Last updated: 2026-03-28
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volkswagen ID-4: Reliability Compared
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Volkswagen ID-4
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Volkswagen ID-4? 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 68/100 compared to 48/100. 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 Volkswagen ID-4, scoring 68/100 vs 48/100.
Key Differences
- 1Volkswagen ID-4 has 57 fewer total recalls
- 2Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 20 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volkswagen ID-4: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Volkswagen ID-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 48/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Total Recalls | 98 | 41 |
| Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume | 410 | 895 |
| Year Wins | 4 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volkswagen ID-4?
| Component | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Volkswagen ID-4 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 76 | 395 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 31 | 112 |
| POWER TRAIN | 43 | 49 |
| STRUCTURE | 17 | 60 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 23 | 49 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 18 | 38 |
| ENGINE | 50 | 2 |
| STEERING | 8 | 31 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4 | 23 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 | 13 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 13 | — |
| TIRES | 10 | — |
| VISIBILITY | 7 | — |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 | — |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5 | — |
| SEAT BELTS | 4 | — |
| WHEELS | — | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 | — |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | — |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | — | 2 |
Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.
How Does Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volkswagen ID-4 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Volkswagen ID-4 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 70/1008R / 59C | 46/1008R / 44C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2023 | 70/1005R / 29C | 42/10014R / 402C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2022 | 68/10011R / 58C | 49/1007R / 126C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2021 | 65/10022R / 76C | 46/10011R / 304C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 and the 2022 Volkswagen ID-4 scored 49/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volkswagen ID-4: Common Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE more reliable than the Volkswagen ID-4?
- Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 48/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Volkswagen ID-4?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Volkswagen ID-4 (41). 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 Volkswagen ID-4?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE has fewer owner complaints (410) versus 895 for the Volkswagen ID-4. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Mercedes-Benz GLE comparisons
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue