Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% | 2,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 12% | 124,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% | 159,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% | 104,000 miles |
| 2003 | 21 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 17% | 83,000 miles |
| 2001 | 13 | 34% | 110,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 18% | 155,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% | 99,000 miles |
| 1996 | 12 | 27% | 138,000 miles |
| 1995 | 89 | 93% | 107,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Battery light came on so it was charged then reconnected, everything good, turn key to on position everything good, turn key to start and bang! Loud bang and white smoke everywhere, engine continued to smoke for several minutes after explosion, hole in front of engine
There is a high level of rf being emitted inside the cabin of the car. The level is so high it pushes pulsed rf waves against an aluminum emergency blanket that was set up to identify which direction it was coming from. This method showed it is coming from multiple direction within the cabin. This is with the engine off and windows rolled up. Also lf l leave the car and come back within less than a minute the climate inside will knock me out, or make me very sleepy. I have to immediately get out of the car and walk 50 to 70 feet away from it to stop this from happening if l catch it in time. Most of the time l do not and someone is using this defect to steal items from the car, destroy the interior ad along with a host of illegal activity while l am passed out inside.because this dangerous activity happens 90 percent of the time the rf May be remotely controlled. …
The TRUNK will not open. It is supposed to open by pressing the button on the key fob or taking the thin key out of the key fob and manually open the truck with the keyed lock. Neither method works. There is absolutely no way to open the trunk otherwise (i.e. inside button or lever). When the key fob button and the thin key do not work there is absolutely no way to open the truck. There is no way to access the lock from the trunk lid rear and there is no way to access the trunk from behind the back seat cushions. It is a very bad situation and dangerous.
The sunroof has a recall due to the fact that it has a bad seal, which could fly off due to this issue. I know the seal is bad because the whole roof leaked a few years ago and fried all the electronic; e.g. lights, sunroof controls, trunk light controls, side door controls. I went to the dealership and they said they would not fix it because they could not open the sunroof to see the manufacturer date on it.
*1. The Fuel Tank and components and/or system failed or malfunctioned. *2. After filling the gas tank, the odor of strong pungent gasoline fumes fills the cabin of the and lingers for some time in the car and garage until the gasoline level goes down after being driven for a few miles. *3The car has been taken to a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center and was told that the problem was the gas tank and system/components. *4.The car was inspected by a certified Mercedes Benz Dealership Service Center Mechanic *5. There were NO warning lamps or messages on the dashboard or message center on car. The only symptoms of the problem was the strong odor of gasoline fumes after fuel fill ups.
Everytime I get in my car, the battery is dead! I have purchased several brand new batteries, and the same thing! I purchased a new battery, and my wife and I went on vacation, and as we was headed back home, we began to smell a real foul oder! We stop to the gas station, and looked everywhere, but didn't see anything! As we continue to drive, and turned in the drive way the battery light came on! I opened the trunk, and there was the foul smell, and the battery was so hot it could have caught fire, luckily we was home
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
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (89), 2003 (21), 2005 (16), 2001 (13) and 2004 (13) model years. Electrical complaints make up 93% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E320 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › front underhood (38 mentions), followed by the wiring (24).
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.