Last updated: 2026-03-04

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

More ReliableLexus TX reliability comparison

Lexus TX

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent
VS
Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability comparison

Mercedes-Benz GLE

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Lexus TX 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus TX currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Lexus TX and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation (W167), which began in 2020, with a facelift introduced in 2024. This places the GLE towards the latter part of its generation cycle, where reliability tends to improve as initial kinks are typically worked out. Meanwhile, the Lexus TX is in its first generation (AU10), which started in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, the TX might experience some teething issues common with new platforms. Overall, the GLE benefits from a more mature platform, while the TX, as a newer model, may still be refining its reliability profile.

Verdict

The Lexus TX is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 81/100 vs 68/100.

The Lexus TX demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 81/100 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 68/100. The TX also benefits from a significantly lower recall count, with just 7 recalls over three years versus the GLE's 98 across eight years. Owner complaints further highlight this disparity, with the TX reporting only 0.1 complaints per 10,000 sold, compared to the GLE's 0.6. While both vehicles share some common issues, the Lexus TX's record suggests a more dependable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Lexus TX has 91 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Lexus TX scores 13 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Lexus TX has 0.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Lexus TX
—
0Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricLexus TXMercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score81/10068/100
Years Tracked38
Total Recalls798
Complaints per 10k Sold0.10.6
Year Wins10

What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus TX and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibits a broader range of issues, with significant concerns in its electrical system (76 complaints), power train (43 complaints), and engine (50 complaints), alongside crash-linked complaints in electrical and power train categories. Notably, the GLE has a total of 12 crash-linked complaints spread across various components, indicating potential safety implications. In contrast, the Lexus TX has a more concentrated problem profile, with air bags being the predominant issue (17 complaints, 2 crash-linked), but it experiences fewer overall complaints and crash-linked incidents. While the GLE's issues are diverse and include critical systems like the engine, the Lexus TX's problems are primarily safety-related, specifically concerning air bags.

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
ComponentLexus TXMercedes-Benz GLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN—None0.1Very Low
ENGINE—None0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS—None—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER—None—None
SEATS—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None
SERVICE BRAKES—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
TIRES—None—None
STEERING—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
YearLexus TXMercedes-Benz GLEEdge
202482/1003R / 35C70/1008R / 59CLexus TX
2026(predicted)81/100(predicted)69/100(predicted)Lexus TX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Lexus TX scored 82/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus TX vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus TX is a compelling choice. With a reliability score of 81/100, it significantly outperforms the Mercedes-Benz GLE's score of 68/100. The Lexus TX has only 7 total recalls compared to the GLE's 98, indicating fewer potential issues over time. Additionally, the Lexus TX has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (0.1) than the GLE (0.6), suggesting higher customer satisfaction and fewer unexpected problems. For those who are drawn to luxury and performance but are willing to accept higher potential maintenance concerns, the Mercedes-Benz GLE might still appeal. However, be prepared for potential issues with the electrical system, engine, and power train, as these are common complaints. If you value lower running costs and reliability, the Lexus TX stands out as the more dependable choice, ensuring a smoother ownership experience.

Lexus TX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Lexus TX more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Based on our data, the Lexus TX is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Lexus TX or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Lexus TX (7). 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 TX or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus TX has a lower complaint rate at 0.1 per 10,000 sold versus 0.6 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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