Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year
Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class:
Sudden engine shut down
Transmission malfunction
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi has subsequently received nine more complaints alleging fluid contamination of the transmission…
What 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Brakes
The stop lamp switch, which activates the stop lamps, ant-lock brakes, traction control mechanisms, on my 2001 Mercedes Benz e320 has needed to be replaced 4 times in the past 5 years. The part number that continually goes bad is 001-545-64-09. The most recent replacement was 09-12-09.
While applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop. This caused consumer's vehicle to collide with the vehicle in front. No one was injured, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem.
Engine & cooling
2001 Benz e320 wheel bearings failed. ***** the consumer noticed a scraping noise coming from the front passengers side of the vehicle. The noise became progressively worse until the vehicle became undrivable. The consumer also noticed that the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who indicated that the vehicle needed new bearings on both front wheels and a new left spindle, rotor and brake pads. The dealer has replaced the instrument cluster (3 times), fuel level sensor, oil level sensor, A/C control and regulators ( 3 times), steering lock and key, right headlight assembly, both catalytic converters and the right rear window regulator. All these repairs were covered under warranty.
Intermittently while driving, the engine completely died. The dealer has been unable to duplicate the issue. The vehicle is a 2001 Mercedes e320. The engine would shut off intermittently. After about 5 minutes the vehicle would restart. The consumer took the vehicle in several times for repair but the problem could not be found. The washer tube came off and caused washer fluid to leak. The fuel gauge failed which caused it to read incorrectly. The head rest motor failed.
Lights
2001 Benz e320 wheel bearings failed. ***** the consumer noticed a scraping noise coming from the front passengers side of the vehicle. The noise became progressively worse until the vehicle became undrivable. The consumer also noticed that the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who indicated that the vehicle needed new bearings on both front wheels and a new left spindle, rotor and brake pads. The dealer has replaced the instrument cluster (3 times), fuel level sensor, oil level sensor, A/C control and regulators ( 3 times), steering lock and key, right headlight assembly, both catalytic converters and the right rear window regulator. All these repairs were covered under warranty.
Various problems with 2001 Mercedes Benz e320 sr. (nar) the radio did not function properly. The interior lights did not function properly. The telephone did not function properly, the electronic stability program (ESP) did not function properly. The brake assist system (bas) did not function properly. The turn signals do not work. The cruise control does not function on most occasions.
2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 E Class rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the E Class at the same age. It is one of the E Class years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The brakes — 4 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.