Mercedes-Benz is known for its innovative luxury vehicles, but the manufacturer has not been known for its reliability in recent decades. This means that drivers interested in a used Mercedes could spend a lot to maintain their cars due to various issues with the engine, suspension, and beyond. There are reliable Mercedes-Benz models, though, and using data like car repair stats and consumer surveys, CarVertical ranked some of the most reliable models.

CLS-Class from 2006 to 2010

According to CarVertical, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class four-door sedan from the model years 2006 through 2010 is the fifth-most reliable used Mercedes model. Despite its age, this generation of CLS-Class is still a sleek and attractive car, and CarVertical states that beginning in 2006, Mercedes fixed some issues that plagued previous CLS-Class models. Some trims even feature a 5.4-liter V8, so this could be a good choice for a driver interested in a car with extra power.

Even though CLS-Class vehicles from these years are more reliable than those that came before, potential buyers should still be aware of common issues with this generation of the CLS-Class. Suspension issues are still common for this Mercedes-Benz, and CarVertical notes that more than half of used CLS-Class cars are reported to have damage. 

GLK-Class from 2013 to 2015

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is considered one of the manufacturer’s more reliable vehicles, so that it could be a great choice for drivers interested in a luxury crossover SUV. It is noteworthy for its luxury comfort and surprisingly decent fuel efficiency. 

GLK-Class models before 2013 had issues that could affect their reliability, but most of these had been fixed for the 2013 model year. CarVertical states that the only common issues owners have with the GLK-Class from this period are things like malfunctions with the tailgate. These are minor and do not take away from the reliability of the SUV. 

E-Class from 2007 to 2009

Another luxury four-door sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, had a brief period of highly-rated reliability from 2007 to 2009. Like the CLS-Class, the E-Class from these model years continues to look surprisingly modern both in the interior and exterior. It also features a large selection of powertrains options, and buyers might even find a model with all-wheel drive.

Because of its age, some common problems with sensors in the Mercedes E-Class can happen, but these do not detract from the car’s reliability. 

C-Class from 2008 to 2014

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan with a positive reputation for being safe and reliable. It is a lighter car that gets good mileage and does not lack acceleration power. CarVertical highlights the C220 CDI trim for getting 45 miles per gallon. 

Older models of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class had issues with oil and power steering fluid leaks, which can be costly issues. However, Mercedes seemed to have fixed these issues, and models from 2008 to 2014 are quite reliable.

GLA from 2014 to 2020

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a luxury subcompact crossover SUV that is considered to be an entry-level Mercedes. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers interested in the Mercedes-Benz brand but who don’t want to pay the high costs of a high-end car from the brand’s lineup. It is similar to the Mercedes A-Class in both look and function, and the years that CarVertical recommends for the GLA make it the newest Mercedes model on this list.

Buyers should watch out for earlier GLA models, though, as CarVertical states that a variety of issues, including oil leaks and motor problems, are common.