Are Mercedes Benz Good Cars? Do They Have Reliability?

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most prestigious luxury automobile manufacturers in the world. But are Mercedes-Benz cars good and reliable? That’s a question many people want the answer to before purchasing one.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are considered average in reliability. They aren’t considered the best or the worst but usually sit in the middle of the rankings. It can cost a lot to fix a Mercedes. This is something you should consider before purchasing one.

This guide will review everything Mercedes has done well, and highlight areas that could use improvement. So you're better informed, we also evaluate the top and bottom models.

Are Mercedes-Benz Good Cars?

1. Safety

The majority of Mercedes-Benz cars have received a five-star perfect safety rating. NHTSA The IIHS rated them highly. Every model has been carefully designed to provide safety for customers. 

Mercedes' newer models are equipped with the most advanced safety technology. This gives you greater peace of mind. You know your car is secure, whether you opt for the PreSafe technology model or DISTRONIC Plus. 

2. Engine

Mercedes-Benz is known for its durable engines. There are a number of powertrains available from Mercedes-Benz, such as gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric.

Mercedes is a market leader for high-performing engines of any kind. With regular care and maintenance, most engines last longer than 200,000 miles. 

Related: How Long Can Cars Last? (& How Many Miles?)

3. Rust and body

Some Mercedes-Benz vehicles are vulnerable to rust. The majority of complaints are about models manufactured in the 1990s or early 2000s. 

Mercedes-Benz appears to have used less steel in these years, while trying reduce costs. Other paints were also used by the company to provide less protection. 

4. Technology and features

Mercedes-Benz is a technology leader since the very beginning. Even decades ago, Mercedes was releasing new products that other companies didn’t have.

The luxury cabins of today are equipped with the most advanced safety technology and everything you need for entertainment and comfort. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, MBUX and E-ACTIVE body control are two of the most prominent features. 

5. Performance

The Mercedes-Benz vehicles are affordable, but they still deliver plenty of power and thrills. Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its ability to deliver a lot of acceleration and power behind the wheel. 

The AMG range is for you if you want something even more exciting. They are tuned to high performance. 

6. Affordability

You can’t find a new Mercedes-Benz for much less than $35,000. Many models are more expensive than $35,000. Depending on their trim levels and the features selected, they can also cost over $100,000. 

For this reason, the Mercedes brand isn’t known as a low-dollar option. However, each Mercedes vehicle is loaded with modern luxuries, comforts, and you still get what you paid for. 

7. The cost of ownership

If you take a look at insurance, fuel costs, and amortization costs for the Mercedes-Benz range, it is possible to see the higher cost of ownership. This is also true for most luxury brands.

This brand is most costly because of the high cost of repairs and maintaining it. The next section will provide more information. 

8. Repair & Maintenance Costs

Mercedes-Benz parts can be very expensive. It’s difficult to replace almost any part on a budget. You might also need to hire a specialist technician who works with Mercedes cars, depending on what problem you're having.

Mercedes-Benz may be the most costly to fix and maintain. It might not matter if you keep this in mind. 

RELATED: 20 Most & Least Expensive Cars to Maintain

Are Mercedes-Benz Reliable?

Mercedes-Benz cars are extremely reliable in mechanic terms. If properly maintained, many of these engines last for more than 250,000 miles. They are expensive to repair and maintain. 

The high cost of repairs puts the Mercedes-Benz right at the bottom of the list. Still, many of the models rank higher than the comparable BMW vehicles, which is one of the Mercedes’s top competitors. 

Mercedes-Benz History

Mercedes-Benz was founded in 1886 by Karl Benz and Wilhelm Maybach, who created the first gasoline-powered automobile. It didn’t take long before the company was offering stagecoach conversions under the name Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. It wasn’t for another 25 years until the name Mercedes-Benz was penned when a merger occurred between Benz’s and Daimler’s companies. 

Mercedes vehicles were first imported to America in 1952, but Mercedes-Benz USA wasn’t founded until 1965. It has been a leading manufacturer of luxury automobiles in this country since then. Today, there’s a wide variety of cars and SUVs for customers to choose from. 

How common are Mercedes-Benz Problems

1. The Leaking Transmission

Mercedes-Benz vehicles feature sophisticated transmissions, which are better than most other brands. The unique connector and valve body might make the transmission better, but there’s also a flaw.

Transmission fluid may leak from certain parts in some instances. There are issues with the transmission fluid leaking and shifting problems. 

2. Verify Engine Light

Not all Mercedes-Benz vehicles suffer from the Check Engine Light situation, but it’s been prevalent on a few models. E350 is most commonly used.

A faulty solenoid on the camshaft adjuster can cause the Check Engine Light to come on in many instances. Engine issues aren’t easy to fix or inexpensive with the Mercedes lineup. 

3. Corrosion/Rust

Although most cars will eventually rust, many of the Mercedes models have rusted before their prime years. Most cases of rust were first noticed in the front bumpers and behind the plate.

Mercedes used lighter steel in some models of its cars. There was also an alteration in the paint composition that could have contributed to some of these problems. 

Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models

2008 Mercedes-Benz E Class

It is the E Class, one of most luxurious models. This four-door sedan has a sporty look and excellent performance. 

It also scored well in safety ratings. It’s a sure model to drive if you want to gain more attention on your daily drive to work. 

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

The GLK-Class was discontinued in 2015, and it was replaced by the GLC Class. This beautiful SUV comes with all-wheel drive for superior traction and it’s known for its maneuverability.

The V6 engine produces 302 horsepower, giving you the power that you need. You get every luxury possible, particularly when you add the Premium Package. 

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

C-Class's 2012 model year included a glass panoramic sunroof as well as a luxurious cabin. Standard technology also includes a 12-speaker audio system, which ensures that each note is perfectly reproduced.

The C-Class also features the most recent safety features like Agility Control. For an exhilarating ride, you can be sure that all the shocks from the road are perfectly dispersed by this system.

Least Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models

2006 Mercedes-Benz E350

While the Mercedes-Benz E350 2006 is spacious and comfortable, it has some issues with reliability. The NHTSA has a quick overview of how flawed this model is.

The fuel system is not only faulty, many owners had to change it, as well as the lines and seals. This model is also recommended to be avoided due to brake failure. 

2007 Mercedes-Benz S550

On the surface it would seem that the 2007 S550 should be the one to buy. You will love the spacious seats and smooth acceleration. You can even get 382 HP from the V8 engine, which will take you to 60 mph within just 5 seconds. 

There are numerous issues with electronics, and Mercedes-Benz has never recalled the vehicle. It was therefore one of the least reliable Mercedes models. If the Engine Control Unit, or ECU, fails unexpectedly, then your S550 could go into limp mode. It costs over $2,000 to replace the vital component. 

Is Mercedes-Benz A Good Car To Buy Used?

It is a smart decision to buy a Mercedes-Benz used vehicle. This company is able to create a luxurious vehicle that offers all of the tech and luxury features you would ever need. Most Mercedes used models will provide comfort and enjoyment. You can also get most of the models for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase new.

However, it is important to be ready for expensive repairs and maintenance. It is possible to spend a significant amount on repairs and maintenance if your Mercedes mechanic needs certification. Your luxury car might be affected by corrosion or rust. This is something no one likes to do. Do your homework before you buy a Mercedes used. Make sure to inspect the car for signs of corrosion. Don’t forget to look behind the license plate.