Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 10 | 1.7× | 4 | Transmission | Average |
| 2008 | 7 | 1.3× | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2007 | 2 | −56% | 2 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2005 | 5 | −22% | — | Fuel System | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median E year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz E problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz E recalls
Fuel system, diesel
Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from July 2010 through February 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from April 2010 through April 2011, ml-class (w164 platform), manufactured from January 2010 through March 2011, gl-class (x164…
Remedy: Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2011. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz USA at 1-800-367-6372.
Engine and engine cooling
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 e-class model w212 and s212 vehicles manufactured from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010. Insufficient adhesive between the vibration damper and its inner mass damper ring could cause a sudden separation of the inner mass damper ring from the vibration damper.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace parts as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 8, 2011. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel system, other › Fuel filter
Mercedes Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 m-class, model w164, gl-class, model x164, e-class, model w212, r-class, and model v251vehicles. The o-ring May not have been properly lubricated in all cases. Lack of lubrication can lead to leakage of the fuel filter.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372. This campaign has been superseded .
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Mercedes Benz is recalling certain model year 2010 c-class, model 204, e-class, model 212, and model year 2010-2011 e-class coupe/cabriolet model 207 vehicles. The power steering system in the subject vehicles May fail due to the loss of power steering fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will check and retorque the connection fitting free of charge. The safety recall began on October 31, 2010. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz E should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz E years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other E years at the same age, followed by 2005. 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 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (6), wheels & tires (4) and transmission & drivetrain (4). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E had?
6 recalls across 2005–2011. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Mercedes-Benz E 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.