Mercedes-Benz E300 Problems by Year
Mercedes-Benz E300 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E300 year: 1999, 2017, 2018, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2017 E300: 132 complaints, 16 recalls
- 2018 E300: 32 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2019 E300: 29 complaints, 8 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
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 E300 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 49 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 43 | 8 | 0 |
| Power Train | 25 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 23 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| Structure | 14 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 11 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Suspension | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Wheels | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Communication | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz E300 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 E300 | 29 | 8 | — | Unknown or Other | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 E300 | 32 | 7 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 E300 | 132 | 16 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 E300 | 1 | 1 | — | Visibility | |
| 2009 E300 | 2 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2002 E300 | 1 | 0 | — | Steering | |
| 2001 E300 | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1999 E300 | 13 | 0 | — | Suspension | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 E300 | 9 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 E300 | 8 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1996 E300 | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 E300 | 6 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E300 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (13), 2017 (132), 2018 (32), 2019 (29) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E300 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 E300?
Engine, with 49 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E300 have?
24 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.