Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS more reliable than the Tesla Model X?

Based on our data, the Tesla Model X is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 52/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

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

The Tesla Model X has more recalls (73) 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 X?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model X has a lower complaint rate at 23.6 per 10,000 sold versus 63.8 for the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model X: Reliability Compared

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mixed

More Reliable

Tesla Model X

Mixed

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Tesla Model X? 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 Tesla Model X currently leads with an average score of 57/100 compared to 52/100. 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 X Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model X is in its second generation, introduced in 2023, with the latest models being the X Long Range and X Plaid. This generation is still relatively new, which means potential buyers should be mindful of the common first-year issues that can arise as manufacturers work out early production kinks. The Model X underwent significant updates in 2021 and 2025, which helped refine its design and features, offering a more mature platform by its current iteration. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is still in its first generation, which debuted in 2022 and received a facelift in 2024. With a few years of production behind it, this model's platform is likely more stable, as initial production issues have been addressed. The 2024 facelift further enhanced its design and technology, contributing to a well-sorted vehicle that benefits from mid-cycle improvements. Buyers might find the EQS to be more reliable due to its maturity in the market compared to the newer Model X generation.

Verdict

The Tesla Model X is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz EQS, scoring 57/100 vs 52/100.

The Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz EQS both exhibit reliability challenges, with the Model X scoring slightly higher at 57/100 compared to the EQS's 52/100. However, the Model X's recall history is more extensive, with 73 recalls over eight years, whereas the EQS has had 26 recalls in just three years. Despite this, the EQS has a higher complaint rate at 63.8 per 10,000 sold compared to the Model X's 23.6. While both vehicles have common issues with their electrical systems, the EQS's higher complaint rate and recall frequency may be a key consideration for potential buyers prioritizing reliability.

Key Differences

1Mercedes-Benz EQS has 47 fewer total recalls
2Tesla Model X has 40.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Tesla Model X scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Mercedes-Benz EQS

—

2Tesla Model X

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

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

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model X at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model X
Reliability Score	52/100	57/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	26	73
Complaints per 10k Sold	63.8	23.6
Year Wins	1 (1 tied)	1 (1 tied)

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

The Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz EQS present distinct reliability profiles based on customer complaints. The Model X shows a higher volume of issues, particularly in categories like "UNKNOWN OR OTHER," "SUSPENSION," and "STEERING," with notable crash-linked incidents in "VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL" accounting for 18 out of 35 complaints. In contrast, the EQS features fewer overall complaints, with "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM" and "SERVICE BRAKES" as the most reported issues, though the latter has a significant proportion of crash-linked events (5 out of 23). Both vehicles experience challenges with "FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE" and "STRUCTURE," but the Model X exhibits a broader range of problems and higher crash linkage across multiple categories.

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model X common problem areas comparison
Component	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model X
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	13.7Above Avg	3.2Average
SERVICE BRAKES	13.1Above Avg	0.9Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	10.8Above Avg	1.3Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6.8Average	4.7Average
STRUCTURE	5.1Average	1.1Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2.8Low	1.4Low
SUSPENSION	—None	3.5Average
STEERING	—None	3.5Average
POWER TRAIN	1.7Low	0.5Very Low
WHEELS	1.7Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.5Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—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 X Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model X year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mercedes-Benz EQS	Tesla Model X	Edge
2024	61/1004R / 6C	61/1008R / 17C	Tie
2023	52/1008R / 61C	47/10016R / 183C	Mercedes-Benz EQS
2022	44/10014R / 45C	72/1000R / 0C	Tesla Model X

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS scored 61/100 and the 2022 Tesla Model X scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

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

If you prioritize a higher reliability score and fewer owner complaints, the Tesla Model X could be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 57/100 and 23.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a more dependable experience compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS. However, be mindful of its 73 total recalls and issues with suspension, steering, and the electrical system, which may impact your overall satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are concerned about the frequency of recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQS might be more appealing with only 26 recalls. Despite this, it has a lower reliability score of 52/100 and a higher rate of owner complaints at 63.8 per 10,000 sold. Consider the EQS if you value fewer recalls and are prepared to manage issues primarily related to the electrical system and service brakes.

Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Tesla Model X: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS more reliable than the Tesla Model X?: Based on our data, the Tesla Model X is more reliable with an average score of 57/100 compared to 52/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Tesla Model X?: The Tesla Model X has more recalls (73) 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 X?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model X has a lower complaint rate at 23.6 per 10,000 sold versus 63.8 for the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mercedes-Benz EQS comparisons

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More Tesla Model X 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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