Mercedes Benz 320 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 176 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz 320, across 8 model years (1995–2002). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (39). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Mercedes Benz 320 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 320 year: 1998. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1998 320: 39 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1999 320: 30 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 320: 29 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2002 320: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1996 320: 14 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 320: 17 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes Benz 320 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 42 | 8 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 22 | 8 | 1 |
| Visibility | 22 | 8 | 1 |
| Steering | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 18 | 7 | 7 |
| Power Train | 15 | 7 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | 6 | 2 |
| Suspension | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Seats | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz 320 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 320 | 11 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2001 320 | 17 | 0 | — | Electrical System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2000 320 | 17 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1999 320 | 30 | 0 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 1998 320 | 39 | 0 | — | Visibility | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 320 | 19 | 0 | — | Suspension | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 320 | 14 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1995 320 | 29 | 0 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz 320 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1998 (39) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 320 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes Benz 320?
Electrical System, with 42 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz 320 have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.