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

The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS (26). 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 EQS or the Tesla Model S?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has a lower complaint rate at 63.8 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 EQS vs Tesla Model S: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mixed

Tesla Model S

Mixed

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 full-size sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mercedes-Benz EQS currently leads with an average score of 52/100 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 EQS and Tesla Model S Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model S remains in its first generation, which began in 2013. It experienced significant facelifts in 2017 and 2021. This mature platform, having been refined over more than a decade, generally offers well-sorted reliability, with most initial issues addressed through updates and facelifts. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is in its first generation (V297), which started in 2022 and received a facelift in 2024. Being relatively early in its lifecycle, the EQS may still be addressing first-year teething problems common with newer platforms. Buyers may find the Model S to be a more established choice, while the EQS represents a newer, evolving technology.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is more reliable than the Tesla Model S, scoring 52/100 vs 41/100.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Tesla Model S, with an average reliability score of 52 out of 100, against Tesla's 41. The EQS also shows a lower rate of owner complaints at 63.8 per 10,000 sold, significantly better than the Model S's 160. While both vehicles share common issues like electrical system problems and forward collision avoidance, the EQS's recall history is notably better, with only 26 recalls over three years compared to 227 for the Model S over eight years. The data suggests that the EQS is the more reliable choice in the full-size sedan segment.

Key Differences

1Mercedes-Benz EQS has 201 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz EQS has 96.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Mercedes-Benz EQS scores 11 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Mercedes-Benz EQS

—

0Tesla Model S

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

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

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model S at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model S
Reliability Score	52/100	41/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	26	227
Complaints per 10k Sold	63.8	160
Year Wins	2 (1 tied)	0 (1 tied)

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

The Tesla Model S exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in forward collision avoidance, with 979 complaints and 57 linked to crashes, highlighting a significant safety concern. Other notable areas for the Model S include vehicle speed control and steering, both with over 500 complaints and a substantial number of them crash-linked. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has a considerably lower overall complaint count, with its most significant issues in the electrical system and service brakes, albeit with fewer crash-linked incidents. The EQS shows a more balanced distribution of minor issues, whereas the Model S faces more concentrated challenges in critical safety systems.

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model S common problem areas comparison
Component	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model S
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	10.8Above Avg	34High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	13.7Above Avg	17.1High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6.8Average	19.8High
SERVICE BRAKES	13.1Above Avg	11.1Above Avg
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2.8Low	18.1High
STEERING	—None	17.8High
SUSPENSION	—None	9.5Above Avg
STRUCTURE	5.1Average	2.4Low
POWER TRAIN	1.7Low	3.2Average
AIR BAGS	—None	3.6Average
WHEELS	1.7Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.9Very Low
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 EQS vs Tesla Model S Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model S year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model S	Edge
2024	61/1004R / 6C	42/10019R / 316C	Mercedes-Benz EQS
2023	52/1008R / 61C	32/10043R / 1307C	Mercedes-Benz EQS
2022	44/10014R / 45C	44/10018R / 796C	Tie

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS scored 61/100 and the 2022 Tesla Model S scored 44/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

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

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the better choice. With a higher reliability score of 52/100 and only 26 total recalls, it demonstrates greater dependability compared to the Tesla Model S. The EQS has fewer owner complaints at 63.8 per 10,000 sold, indicating a more satisfactory ownership experience. This model is ideal for those who value a lower likelihood of encountering issues, especially in critical areas like the electrical system and brakes. However, if you are drawn to cutting-edge technology and are willing to navigate some reliability challenges, the Tesla Model S might appeal to you. While it has a lower reliability score of 41/100 and a significantly higher number of recalls (227), it offers advanced features that may attract tech enthusiasts. Be prepared for potential issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, which are among the top concerns reported by owners.

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model S: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS more reliable than the Tesla Model S?: Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is more reliable with an average score of 52/100 compared to 41/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Tesla Model S?: The Tesla Model S has more recalls (227) compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS (26). 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 EQS or the Tesla Model S?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz EQS has a lower complaint rate at 63.8 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 EQS 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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