Last updated: 2026-04-20

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 60/100 across all models and years. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz with a score of 82/100.

Mercedes-Benz Reliability Rankings

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
12026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202682/100Excellent03.5$908/yr
22026 Mercedes-Benz GLC202677/100Good23.5$807/yr
32026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202676/100Good03$908/yr
42022 Mercedes-Benz GLB202275/100Good05.63$908/yr
52023 Mercedes-Benz GLB202374/100Good07.23$908/yr
62022 Mercedes-Benz GLC202273/100Good27.83.5$807/yr
72024 Mercedes-Benz GLB202472/100Good12.73$908/yr
82024 Mercedes-Benz GLC202472/100Good73.13.5$807/yr
92023 Mercedes-Benz GLE202370/100Good50.82.5$908/yr
102024 Mercedes-Benz GLE202470/100Good81.62.5$908/yr
112019 Mercedes-Benz GLE201970/100Good60.62.5$908/yr
122023 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN202370/100Good02.5$908/yr
132018 Mercedes-Benz GLE201869/100Good91.52.5$908/yr
142024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202469/100Good75.63.5$908/yr
152022 Mercedes-Benz GLE202268/100Good111.72.5$908/yr
162019 Mercedes-Benz GLC201968/100Good2816.43.5$807/yr
172021 Mercedes-Benz GLC202168/100Good910.63.5$807/yr
182023 Mercedes-Benz GLC202367/100Good1114.23.5$807/yr
192018 Mercedes-Benz GLC201865/100Good1513.63.5$807/yr
202021 Mercedes-Benz GLE202165/100Good222.32.5$908/yr
212026 Mercedes-Benz GLE202665/100Good12.5$908/yr
222022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class202265/100Good13.42$908/yr
232021 Mercedes-Benz GLB202165/100Good1011.23$908/yr
242020 Mercedes-Benz GLC202064/100Good3627.23.5$807/yr
252026 Mercedes-Benz A-Class202664/100Good02$908/yr
262026 Mercedes-Benz CLA202664/100Good02$908/yr
272023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202363/100Good53$908/yr
282024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202463/100Good122.73$908/yr
292020 Mercedes-Benz GLE202061/100Good363.42.5$908/yr
302024 Mercedes-Benz EQS202461/100Good413.42$908/yr
312024 Mercedes-Benz EQE202461/100Good517.22$908/yr
322022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202260/100Good83$908/yr
332020 Mercedes-Benz GLB202059/100Mixed1924.23$908/yr
342020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class202059/100Mixed911.72$908/yr
352021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class202158/100Mixed1513.62$908/yr
362022 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN202257/100Mixed52.5$908/yr
372020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202056/100Mixed263$908/yr
382023 Mercedes-Benz EQE202356/100Mixed1028.42$908/yr
392021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class202156/100Mixed303$908/yr
402020 Mercedes-Benz CLA202056/100Mixed6211.02$908/yr
412019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class201955/100Mixed1326.32$908/yr
422018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class201855/100Mixed723$908/yr
432021 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN202155/100Mixed72.5$908/yr
442020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN202054/100Mixed82.5$908/yr
452019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class201954/100Mixed423$908/yr
462023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202353/100Mixed8363.93.5$908/yr
472019 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN201952/100Mixed122.5$908/yr
482023 Mercedes-Benz EQS202352/100Mixed868.82$908/yr
492018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class201851/100Mixed11594.53.5$908/yr
502019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class201950/100Mixed16197.63.5$908/yr
512024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class202450/100Mixed769.32$908/yr
522018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class201848/100Mixed102$908/yr
532022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202247/100Mixed82103.63.5$908/yr
542021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202147/100Mixed149101.93.5$908/yr
552018 Mercedes-Benz CLA201846/100Mixed11558.82$908/yr
562021 Mercedes-Benz CLA202145/100Mixed14931.52$908/yr
572024 Mercedes-Benz CLA202444/100Mixed82$908/yr
582019 Mercedes-Benz CLA201944/100Mixed19655.12$908/yr
592022 Mercedes-Benz EQS202244/100Mixed14270.32$908/yr
602020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class202043/100Mixed170150.13.5$908/yr
612022 Mercedes-Benz CLA202238/100Risky762$908/yr

Model Summaries

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows a mixed reliability reputation with an average score of 57/100, indicating variability across model years. Owners frequently report issues with the electrical system and power train, particularly in earlier models like 2018 and 2019, which have higher complaint rates and recall numbers. Repair costs are noted to be moderate, and the vehicle may be best suited for those who prioritize features over reliability, given the recurring issues and safety implications highlighted in owner reports.

Average score: 57/100. Best year: 2022 (65/100). 7 years tracked.

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: 55/100. Best year: 2026 (82/100). 8 years tracked.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLA, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 48/100, indicating a mixed reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, engine, and panoramic sunroof, with notable safety implications such as crashes and fires across various model years. With repair costs rated at 2/5, potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the vehicle's suitability for their needs.

Average score: 48/100. Best year: 2026 (64/100). 7 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: 60/100. Best year: 2026 (76/100). 8 years tracked.

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Data for the Mercedes-Benz EQE indicates mixed reliability, with an average score of 59 out of 100 for the 2023 and 2024 model years. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, unintended acceleration, and airbag failures, alongside concerns about panoramic sunroof integrity and tire durability. The vehicle's repair costs are rated at 2 out of 5, suggesting potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the EQE's reliability profile.

Average score: 59/100. Best year: 2024 (61/100). 2 years tracked.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS, covering model years 2022 to 2024, holds an average reliability score of 52 out of 100, reflecting a mixed reliability reputation. Data indicates recurring issues with the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, particularly in 2022 and 2023, with significant safety implications such as unintended braking and electrical failures. Repair costs are rated at 2 out of 5, suggesting potential high maintenance expenses, and the vehicle may best suit those who prioritize advanced features over reliability.

Average score: 52/100. Best year: 2024 (61/100). 3 years tracked.

Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB, covering model years 2020 to 2024, holds an average reliability score of 69/100, categorized as good according to the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include structural, electrical, and engine problems, with a noted improvement in complaint rates over the years, from 24.2 complaints per 10,000 sold in 2020 to 2.7 in 2024. With an estimated annual repair cost of $908 and a medium reliability rating of 3/5, the GLB is best suited for those who prioritize spaciousness and luxury but should be aware of potential early-life defects and ongoing maintenance needs.

Average score: 69/100. Best year: 2022 (75/100). 5 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: 69/100. Best year: 2026 (77/100). 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: 67/100. Best year: 2023 (70/100). 8 years tracked.

Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN

Data indicates that the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN, covering model years 2019 to 2023, holds an average reliability score of 58/100, categorized as mixed. Common issues reported by owners include tire and wheel problems, steering malfunctions, and fuel system concerns, with repair costs rated at an average of 2.5/5. The 2023 model shows improvement with a score of 70/100 and no reported recalls or complaints, suggesting potential reliability gains in recent years.

Average score: 58/100. Best year: 2023 (70/100). 5 years tracked.

Also Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz?
Based on our data, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Are Mercedes-Benz vehicles reliable?
Mercedes-Benz vehicles have an average reliability score of 60/100 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 GLC (64/100), 2020 GLE (61/100), 2020 GLB (59/100), 2018 E-Class (55/100), 2019 E-Class (54/100), 2019 Metris-Passenger-VAN (52/100), 2024 A-Class (50/100), 2018 A-Class (48/100), 2022 C-Class (47/100), 2022 EQS (44/100), 2020 C-Class (43/100), 2022 CLA (38/100). 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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