Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class more reliable than the Volvo S90?

Based on our data, the Volvo S90 is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 58/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Volvo S90?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Volvo S90 (22). 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 E-Class or the Volvo S90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90: Reliability Compared

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mixed

More Reliable

Volvo S90

Good

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Volvo S90? 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 sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Volvo S90 currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is in its sixth generation (W214), which was introduced in 2023. This places it relatively early in its generation cycle, where newer platforms can sometimes experience initial issues as they mature. The previous fifth generation (W213) had a facelift in 2020 and was known for its reliability, benefiting from years of refinement. In contrast, the Volvo S90 is in its first generation, which began in 2017 and included significant facelifts in 2020 and 2023. This mature platform suggests that most initial teething problems have likely been addressed, providing a more stable and reliable ownership experience.

Verdict

The Volvo S90 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, scoring 67/100 vs 58/100.

The Volvo S90 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with an average reliability score of 67/100 versus the E-Class's 58/100. The S90 has experienced significantly fewer recalls, totaling 22 over nine years, while the E-Class has had 184 over eight years. Additionally, the Volvo S90 has a lower owner complaint rate at 4.5 per 10,000 sold compared to the E-Class's rate of 7. While the S90's estimated annual repair cost is $976, this cost is offset by its more robust reliability metrics and fewer common issues.

Key Differences

1Volvo S90 has 162 fewer total recalls
2Volvo S90 scores 9 points higher in reliability
3Volvo S90 has 2.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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3Volvo S90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90: Which Is More Reliable?

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volvo S90
Reliability Score	58/100	67/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	184	22
Complaints per 10k Sold	7	4.5
Year Wins	0	7

What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class exhibits a broader range of problem areas with 469 total complaints, significantly higher than the Volvo S90's 18 complaints. Notably, the E-Class has frequent issues with its electrical system, accounting for 36 complaints, three of which are crash-linked, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Volvo S90's complaints are minimal, with only three related to the electrical system and two concerning service brakes. The presence of crash-linked steering and electrical system complaints in the E-Class suggests more pronounced reliability concerns compared to the Volvo S90, which lacks such severe issues.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volvo S90
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.5Very Low	0.8Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.5Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.3Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.2Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.1Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Volvo S90?

Based on industry estimates, the Volvo S90 incurs an annual repair cost of $976, with an average of 0.8 visits per year to the mechanic. While specific data for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is unavailable, the Volvo S90's costs provide a baseline for comparison. Over five years, Volvo S90 owners might expect to spend approximately $4,880 on repairs. Although the major repair risk for both models is unspecified, the Volvo S90's consistent repair frequency suggests reliability. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo S90 might represent a more predictable financial commitment, as its repair costs and frequency are clearly defined. Without detailed data for the E-Class, the Volvo S90 appears to be a more transparent and potentially lower-risk option.

How Does Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volvo S90	Edge
2024	63/1001R / 7C	66/1002R / 1C	Volvo S90
2023	63/1005R / 20C	65/1003R / 2C	Volvo S90
2022	60/1008R / 19C	65/1003R / 1C	Volvo S90
2021	56/10030R / 36C	71/1002R / 0C	Volvo S90
2020	56/10026R / 35C	66/1002R / 2C	Volvo S90
2019	54/10042R / 100C	69/1004R / 0C	Volvo S90
2018	55/10072R / 252C	67/1002R / 12C	Volvo S90
2026(predicted)	62/100(predicted)	67/100(predicted)	Volvo S90

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scored 63/100 and the 2021 Volvo S90 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs the Volvo S90?

If you prioritize reliability and lower maintenance concerns, the Volvo S90 is the better choice. With a reliability score of 67/100, it surpasses the E-Class's score of 58/100. The S90 also has significantly fewer recalls (22 compared to 184 for the E-Class) and fewer owner complaints, with 4.5 per 10,000 sold versus the E-Class's 7. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates suggest an annual expense of $976 for the S90, which offers a clear picture of what to expect financially. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the prestige and design of a Mercedes-Benz, and are willing to potentially face more frequent issues with the electrical system, engine, and other components, the E-Class could still be appealing. However, be prepared for a higher likelihood of addressing recalls and complaints. Ultimately, if reliability and cost-effectiveness are your main concerns, the S90 is the more prudent choice.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Volvo S90: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class more reliable than the Volvo S90?: Based on our data, the Volvo S90 is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 58/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Volvo S90?: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has more recalls (184) compared to the Volvo S90 (22). 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 E-Class or the Volvo S90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo S90 has a lower complaint rate at 4.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mercedes-Benz E-Class comparisons

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More Volvo S90 comparisons

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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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