Mercedes Benz E Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 17, 2021 · 30 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz E, across 9 model years (2004–2012). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (10). The most reported problem area overall is fuel system, gasoline.

Peak: 2011, with 10 complaints
2004: 2200422005: 5200552006: 1200612007: 2200722008: 7200872009: 2200922010: 1201012011: 102011102012: 020120

n = 30 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Mercedes Benz E years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E year: 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2011 E: 10 complaints, 4 recalls
  2. 2008 E: 7 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2005 E: 5 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2006 E: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  2. 2010 E: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  3. 2004 E: 2 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 E problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Fuel System, Gasoline530
Air Bags442
Power Train421
Tires420
Electrical System320
Fuel/propulsion System330
Vehicle Speed Control211
Equipment110
Fuel System, Other110
Service Brakes110
Steering110
Suspension110

All Mercedes Benz E model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2012 E00——
2011 E104—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2010 E11—Equipment
2009 E20—Electrical System
2008 E72—Vehicle Speed Control
2007 E22—Fuel/propulsion System
2006 E11—Air Bags
2005 E50—Fuel System, Gasoline
2004 E20—Fuel/propulsion System

More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes Benz E years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E 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 E?

Fuel System, Gasoline, with 5 complaints across 3 model years.

How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz E have?

6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.