Last updated: 2026-03-28
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 68/100 compared to 58/100. 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 68/100 vs 58/100.
Key Differences
- 1Rivian R1s has 73 fewer total recalls
- 2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 19.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 10 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Rivian R1s: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Rivian R1s |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 58/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 4 |
| Total Recalls | 98 | 25 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 0.6 | 20 |
| Year Wins | 2 | 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 | —None | 2.3Low |
| STEERING | —None | 1.3Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 1Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.1Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —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 |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 70/1008R / 59C | 62/1006R / 13C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2023 | 70/1005R / 29C | 57/1009R / 60C | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
| 2026(predicted) | 69/100(predicted) | 58/100(predicted) | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1s scored 62/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
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 68/100 compared to 58/100. 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 sold versus 20 for the Rivian R1s. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
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.
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