaling 469 issues, with the electrical system being the most problematic area, including three crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Lexus ES has significantly fewer complaints at 95, with the air bags category being the most critical, noted for five crash-linked complaints. While both models report engine and power train issues, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class shows a broader distribution of concerns, including steering and seat belts, which are notably absent from the Lexus ES's top complaint areas. The Lexus ES's lower overall complaint count and fewer crash-linked problems suggest a potentially more reliable safety performance in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problem areas comparison
Component	Lexus ES	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4	36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6	28
ENGINE	6	21
POWER TRAIN	3	18
STEERING	—	13
AIR BAGS	8	4
SEAT BELTS	—	11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7	2
TIRES	2	7
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—	9
WHEELS	2	6
STRUCTURE	2	6
SERVICE BRAKES	5	2
FUEL SYSTEM	3	3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2	2
LANE DEPARTURE	2	—

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

How Does Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Compare by Year?

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Lexus ES	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Edge
2024	80/1004R / 9C	63/1001R / 7C	Lexus ES
2023	80/1004R / 18C	63/1005R / 20C	Lexus ES
2022	88/1000R / 16C	60/1008R / 19C	Lexus ES
2021	88/1000R / 0C	56/10030R / 36C	Lexus ES
2020	83/1001R / 5C	56/10026R / 35C	Lexus ES
2019	78/1003R / 33C	54/10042R / 100C	Lexus ES
2018	80/1002R / 10C	55/10072R / 252C	Lexus ES

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Lexus ES scored 88/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scored 63/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus ES vs the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus ES is a strong contender with its high reliability score of 83/100. With just 15 recalls and 95 owner complaints, it demonstrates a robust track record. Ideal for those who want a dependable vehicle with minimal hassle, the Lexus ES stands out for its lower likelihood of issues, especially in critical areas like airbags and brakes. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the prestige and driving experience of a Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class might appeal to you. However, be prepared for a potential increase in maintenance concerns, as its reliability score is 58/100, with 184 recalls and more frequent complaints about electrical and engine problems. Choose the E-Class if the luxury brand experience outweighs your concern about potential reliability issues.

Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Common Questions

Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 60/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Lexus ES (15). 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 Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?: The Lexus ES has fewer owner complaints (95) versus 469 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

More Lexus ES comparisons

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More Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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.

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