Last updated: 2026-03-04
Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared
Lexus GX
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Choosing between the Lexus GX and the Mercedes-Benz GLE? 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 full-size suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus GX currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Lexus GX and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Lexus GX is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 79/100 vs 68/100.
The Lexus GX demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE, with an average reliability score of 79/100 versus the GLE's 68/100. The GX has experienced only 6 recalls over 9 years, a stark contrast to the GLE's 98 recalls over 8 years. While the Lexus GX has a slightly higher owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold at 1 compared to the GLE's 0.6, the GLE's frequent issues with the electrical system and power train suggest more significant reliability concerns. Overall, the GX's lower recall history and higher reliability score make it the more dependable choice.
Key Differences
- 1Lexus GX has 92 fewer total recalls
- 2Lexus GX scores 11 points higher in reliability
- 3Mercedes-Benz GLE has 0.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Lexus GX | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 79/100 | 68/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 98 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 1 | 0.6 |
| Year Wins | 7 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus GX and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE shows a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the electrical system and power train, with 76 and 43 complaints respectively, and a notable 6 crash-linked incidents across these categories. In contrast, the Lexus GX has significantly fewer complaints, totaling 53, with the service brakes and electrical system being the most reported issues, but only one crash-linked incident. The GLE's engine and vehicle speed control issues are more prevalent relative to the GX, which reports minimal problems in these areas. Overall, the GLE's problem profile indicates a broader range of issues with a higher potential impact on safety compared to the more focused and less severe complaints of the Lexus GX.
| Component | Lexus GX | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| STEERING | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| AIR BAGS | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Lexus GX | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 77/1002R / 13C | 70/1008R / 59C | Lexus GX |
| 2023 | 81/1000R / 5C | 70/1005R / 29C | Lexus GX |
| 2022 | 81/1000R / 7C | 68/10011R / 58C | Lexus GX |
| 2021 | 80/1000R / 1C | 65/10022R / 76C | Lexus GX |
| 2020 | 81/1000R / 4C | 61/10036R / 112C | Lexus GX |
| 2019 | 78/1001R / 8C | 70/1006R / 22C | Lexus GX |
| 2018 | 77/1002R / 8C | 69/1009R / 51C | Lexus GX |
| 2026(predicted) | 79/100(predicted) | 69/100(predicted) | Lexus GX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Lexus GX scored 81/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Lexus GX vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions
- Is the Lexus GX more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
- Based on our data, the Lexus GX is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Lexus GX or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Lexus GX (6). 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 GX or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus 1 for the Lexus GX. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Lexus GX comparisons
More Mercedes-Benz GLE comparisons
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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