2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 Problems & Complaints

Better than average58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E320 at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 58% fewer than a typical E320 model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better E320 years. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (4 complaints, typically around 47,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

8complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system~47,000 miles
    450%
  • Engine & cooling~123,000 miles
    338%
  • Electrical system~2,000 miles
    113%
  • Lights~86,000 miles
    113%
  • Speed control & acceleration~65,000 miles
    113%
  • Body & structure
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz E320 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).

Best E320 years: 2008, 2009, 2002. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1997. Compare all years →

2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls (3)

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 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.

What 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 owners say

Fuel & propulsion system

2 highway stallings: 1) dec.1. 2009 traveling on I-95 south at 70mph, check engine light on, car suddenly stalled, managed to pull to shoulder. Car towed to Benz dealer 90 miles away. They changed a new fuel pump in charleston, sc. Continued driving on 2) dec.3,2009, after 400+ miles on I-95 south at 70mph, check engine light on, car suddenly stalled again, managed to pull to shoulder. Car towed to Benz dealer in melbourne, florida. They changed another fuel pump and filter. Now I am driving with my finger crossed.

2,000 miles · Dec 2009

I was changing lanes and went to accelerate when the vehicle completely lost power. The cause of the loss of power is a plastic(yes plastic) rod that opens the intake to initiate turbo boost. The fact that his rod is made of plastic that can break so easily when you step on the gas pedal is dangerous. Mercedes Benz is supposed to make a quality car that is very costly and it is shameful that it is made so shoddy creating a false sense of safety and quality. I am lucky to be alive and now have to fix this junk.

60,000 miles · Nov 2014

Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320. While driving various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The hesitation was persistent. The dealer diagnosed that the inlet port shutoff motor and linkage failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,818.

65,000 miles · Oct 2016

The oil cooler on the vehicle is leaking oil. This is a large, 15 hour repair, the total estimate to replace the cooler and seals is $2350. I have not had this repair done yet. Also had other oil seals replaced in the turbo area of the engine which cost me $989.91.

123,000 miles · Aug 2015

2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel7-speed automaticRWD23 / 32 / 26

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 E320 rates better than average: 58% 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320?

The fuel & propulsion system — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 33% 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.