Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | −48% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2006 | 10 | typical | 1 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2005 | 9 | −19% | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2004 | 15 | 1.3× | 4 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2003 | 45 | 3.5× | 4 | Brake | Avoid |
| 2002 | 8 | −33% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 15 | 1.5× | — | Brake | Caution |
| 2000 | 34 | 2.4× | — | Electrical | Avoid |
| 1999 | 13 | −33% | 1 | Suspension | Average |
| 1998 | 24 | 2.2× | — | Suspension | Caution |
| 1997 | 38 | 2.3× | 1 | Suspension | Caution |
| 1996 | 16 | −56% | 1 | Suspension | Good |
| 1995 | 21 | −70% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median E Class year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system May prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on October 21m 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Seat belts
On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles May have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering
On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt which connects the steering gear to the steering coupling May not be tightened correctly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. Owner notification began August 21, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class should you avoid?
2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other E Class years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E Class?
1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other E Class years at the same age, followed by 1996 and 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E Class problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (57), suspension (53) and fuel & propulsion system (34). Electrical complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E Class had?
9 recalls across 1995–2008. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.