2013 Mercedes-Benz E-class: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-class has 740 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes. Owners most often flag m272 engine balance shaft failure (2009-2011 e350): frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

740
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
64
Crash reports
16
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-class vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2013 a good year for the E-class?

Across the 12 E-class model years we track, complaint volume runs from 31 (2024) to 897 (2014). With 740 complaints, the 2013 E-class sits abovethe model's median of 110.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
224
service brakes
136
structure
88
engine
68
suspension
64

What owners report on the W212 E-class

Owners overwhelmingly praise the W212 as one of the best-looking and most reliable modern Mercedes-Benz generations, often calling it "timeless" and "peak Mercedes." The pre-facelift (2009-2013) is admired for its angular, aggressive design and nod to classic

  • M272 engine balance shaft failure (2009-2011 E350): Frequency: recurrent
  • M272 head bolt/gasket failures (2009-2011): Frequency: isolated
  • Oil cooler leaks: Frequency: recurrent
  • NOx sensor and AdBlue faults (diesel models): Frequency: recurrent
  • Rear subframe corrosion: Frequency: recurrent (covered by Mercedes warranty extension)

Owner insights for the W212 E-class. Read the full W212 owner report.

Other E-class model years

Compare every E-class year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the E-class against its rivals