Mercedes-Benz E320 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz E320 model year from 1995–2009 using 1,153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 4 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999 and 1997, which drew far more complaints than other E320 years at the same age. The best years are 2008, 2009 and 2002.

15model years
1,153complaints
4recalls
2005, 2004worst years
2008, 2009best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’0996456337834438232142032314117108
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz E320. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20098−58%3Fuel SystemGood
200810−67%3EngineGood
200717−40%4TransmissionAverage
2006411.4×4BrakeCaution
20052315.9×3Fuel SystemAvoid
20042033.7×2Fuel SystemAvoid
20032142.9×2Fuel SystemAvoid
200223−44%—EngineGood
200138typical—ElectricalAverage
200044typical—AirbagAverage
1999832.7×—EngineAvoid
199837typical—EngineAverage
1997631.6×—SuspensionCaution
199645−21%—SuspensionAverage
199596typical—ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median E320 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

Latest Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 21V-196 · Mar 19, 2021 · 11,356 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 19V-918 · Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.

All 4 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz E320 should you avoid?

2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1997 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other E320 years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2005.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E320?

2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other E320 years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2002. 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 E320 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (373), brakes (219) and electrical system (195). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2005 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E320 had?

4 recalls across 1995–2009. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Mercedes-Benz E320 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.