Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: reliability compared
From 2016 to 2026, owners filed an average of 57 complaints per model year about the Audi Q5 and 60 about the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.
Side by side
| Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2016-2026 | 2016-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 623 | 665 |
| Complaints per model year | 57 | 60 |
| Recalls | 25 | 54 |
| Years to avoid | 2018 | None stand out |
| Best years | 20202022 | 201920212022 |
| Most common problem | Electrical | Engine |
| Crash rating | 5 2025 | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24 mpg combined (2026) | 26-27 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Q5 | GLC 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 180 | 129 |
| Engine | 138 | 207 |
| Driver assistance | 108 | 52 |
| Brakes | 65 | 54 |
| Transmission | 49 | 48 |
| Steering | 41 | 37 |
| Fuel system | 35 | 90 |
Questions about the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
Between 2016 and 2026, the Audi Q5 has 1 year to avoid and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 0. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Audi Q5 drew fewer complaints per model year (57 vs 60), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
From 2016 to 2026, the Audi Q5 was covered by 25 recalls and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 by 54.
What years of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 should you avoid?
Audi Q5: 2018. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: no year stands out.
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