Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Tesla Model S: Reliability Compared
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Tesla Model S
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Tesla Model S? 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class currently leads with an average score of 60/100 compared to 41/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more reliable than the Tesla Model S, scoring 60/100 vs 41/100.
Key Differences
- 1Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 153.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 2Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 43 fewer total recalls
- 3Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores 19 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Tesla Model S: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 60/100 | 41/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 184 | 227 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 7 | 160 |
| Year Wins | 7 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Tesla Model S?
| Component | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 34High |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 19.8High |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 18.1High |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 17.8High |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.5Very Low | 17.1High |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 11.1Above Avg |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 9.1Above Avg |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 3.4Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.3Very Low | 2.6Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 2.5Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 1.9Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | 1.1Low |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| WHEELS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Tesla Model S Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 63/1001R / 7C | 42/10019R / 316C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2023 | 63/1005R / 20C | 32/10043R / 1307C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2022 | 60/1008R / 19C | 44/10018R / 796C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2021 | 56/10030R / 36C | 26/10067R / 1211C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2020 | 56/10026R / 35C | 37/10043R / 465C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2019 | 54/10042R / 100C | 48/10014R / 120C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| 2018 | 55/10072R / 252C | 46/10016R / 297C | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scored 63/100 and the 2019 Tesla Model S scored 48/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Tesla Model S: Common Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class more reliable than the Tesla Model S?
- Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more reliable with an average score of 60/100 compared to 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Tesla Model S?
- The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (184). 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Tesla Model S?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a lower complaint rate at 7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Mercedes-Benz E-Class comparisons
Decided between Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Tesla Model S? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Tesla Model S
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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