Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90: Reliability Compared

Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability comparison

Mercedes-Benz GLE

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableVolvo XC90 reliability comparison

Volvo XC90

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Volvo XC90? 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 Volvo XC90 currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Volvo XC90 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 72/100 vs 67/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Volvo XC90 has 59 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Volvo XC90 scores 5 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Mercedes-Benz GLE has 3.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Mercedes-Benz GLE
—
2Volvo XC90
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90: Which Is More Reliable?

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricMercedes-Benz GLEVolvo XC90
Reliability Score67/10072/100
Years Tracked89
Total Recalls9839
Complaints per 10k Sold0.64.2
Year Wins0 (1 tied)7 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90?

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90 common problem areas comparison
ComponentMercedes-Benz GLEVolvo XC90
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.1Very Low1.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.1Very Low0.5Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES—None0.4Very Low
ENGINE0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.1Very Low
STEERING—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.1Very Low
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES—None0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
TIRES—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
AIR BAGS—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—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 Volvo XC90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90 year-by-year reliability scores
YearMercedes-Benz GLEVolvo XC90Edge
202665/1001R / 3C73/1002R / 2CVolvo XC90
202470/1008R / 59C73/1003R / 26CVolvo XC90
202370/1005R / 29C70/1006R / 39CTie
202268/10011R / 58C72/1004R / 27CVolvo XC90
202165/10022R / 76C72/1005R / 17CVolvo XC90
202061/10036R / 112C71/1007R / 24CVolvo XC90
201970/1006R / 22C71/1006R / 31CVolvo XC90
201869/1009R / 51C71/1003R / 40CVolvo XC90

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 and the 2024 Volvo XC90 scored 73/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Volvo XC90: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE more reliable than the Volvo XC90?
Based on our data, the Volvo XC90 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Volvo XC90?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Volvo XC90 (39). 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 Volvo XC90?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.2 for the Volvo XC90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue