Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E320 complaints by model year
Best E320 years: 2008, 2009, 2002. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1997. Compare all years →
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz 320e. While driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound underneath the vehicle. She drove the vehicle to her residence and the noise recurred three days later after the vehicle had been warmed up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The current mileage was 103,200 and failure mileage was 103,000. Updated 03/17/09. When the consumer picked the vehicle up after having it serviced, it began to make a loud noise. The consumer returned to the dealer and was told the converter had gone bad. The consumer stated there was no noise prior to taking the vehicle in to the dealer. Updated 03/17/09.
The car started having very strong vibrations at idle speed when car is in reverse or drive and stopped at a standstill with brake. Took it to shop and was informed that the vehicles motor mounts were in need of replacement, to the tune of over 600.00. Once again I have read a similar complaint in the database and really want to know why Mercedes has not acknowledged the fact that this is a trend in the vehicles and come up with some type of recall or fix for the situation... Maybe most owners just unbegrudgingly pay whatever necessary to have their cars fixed oblivious to the fact that Mercedes claim to fame is quality,reliability and longevity. I for one do not think that a car costing over 60,000.00 should be plagued by so many deficient manufacturing problems.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz E320. The contact stated that the fuse box and the computer burned. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercedes E320. The contact stated that the power steering seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering lock failed and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 73,828 and the current mileage was 75,000. Updated 11/29/11 the consumer stated when she returned to her vehicle and inserted the key, it would not turn. The indicator said to remove the key. The consumer then made several attempts to start the car each time removing the key as directed. The tow truck driver informed the consumer, the steering lock malfunctioned. Updated 02/28/12
Brakes
On April 25, 2016, I noticed that a white brake system indicator light came on while the engine was running. I was driving on a city street at about 10 MPH in traffic. Despite the white warning light, the foot brakes still held. It said "service brakes , visit workshop". I immediately drove to the sole authorised agent in trinidad, who ran some diagnostic tests on the car. They indicated that I needed to replace the defective sbc unit at an approximate cost of usd 3,000.00 plus usd 365.00 for labor. This, I could not afford as the total cost is quite exorbitant and surprising. After leaving the dealership and towards driving home, the red brake system indicator now lit up and I heard a loud warning signal. The warning sign said to stop the car, which I immediately did and managed to park the car at a friend's home as I could not reach my home. …
The vehicle accelerates when I am coming to a stop;this has happened about 5-6 times. On May 23, 09 I was almost stopped in a parking place and the car started bucking against my application of the brake and it was about 30 yards before the vehicle struck another vehicle and stopped. On feb.13 of this year I was stopping at a stop sign and the vehicle again started accelerating. Placing the gear into neutral saved another crash. The speed of the vehicle at the time of the incidents has been only about 2 MPH. I know that "others" like to claim confusion, driver error, etc. I am absolutely certain that such has not been the case and I have a passenger witness to these incidents and what I did the vehicle simply overpowers my attempts to brake and bucks like a wild horse. . …
2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 E320 rates better than average: 44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E320 at the same age. It is one of the best E320 years by this measure. 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the electrical system (4) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E320?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2009 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999 and 1997. See the full Mercedes-Benz E320 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 11% 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.