Is the Mercedes-Benz EQE more reliable than the Tesla Model S?

Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is more reliable with an average score of 59/100 compared to 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

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

The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) 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 S?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has a lower complaint rate at 18.6 per 10,000 sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model S: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Mixed

Tesla Model S

Mixed

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 EQE currently leads with an average score of 59/100 compared to 41/100. 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 S Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model S is in its first generation, which began in 2013. Over its lengthy lifecycle, the Model S received significant facelifts in 2017 and 2021. Being late in its generation cycle, the Model S benefits from a mature platform that has seen many refinements, contributing to its reliability. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is currently in its first generation, which started in 2022 and saw its last redesign in 2023. As a newer platform, the EQE may still be ironing out initial production issues typical of early-generation vehicles. Buyers might find the Model S more reliable due to its well-sorted nature.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is more reliable than the Tesla Model S, scoring 59/100 vs 41/100.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Tesla Model S, with an average reliability score of 59/100 versus 41/100 for the Tesla. The EQE also has significantly fewer recalls, with only 15 over two years, compared to the Model S's 227 across eight years. Additionally, the EQE has a lower rate of owner complaints at 18.6 per 10,000 sold, contrasting sharply with the Model S's 160 per 10,000. While both vehicles have issues with their electrical systems, the EQE's overall performance in reliability metrics makes it the more reliable choice.

Key Differences

1Mercedes-Benz EQE has 212 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz EQE has 141.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Mercedes-Benz EQE scores 18 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Mercedes-Benz EQE

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0Tesla Model S

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

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

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model S at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model S
Reliability Score	59/100	41/100
Years Tracked	2	8
Total Recalls	15	227
Complaints per 10k Sold	18.6	160
Year Wins	2	0

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

The Tesla Model S has a notably higher volume of complaints compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, with significant issues in forward collision avoidance (979 complaints, 57 crash-linked) and vehicle speed control (521 complaints, 85 crash-linked). The Model S also faces notable challenges with its electrical system and steering, both of which have a substantial number of crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the EQE's primary concern lies in the electrical system, albeit with significantly fewer complaints overall (12 complaints, 2 crash-linked). While the EQE has fewer total issues, its air bags category, though minimal in number, shows a complete crash-linkage, indicating a potential critical safety concern.

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model S common problem areas comparison
Component	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model S
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	34High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	4.7Average	19.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5.1Average	17.1High
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	18.1High
STEERING	—None	17.8High
SERVICE BRAKES	1.3Low	11.1Above Avg
SUSPENSION	—None	9.5Above Avg
AIR BAGS	1.3Low	3.6Average
POWER TRAIN	1.3Low	3.2Average
STRUCTURE	—None	2.4Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.9Very Low
TIRES	0.8Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.8Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.8Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.7Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.1Very Low

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

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

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model S year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mercedes-Benz EQE	Tesla Model S	Edge
2024	61/1005R / 14C	42/10019R / 316C	Mercedes-Benz EQE
2023	56/10010R / 30C	32/10043R / 1307C	Mercedes-Benz EQE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE scored 61/100 and the 2024 Tesla Model S scored 42/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

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

If you prioritize having a more reliable vehicle with fewer recalls and complaints, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the better choice. With a reliability score of 59/100, only 15 recalls, and 18.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers peace of mind and a smoother ownership experience. The EQE's primary issues involve the electrical system and brakes, which are less frequent compared to the Model S. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Tesla brand and its innovative technology, you might still consider the Model S. However, with a lower reliability score of 41/100, 227 recalls, and 160 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, you should be prepared for potential challenges, particularly with its forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control systems. Choose Tesla if you value cutting-edge features and are willing to manage higher maintenance concerns.

Mercedes-Benz EQE vs Tesla Model S: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQE more reliable than the Tesla Model S?: Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is more reliable with an average score of 59/100 compared to 41/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQE or the Tesla Model S?: The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) 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 S?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has a lower complaint rate at 18.6 per 10,000 sold versus 160 for the Tesla Model S. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mercedes-Benz EQE comparisons

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More Tesla Model S 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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