Mercedes-Benz's lineup has 96 recorded NHTSA recalls across 42 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Mercedes-Benz's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Mercedes-Benz — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Mercedes-Benz is a globally recognized luxury automotive brand hailing from Germany, renowned for its engineering excellence, iconic design, and a heritage of producing some of the finest automobiles in the world. These vehicles are often favored by discerning drivers who appreciate performance, comfort, and a premium ownership experience. At ForCar.org, we can decode any MERCEDES-BENZ VIN to unlock comprehensive vehicle specifications, recall history, and a wealth of detailed information about your specific model.
Decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN
Enter any 17-character Mercedes-Benz VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Mercedes-Benz models 42
Every Mercedes-Benz model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Mercedes-Benz Cars & sedans 27
Mercedes-Benz More models 15
Mercedes-Benz recalls
Across the Mercedes-Benz lineup, ForCar tracks 96 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Mercedes-Benz recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Mercedes-Benz model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Metris | 73 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 20 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz eSprinter | 3 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Mercedes-Benz: Electrical System:software. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Mercedes-Benz reliable?
Across rated models, Mercedes-Benz averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 40 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Mercedes-Benz competes in the global luxury and ultra-luxury segments against BMW, Audi, Lexus and Genesis, with the Maybach sub-brand reaching into Bentley and Rolls-Royce price territory. The S-Class introduces technology — airbags, ABS, ESC, Level 3 autonomy — that subsequently propagates through the lineup. AMG variants compete with BMW M and Audi RS for performance buyers, with prices typically 50-100% above the base model.
Mercedes-Benz models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Mercedes-Benz model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 6,223 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 4,612 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class | 947 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 770 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 622 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | 612 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 571 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 553 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 319 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | 294 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz models
The most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class | 84 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Mercedes-Benz models
NHTSA safety rankings for Mercedes-Benz are being compiled — check back shortly.
Mercedes-Benz hybrids & electric models
Mercedes-Benz's electrified lineup — 17 hybrids and 14 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Mercedes-Benz hybrids 17
Mercedes-Benz electric & plug-in 14
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Mercedes-Benz window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Mercedes-Benz's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Mercedes-Benz window stickers →How to read a Mercedes-Benz VIN
Every Mercedes-Benz built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Mercedes-Benz |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Mercedes-Benz VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Mercedes-Benz
Karl Benz patented the first internal-combustion automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, on January 29, 1886. Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach independently built their first automobile the same year. The two competing companies — Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft — merged in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz AG and adopted the Mercedes-Benz brand name. Mercedes was originally the daughter of Daimler distributor Emil Jellinek, who used the name on his 1900 racing entries.
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Parent company | Mercedes-Benz Group AG |
| Slogan | "The Best or Nothing" |
| Models tracked | 42 (1981–2026) |
Mercedes-Benz — frequently asked
How do I decode a Mercedes-Benz VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Mercedes-Benz models are there?
ForCar tracks 42 Mercedes-Benz models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Mercedes-Benz made?
Mercedes-Benz is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 1926. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Mercedes-Benz recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Mercedes-Benz model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Mercedes-Benz is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Mercedes-Benz warranty?
New Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.