What Car? reliability study reveals issues with Volkswagen and Mercedes models

A large-scale reliability study conducted by the British magazine ‘What Car?’ involving 39,332 drivers and 225 vehicle models has highlighted significant issues with several prominent automotive brands.

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan reported an 81% fault rate among owners, with common complaints involving the infotainment system, braking systems, and electrical components. Its reliability rating dropped from 64.2% to 55.3%. Similarly, the Volkswagen ID.4 was identified as the least reliable electric SUV in the study, with 36% of owners reporting faults related to the motor, battery, and electronics.

Luxury manufacturer Mercedes-Benz also faced criticism, with the Mercedes GLE receiving a reliability score of 63.7%. Owners reported issues with air suspension systems and software errors in models ranging from 2024 to 2026. The study underscores a growing gap between premium pricing and vehicle dependability.