German automakers have a reputation for producing reliable models that will happily keep chugging along for years without major issues or hefty repair bills. However, some models have a better reliability profile than others. When purchasing a used car, reliability becomes an even more important factor. Choosing a used vehicle as your next set of wheels comes with a certain amount of uncertainty, and knowing you have selected a model with a strong reputation for reliability can help ease anxiety about your future ownership experience.We are focusing on the secondhand SUV market in particular: SUVs (and crossovers, their smaller siblings) have become a highly popular choice of vehicle over the past couple of decades, for families, singles, and couples alike. In this list, we have put together 10 SUVs and crossovers from a variety of German brands, including Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, that have a good reliability record to their name. All models have obtained a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score in the eighties or above (out of 100).Items are listed in chronological order, from the least to the most recent. Specs refer to base trim for each model. 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Side ViewThe oldest vehicle on our list is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (sometimes referred to as the ML-Class due to its model nomenclature). This model arrived halfway through the M-Class’ second generation, just before a 2009 facelift (which makes it even more affordable). It is available with a wide lineup of V6 and V8 engines.The model only has 109 NHTSA complaints attached to it, which, considering the total number of units sold, is not a very high figure. RepairPal also gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5. If you’re looking for a premium SUV but having the latest tech on board is not your priority, this could be the right choice for you. As an older model, immaculate maintenance records are what you'll be wanting, as at 18 years old a roughly maintained one may not live up to your dreams of dependability. 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Gray Front ViewNext up, we have another Mercedes: the GLK, the predecessor to the GLC. The 2013 model year won the crown of most reliable Mercedes-Benz SUV of the last 25 years according to us here at CarBuzz, so of course we had to find it a place on this list. The GLK was first introduced in 2008, going on sale for the 2010 model year, as a more compact version of the GL.The GLK underwent a facelift for the 2013 model year, which saw some reliability issues being fixed as well as design updates being introduced. Not only does the 2013 GLK get a high score on J.D. Power, but also on Kelley Blue Book, which gives it a reliability rating of 4.7/5. 2013 Porsche Cayenne 2011-2014 Porsche Cayenne Front Angle ViewThe 2013 Porsche Cayenne arrived two years into the model’s second generation, which shared its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. This model had a sleeker silhouette compared to the first-gen Cayenne, and was considerably lighter and more nimble. It was also the first generation to offer a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant, bringing the Cayenne into the future.The model’s second generation as a whole is not considered the most reliable, placing third out of three in our ranking of Cayenne generations according to reliability. However, the 2013 model year stands out within this generation for having the highest J.D. Power score. 2015 Audi Q3 2015 Audi Q3The Audi Q3 was first introduced in 2011 for the 2012 model year. However, it wasn’t until the model received a facelift in 2015 that it eventually arrived on the North American market. During its first year in the States, the Q3 distinguished itself for being highly reliable.Only two recalls are associated with this model year, both for relatively minor issues (malfunctioning side marker lights and a misbehaving sunroof). Only 18 NHTSA complaints were logged, and RepairPal gives the model a score of 3.5 out of 5. Last year, the 2015 Q3 earned itself third place in our ranking of best used Audi models according to reliability. 2017 BMW X3 Silver 2017 BMW X3 frontThe 2017 BMW X3 arrived right at the end of the model’s second generation, and is known for being highly reliable even almost a decade later. Just a few months ago, the model earned second place in CarBuzz’sranking of best used BMW models according to reliability.A big part of the second-gen X3’s positive reputation comes from its use of the 2.0-liter version of the N20 engine, a turbocharged inline-four unit known for being fairly sturdy with the exception of its Achilles’ heel: timing chain issues. Provided proper maintenance is carried out, a 2017 X3 should provide you with a relatively hassle-free ownership experience. 2017 Audi Q5 2017 Audi Q5The 2017 Audi Q5 is the last model year of the Q5’s first generation, which was introduced back in 2008. This model, however, belongs to the post-facelift group, as the Q5 underwent a refresh in 2012.Power comes from a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 220 hp, or a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, producing 272 hp. In both cases, an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. The model only has 36 NHTSA complaints associated with it, and gets a score of 3 out of 5 on RepairPal, suggesting a great overall reliability record. 2018 BMW X5 2018 BMW X5 front 1/4The 2018 BMW X5 arrived at the very end of the model’s third generation. It offers a variety of powertrain options, including two inline-six engines, an inline-four hybrid, and even a twin-turbo V8-powered model.Not only does the model boast a high J.D. Power score, it also has just 86 NHTSA complaints associated with it. The eight-speed automatic transmission, built by German firm ZF, is known for being especially reliable, lasting up to 200,000 miles and beyond. If you’re looking for a used SUV under 10 years old that won’t let you down, this X5 definitely needs to go on your shortlist. 2021 BMW X7 2020 BMW X7 M50i front 1/4A more recent model from BMW’s X family that distinguished itself for reliability is the 2021 X7. The X7 had only made its debut two years earlier, going on sale for the 2019 model year. It didn’t take long, however, for the model to stand out for its solid reliability, largely thanks to the B58 engine: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, known for being extremely robust. The X7 also offers a V8-powered version in its lineup, more specifically a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged unit.The powertrain is not the only aspect of this X7 that plays in favor of its reliability: the model is generally known for good build quality on every aspect, from body panels to interior components. 2022 BMW X3 2021 BMW X3Next up, we have yet another BMW, the 2022 X3. This model is a compact crossover based on the 3 Series Platform, first introduced in 2003. The 2022 model arrived towards the end of the X3’s third generation, which would be replaced by the fourth and current generation just two years later.There are several powertrain options on offer for this model, including an inline-four, inline-six, and a plug-in hybrid option that pairs the former to a single electric motor. With just 59 NHTSA complaints plus a great J.D. Power rating, this X3 has a solid reputation when it comes to staying on the road without major issues cropping up. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 2024 Volkswagen TiguanThe most recent model on our list is the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2024 is the very first model year of the Tiguan’s third and current generation. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which produces 184 hp and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.The model only has a single recall connected to it, concerning a minor issue (problems with the rear view camera). It also has just 38 NHTSA complaints associated with it, and a RepairPal score of 3 out of 5.Sources: BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, NHTSA, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarComplaints