Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Mercedes-Benz model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Mercedes-Benz scores 61/100 across all models and years. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz with a score of 73/100.
Mercedes-Benz Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2022 | 73/100 | Good | 2 | 7.8 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 2 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2024 | 72/100 | Good | 7 | 3.1 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 3 | 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2019 | 70/100 | Good | 6 | 0.6 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 4 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2024 | 70/100 | Good | 8 | 1.6 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 5 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2023 | 70/100 | Good | 5 | 0.8 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 6 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2024 | 69/100 | Good | 7 | 5.6 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 7 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2018 | 69/100 | Good | 9 | 1.5 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 8 | 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2021 | 68/100 | Good | 9 | 10.6 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 9 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2022 | 68/100 | Good | 11 | 1.7 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 10 | 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2019 | 68/100 | Good | 28 | 16.4 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 11 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2023 | 67/100 | Good | 11 | 14.2 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 12 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2018 | 65/100 | Good | 15 | 13.6 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 13 | 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2021 | 65/100 | Good | 22 | 2.3 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 14 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC | 2020 | 64/100 | Good | 36 | 27.2 | 3.5 | $807/yr |
| 15 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2023 | 63/100 | Good | 5 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 16 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2024 | 63/100 | Good | 1 | 22.7 | 3 | $908/yr |
| 17 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 2020 | 61/100 | Good | 36 | 3.4 | 2.5 | $908/yr |
| 18 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2022 | 60/100 | Good | 8 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 19 | 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2021 | 56/100 | Mixed | 30 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 20 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2020 | 56/100 | Mixed | 26 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 21 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed | 72 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 22 | 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 2019 | 54/100 | Mixed | 42 | — | 3 | $908/yr |
| 23 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2023 | 53/100 | Mixed | 83 | 63.9 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 24 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2018 | 51/100 | Mixed | 115 | 94.5 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 25 | 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2019 | 50/100 | Mixed | 161 | 97.6 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 26 | 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2021 | 47/100 | Mixed | 149 | 101.9 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 27 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2022 | 47/100 | Mixed | 82 | 103.6 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
| 28 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2020 | 43/100 | Mixed | 170 | 150.1 | 3.5 | $908/yr |
Model Summaries
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, exhibits a mixed reliability reputation with an average score of 53/100 on the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with the electrical and engine systems, particularly in earlier model years, with complaint rates peaking in 2020 at 150.1 complaints per 10,000 sold. Prospective buyers may find the 2024 model year more appealing due to its significantly lower complaint rate and improved reliability score of 69/100.
Average score: 51/100. Best year: 2024 (69/100). 8 years tracked.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 59/100, indicating mixed reliability. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, engine stalling, and tire vulnerabilities, with repair costs rated at an average level. While the model has a strong safety rating of 5/5 stars from NHTSA, prospective buyers should be aware of recurring problems such as electrical failures and tire blowouts, especially in earlier model years.
Average score: 58/100. Best year: 2023 (63/100). 8 years tracked.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, consistently receives a low average reliability score of 35/100, with particular issues in the electrical system, engine, and power train. Owners frequently report costly repairs, averaging $1,308 annually, which is higher than the luxury fullsize SUV segment average. Data indicates that potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues such as unexpected power loss and electrical malfunctions, which have significant safety implications, especially in models from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023.
Average score: 68/100. Best year: 2022 (73/100). 8 years tracked.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, shows mixed reliability with an average score of 59/100. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, power train, and vehicle speed control, particularly in the 2020 and 2021 models, which have higher complaint rates and recall numbers. Repair costs are average with a reliability rating of 2.5/5, indicating potential suitability for those prioritizing brand prestige over long-term reliability.
Average score: 68/100. Best year: 2019 (70/100). 8 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz?
- Based on our data, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz with a score of 73/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 51 owner complaints.
- Are Mercedes-Benz vehicles reliable?
- Mercedes-Benz vehicles have an average reliability score of 61/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
- Which Mercedes-Benz models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Mercedes-Benz model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2020 GLE (61/100), 2020 C-Class (43/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
- How do Mercedes-Benz repair costs compare?
- Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Mercedes-Benz model year.
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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