Avoid: 2014, 2013, 2011, 2006 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2002 · Best recent: 2021
22 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the Mercedes-Benz E-class has 6,818 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and air bags. 2014 drew the most complaints (912), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (40).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz E-class vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $14,000–$30,990.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2019 | 113 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2017 | 167 |
| 2016 | 178 |
| 2015 | 171 |
| 2014 | 912 |
| 2013 | 744 |
| 2012 | 470 |
| 2011 | 592 |
| 2010 | 258 |
| 2009 | 85 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2007 | 435 |
| 2006 | 537 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2004 | 483 |
| 2003 | 466 |
| 2002 | 48 |
Highest: 2014 (912 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (40).
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and ownership context.
Includes expensive routine servicing, premium fuel requirement, costly parts (e.g., wiper motor, brake lines, air suspension components), and labor.
Primarily on wagon/estate models and higher trims; cited as a potential four-figure repair, especially around 120,000 miles.
On a 2023 model, noted as wired-only and not full-screen, resulting in a letterboxed display.
Noted as having more components (arms, bushes) than mainstream cars, leading to higher repair complexity and cost.
In the E300de wagon, the battery reduces boot space, though it remains workable.
Owner insights cover all generations of the E-class. Individual model years are broken down above.
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