Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 38% | 123,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 40% | 120,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 29% | 155,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% | 145,000 miles |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% | 91,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 22% | 103,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 11% | 150,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 14% | 155,000 miles |
| 1999 | 18 | 22% | 64,000 miles |
| 1998 | 10 | 27% | 67,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% | 95,000 miles |
| 1995 | 10 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. On another occasion while driving 30 MPH, the contact stated that he noticed smoking coming from the front of the vehicle with an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and examine the vehicle but found no failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was unsure what needed to be repaired; but the contact stated that the failure was with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed turbo valve and a failed exhaust system. The contact was informed that the turbo valve and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
While trying to merge into highway traffic (i94 in michigan) I pressed the accelerator to gain speed to merge only to find that the engine lacked any power, the rpms rose slowly but there was little to no acceleration. I was told (by Mercedes dealer) that this is a known issue and in this case it almost caused my death. If this is a know issue why are our lives being put at risk because of a poorly designed part?
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mercedes Benz e230. The contact stated that when attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to shift from first gear and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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
Car shut off randomly by going safe mode while driving, constant break warning in bright red " break visit workshop" I went to multiple shops and a consistent electrical issue but, problem to be determined, car has been checked multiple times before I purchased it from the used car dealer with the SRS light on, I did not know what it was. The car has had the alternator replaced 3 times, both batteries twice, one short was found in faulty wiring harness in truck being pinched. The dealer would deny sbc unit recall every time I called fletcher jones, and only gave me the option to pay them for a diagnosis and then they will determine if its faulty instead of my life being risked as well as those around me I finally tracked down the number for corporate and I got conformation from Mercedes corporate say my VIN was included in the list. …
NHTSA investigations
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (18), 2005 (17), 1995 (10), 1998 (10) and 2003 (10) model years. Engine complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E320 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (15 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (13).
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.