Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 6% | 6,000 miles |
| 2006 | 17 | 41% | 133,000 miles |
| 2005 | 54 | 23% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 50 | 25% | 100,000 miles |
| 2003 | 77 | 36% | 106,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% | 79,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2000 | 6 | 14% | 147,000 miles |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% | 107,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% | 128,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% | 57,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% | 144,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle had a blow out on highway. Pull onto right shoulder doing about 60mph. Pressed the brakes and would not stop. Kept pressing brake and pumping the brakes and would not stop. was going around 50mph on the shoulder. After 15 seconds of pressing the brakes, car decided to brake. Checked brake lines, brake fluid and everything was correct and not leaking and drove the car back home slowly with spare on. ESP and ABS error came on. No other warning came on.
In January 2018, my car had developed sbc malfunction issues and I took it to the and they quoted me $ 2,700+/- to fix the issue. I then called mb USA and they told me that the sbc unit warranty was extended for 10yrs and that I had just crossed that limit. I then reached out to a private mechanic who agreed to replace the unit for $865 (please see the attached receipt). I was able to purchase the sbc unit from mb of clear lake for $1,045.70 . Thus, I was able to get the car repair and save my self about $1,000 as mb was not covering its repair. On September 2018 I received a letter from mb USA, indicating that the cost of the repair is reimbursable. I reached out to the dealer and provided all the documents that they requested. However, I was told the repair can be reimbursed only if it was done by an authorized dealer. …
While driving in highway, SBC brake failure warning and failure. Fortunate to be able to come to a stop without crashing into a car ahead since had plenty of time and distance to slowly come to a stop even with reduced braking power. If traveling in rush hour would likely have rear ended a stopped car in front and potentially causing serious injury and damage! This is a known issue with Mercedes, and there is an extended 25 year warranty on the vehicle but for some reason, my vehicle was not included in the recall: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 04V296000 2005 Mercedes e320 automatic sedan. …
There has not been an incident report, however, my brakes failed while driving and I pulled over. This is the fault the SBC System which has an Extended 25 year warranty. I brought it into Mercedes prior to complete failure, but they only replace the Pressure Reservoir. It must be returned to Mercedes for the SBC UNIT replacement.
SBC braking system stated as covered under 25 year/unlimited miles warranty. SBC system failed on 2/1/25. Vehicle towed to local dealer service facility on 2/3/25. Tow was authorized at no charge by MB Roadside Assistance at no charge plus $100.00 credit toward diagnostic. Was told by phone on 2/3/25 that upon confirmation that SBC did in fact fail, the SBC replacement would be performed at no charge due to warranty through 2028. As of 2/10/25 service facility did confirm that the SBC system had failed. Currently, MB USA has a HOLD pending for authorization of repairs, with no reason given as to why as of 2/13/25.
Total brake failure Had to cross the over to the other side of the road to turn around. Was almost hit by an oncoming big rig truck . I've looked it up and this is a common occurrence on these vehicles,! They have a SBC unit that has caused numerous incidents exactly like mine . Someone could easily be killed because of this defect. I've read that they extended the warranty for 25 years . But I haven't been notified. They notified me about a recall of the sun roof but not this!!
MB USA is not honoring Recall 2005110001 for 25 years per NHTSA Bulletin. The Mercedes Benz Representative said that the recall is closed for a 2003 car, but which should not be closed until 2028 for my car. The Mercedes Benz Representative agreed that she does see the car matches the 2003-2006 E class with chassis of A336226 falling between A0- and A7- for the recall. The Mercedes Benz Representative gave no explanation as to why the 25 year recall has closed prior to 2031. The faulty SBC has caused numerous problems. If the recall is not honored, I plan to file a lawsuit against Mercedes. A formal complaint is being filed with the NHTSA for MB USA's lack of adhering to the recall for the full 25 years.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the braking system became inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 2005110001. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the sensotronic brake control (SBC) braking system. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (77), 2005 (54), 2004 (50), 2006 (17) and 2000 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E320 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Mercedes-Benz E320 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz E320 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (3).
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.