Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Rivian R1S: Reliability Compared
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Rivian R1S
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Rivian R1S? 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 suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mercedes-Benz GLE currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable than the Rivian R1S, scoring 67/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Rivian R1S has 73 fewer total recalls
- 2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 19.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 8 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Rivian R1S: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 59/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 4 |
| Total Recalls | 98 | 25 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 0.6 | 20 |
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Rivian R1S?
| Component | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | —None | 4.5Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 2.6Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.1Very Low | 2.3Low |
| STEERING | —None | 1.3Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 1Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.1Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Rivian R1S Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Rivian R1S | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 65/1001R / 3C | 59/1001R / 6C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2024 | 70/1008R / 59C | 62/1006R / 13C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2023 | 70/1005R / 29C | 57/1009R / 60C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1S scored 62/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Rivian R1S: Common Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE more reliable than the Rivian R1S?
- Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Rivian R1S?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Rivian R1S (25). 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 GLE or the Rivian R1S?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 20 for the Rivian R1S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Mercedes-Benz GLE and Rivian R1S? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Rivian R1S
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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