Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems, complaints & recalls by model year
Across 7 model years (2018–2024), NHTSA has logged 230 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That averages 5.9 complaints per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (index 0.14 against all tracked vehicles). Within the Luxury sedans segment it ranks #5 of 6 for fewest complaints per year; the segment average is 5.1.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Analysis
The trend is flat. Measured on complaints filed in the first two years on the road and compared with other vehicles of the same model year, the 2023 and 2024 models are within 7% of the 2018 and 2019 models (12 early complaints per model year versus 12).
The 2024 model year has the highest rate (9.3 complaints per year) and the 2020 model year the lowest (3.0). Model years 2020 and 2021 sit well below the model's average.
Across all tracked model years the most common problem area is Electrical (20.9% of complaints), followed by Engine (20.0%) and Interior & equipment (12.6%). Recurring terms in owner reports: “run flat”, “amg”, “flat tires”, “rim” and “malfunction”. 18 complaints (7.8%) describe a crash or fire; across all model years owners report 15 injuries and 0 deaths.
In the last 12 months owners filed 49 complaints versus 40 in the previous 12 months — a steady pace. The 2024 model year generated the most recent reports (15). Across model years, half of all reported incidents occur within 30 months of the model year's start.
No safety recall is on record for the tracked model years. No NHTSA defect investigation covers the tracked model years.
Segment peers with fewer complaints per year include Lexus ES, BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4; Mercedes-Benz C-Class have more.
Model years at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Complaints per year on the road | Complaint index | Complaints in first 2 years on the road | vs. same-year average | Last 12 months | Recalls | Most common issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66 | 7.6 | 0.18 | 15 | 0.17 | 8 | 0 | Engine | View › |
| 2019 | 54 | 7.0 | 0.17 | 10 | 0.12 | 7 | 0 | Electrical | View › |
| 2020 Fewest complaints | 20 | 3.0 | 0.07 | 5 | 0.09 | 3 | 0 | Engine | View › |
| 2021 | 20 | 3.5 | 0.08 | 7 | 0.11 | 4 | 0 | Engine | View › |
| 2022 | 21 | 4.5 | 0.11 | 13 | 0.18 | 4 | 0 | Fuel system | View › |
| 2023 | 24 | 6.5 | 0.15 | 12 | 0.14 | 8 | 0 | Engine | View › |
| 2024 | 25 | 9.3 | 0.22 | 12 | 0.17 | 15 | 0 | Electrical | View › |
1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road. Complaints in first 2 years on the road: vs. same-year average. How we count
Trend · vs. same-year average
Complaints in first 2 years on the road ÷ All-vehicle average (1.00)
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 49 · Previous 12 months: 40 Steady
Problem areas
Interior & equipment
29 · 12.6% · 1.41 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- sunroof6
- exploded5
- interior4
- remaining3
Wheels, tires & suspension
20 · 8.7% · 3.49 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- rim10
- run flat7
- tire14
- ssr4
Transmission / powertrain
17 · 7.4% · 0.64 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- shifted5
- neutral4
- class3
- transmission6
Airbags & seat belts
15 · 6.5% · 1.71 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- retract4
- seatbelt5
- fastened3
- seat belts4
Body & structure
14 · 6.1% · 0.66 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- hinges3
- door6
- open5
- glass4
Fuel system
11 · 4.8% · 1.11 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- system gasoline6
- fuel system6
- recall8
- included4
Driver-assist systems
10 · 4.3% · 0.76 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- flat3
- run3
- tires3
- braking4
Steering
9 · 3.9% · 0.6 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- steering8
- available5
- wheel4
- notification3
Brakes
8 · 3.5% · 0.57 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
- forward4
- emergency3
- brake4
- front3
Lighting
2 · 0.9% · 0.56 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
Other
1 · 0.4% · 0.24 vs. all vehicles · Too few recent reports to judge
Only problem areas with at least 40 complaints get their own page.
Common terms in reports
- run flat9
- amg9
- flat tires8
- rim11
- malfunction21
- mbusa5
- class12
- inoperative8
Vehicle age at incident
Median age at incident: 30 months
What owners report
While traveling at highway speeds with adaptive cruise control safety systems engaged, the vehicle failed to detect a hazard immediately ahead in its lane.
As I was entering the vehicle and getting into my seat, my right ring finger became caught in the passenger-side window as it was closing.
An Intoxalock ignition interlock device was installed in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on May 7, 2026. Following installation, the vehicle experienced repeated electrical/no-start problems and incidents in which it became immobilized and could not be moved…
Engine misfires, lower engine power, and a lit check engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Mercedes-Benz issued an Emission Service Campaign (No.
I own a 2022 Mercedes-Benz E350. The front glass roof panel located directly above the windshield developed a large crack while the vehicle was parked.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Segment peers · Luxury sedans
| # | Models | Complaints | Complaints per year on the road | Complaint index | Trend | Recent activity | Recalls | Most common issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus ES | 137 | 3.4 | 0.08 | Stable | Falling | 4 | Airbags & seat belts |
| 2 | BMW 5 Series | 184 | 4.0 | 0.09 | Improving | Steady | 1 | Airbags & seat belts |
| 3 | BMW 3 Series | 219 | 4.6 | 0.11 | Stable | Rising | 1 | Engine |
| 4 | Audi A4 | 251 | 5.6 | 0.13 | Worsening | Falling | 12 | Electrical |
| 5 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 230 | 5.9 | 0.14 | Stable | Steady | 0 | Electrical |
| 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 331 | 7.5 | 0.18 | Improving | Steady | 0 | Engine |
Recalls by year received
No recalls on record for this model year.
- Campaigns: 0
- Do-not-drive / park-outside: 0
- Over-the-air fix: 0
Safety recalls: 2018 (0) · 2019 (0) · 2020 (0) · 2021 (0) · 2022 (0) · 2023 (0) · 2024 (0)
Investigations
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year has the most complaints?
The 2024 model year has the highest rate (9.3 complaints per year) and the 2020 model year the lowest (3.0).
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class getting better or worse?
The trend is flat. Measured on complaints filed in the first two years on the road and compared with other vehicles of the same model year, the 2023 and 2024 models are within 7% of the 2018 and 2019 models (12 early complaints per model year versus 12). In the last 12 months owners filed 49 complaints versus 40 in the previous 12 months — a steady pace.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
Across all tracked model years the most common problem area is Electrical (20.9% of complaints), followed by Engine (20.0%) and Interior & equipment (12.6%). Recurring terms in owner reports: “run flat”, “amg”, “flat tires”, “rim” and “malfunction”.
How does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class compare with other Luxury sedans?
Within the Luxury sedans segment it ranks #5 of 6 for fewest complaints per year; the segment average is 5.1. Segment peers with fewer complaints per year include Lexus ES, BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4; Mercedes-Benz C-Class have more.
Does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls or open investigations?
No safety recall is on record for the tracked model years. No NHTSA defect investigation covers the tracked model years.