Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQE or the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE (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 Mercedes-Benz EQE or the Tesla Model 3?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has a lower complaint rate at 18.6 per 10,000 sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Mixed

Tesla Model 3

Mixed

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Tesla Model 3? 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 EQE currently leads with an average score of 59/100 compared to 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model 3 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model 3 is in its second generation, which was introduced in 2024 with a refresh. The Model 3's first generation spanned from 2017 to 2023, with a notable facelift in 2021. Given that the second generation is relatively new, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms can sometimes exhibit first-year reliability issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is still in its first generation, launched in 2022. This places the EQE later in its generation cycle, where vehicles typically benefit from refinements and improved reliability as manufacturers address early issues. Buyers might find the EQE to be a more stable choice in terms of reliability due to its matured platform.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 59/100 vs 54/100.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE edges out the Tesla Model 3 in terms of reliability, with a slightly higher average reliability score of 59/100 compared to Tesla's 54/100. The EQE also boasts a lower owner complaint rate of 18.6 per 10,000 sold versus the Model 3's 28.7, suggesting fewer issues per capita. While both vehicles face electrical system challenges, the EQE has had significantly fewer recalls, 15 over two years, compared to the Model 3's 113 over nine years, highlighting a more stable recall history for the Mercedes-Benz. Overall, the EQE presents a more reliable choice for midsize sedan buyers prioritizing long-term dependability.

Key Differences

1Mercedes-Benz EQE has 98 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz EQE has 10.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Mercedes-Benz EQE scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Mercedes-Benz EQE

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0Tesla Model 3

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3: Which Is More Reliable?

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score	59/100	54/100
Years Tracked	2	9
Total Recalls	15	113
Complaints per 10k Sold	18.6	28.7
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 has a significantly higher volume of complaints compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control being the most frequently reported issues, both of which are also linked to a notable number of crashes. In contrast, the EQE's complaints are few, with the electrical system and unspecified issues being the most common, though each category has minimal crash linkage. Notably, the Tesla Model 3's steering and air bags also present substantial safety concerns due to their higher crash-linked complaint numbers. While the EQE exhibits fewer problems overall, it does have specific complaints about the air bags, all of which are crash-linked, highlighting a critical area for potential improvement.

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3 common problem areas comparison
Component	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5.1Average	3Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	4.7Average	2.8Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	6.1Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	3.7Average
SERVICE BRAKES	1.3Low	2.1Low
AIR BAGS	1.3Low	1.7Low
STEERING	—None	2.6Low
POWER TRAIN	1.3Low	0.6Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	1.6Low
TIRES	0.8Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.8Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	0.5Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE	—None	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None

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

How Does Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model 3	Edge
2024	61/1005R / 14C	62/1004R / 183C	Tesla Model 3
2023	56/10010R / 30C	57/10010R / 386C	Tesla Model 3

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE scored 61/100 and the 2024 Tesla Model 3 scored 62/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE vs the Tesla Model 3?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer headaches from recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the better choice. With a reliability score of 59/100, it surpasses the Tesla Model 3's score of 54/100. The EQE also has significantly fewer recalls, at just 15 compared to the Model 3's 113. This suggests a more robust approach to quality control and fewer potential safety concerns. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a vehicle with a strong reputation for innovation and superior driving dynamics, the Tesla Model 3 might still capture your interest. However, be prepared for more frequent issues, as evidenced by its higher owner complaints rate of 28.7 per 10,000 sold, compared to the EQE's 18.6. If you can manage potential inconveniences with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, the Model 3 could still be a fit for you.

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model 3: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQE more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?: Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is more reliable with an average score of 59/100 compared to 54/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQE or the Tesla Model 3?: The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE (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 Mercedes-Benz EQE or the Tesla Model 3?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has a lower complaint rate at 18.6 per 10,000 sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mercedes-Benz EQE comparisons

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More Tesla Model 3 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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