Mercedes cars have an average reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 according to customer surveys and should be able to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles (or 15 to 17 years) when kept to a
routine car maintenance schedule.
Mercedes is ranked 27th out of 32 major car brands regarding reliability.
Repairs and maintenance costs are more expensive for luxury brands like Mercedes with its annual average repair cost of $908.
The GLS-Class and GLB-Class are the least reliable models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
Mercedes is ranked 27th out of 32 major car brands regarding reliability.
Repairs and maintenance costs are more expensive for luxury brands like Mercedes with its annual average repair cost of $908.
The GLS-Class and GLB-Class are the least reliable models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
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How to lower your Mercedes-Benz insurance costMercedes last 15 to 17 years on average
With proper maintenance, a Mercedes should be able to last 200,000-250,000 miles before needing a major
car repair. That’s 15 to 17 years based on the average annual mileage of American drivers.
How long your Mercedes-Benz car will last depends on multiple factors, including:
Your driving habits
Where you drive
Your maintenance routine
MORE:
Are Mercedes-Benz expensive to maintain?Mercedes Reliability
Mercedes is ranked 27 out of the 32 major car brands when it comes to reliability. Despite, this poor placement, Mercedes is considered average overall with a reliability score of 3.0/5.0 from customer reviews.
Consider the following when it comes to Mercedes-Benz reliability:
Mercedes-Benz average annual repair costs: $908
Mercedes-Benz owners can expect to need repairs 0.7 times per year.
Trips to the mechanic are more expensive for luxury cars like Mercedes.
Key Takeaway Mercedes offers a high-performance luxury experience, but vehicles may become less dependable in the long run.
MORE:
The most common Mercedes-Benz problemsThe most reliable Mercedes models
If you have your heart set on a Mercedes and reliability is a top priority, these are the three Mercedes models that rank the highest in safety and dependability.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2021 starting price: $42,650
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own: $67,123
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100 (great)
The
Mercedes-Benz C-Classgot the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), provided the car is equipped with an optional front crash prevention system. This is the highest mark a vehicle can earn from the IIHS.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2021 starting price: $44,250
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own: $73,934
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 78/100 (average)
The 2021
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Classreceived the 2021 Top Safety Pick award when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2021 starting price: $57,200
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own: N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 78/100 (great)
The 2021
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Classwon Edmunds Top Rated Luxury SUV for the second year in a row. Models equipped with optional front crash prevention also got IIHS's 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award.
The least reliable Mercedes models
Here are the Mercedes Benz models to avoid when it comes to poor reliability
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS
2021 starting price: $99,900
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own: N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 71/100 (average)
In a recent JD Power study, the
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Classranks fourth out of seven large premium SUV models. This comes just a year after a complete redesign, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks below most other luxury SUVs in terms of overall desirability.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
2021 starting price: $39,100
Edmunds’ five-year true cost to own: $65,128
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 67/100 (fair)
The
GLBis hands down the least reliable Mercedes model. It currently has 6 safety recalls and one of the lowest reliability scores out of the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
How to make your Mercedes last longer
Drive responsibly and perform regular automotive maintenance to keep your Mercedes-Benz running for as long as possible.
Here are some specific tips for Mercedes owners to extend the lifespan of their cars:
Keep your vehicle covered or in a garage: Rain, hail, and wind can cause damage to the body of your car, and too much direct sunlight can cause the paint to fade.
Keep your car clean: This protects your
paint joband helps
prevent rustand other build-up that can damage the body and the undercarriage of your car.
Inspect your brakes on a routine basis: Worn
brake padsor excessive grooves in the
brake drumsneed to be addressed immediately to ensure your brakes will work safely when you need them most.
Have the electrical system inspected regularly by a certified Mercedes mechanic: Electrical systems are often the cause of the major issues with the Mercedes brand. Regular inspections and maintenance can remedy small issues before they become more problematic.
Have the transmission serviced once your Mercedes has reached 80,000 miles:
Service the transmission fluidany time you take your car in for routine maintenance, and continue to have the transmission serviced every five years.
MORE: How to make your car last longer
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FAQs
What is high mileage for a Mercedes?
+
Anything over 15,000 miles per year is considered mileage for a Mercedes. Prioritize a Mercedes with less than 10,000 per year if you’re on the market for a used car.
Are Mercedes expensive to maintain?
+
On average, Mercedes owners spend a little over $900 a year on maintenance and repair. This is fairly average for similar luxury brands like Audi and BMW.
