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Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,835 complaints about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and electrical system. Mercedes-Benz has filed 27 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns for it, and there are 87 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the E-Class a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,835
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 27
- Filed by Mercedes-Benz
- Service campaigns
- 33
- Filed by Mercedes-Benz
- Safety recalls
- 87
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the E-Class with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | Electrical system (50%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 9 | Electrical system (67%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 | Electrical system (50%) | 5 | 10 |
| 2023 | 24 | Engine (29%) | 5 | 16 |
| 2022 | 22 | Electrical system (23%) | 8 | 17 |
| 2021 | 25 | Electrical system (32%) | 18 | 25 |
| 2020 | 23 | Engine (30%) | 15 | 19 |
| 2019 | 57 | Electrical system (21%) | 21 | 19 |
| 2018 | 68 | Engine (21%) | 16 | 17 |
| 2017 | 167 | Engine (24%) | 20 | 18 |
| 2016 | 89 | Airbags (34%) | 9 | 23 |
| 2015 | 55 | Airbags (24%) | 10 | 21 |
| 2014 | 303 | Airbags (19%) | 9 | 21 |
| 2013 | 186 | Airbags (30%) | 7 | 16 |
| 2012 | 235 | Airbags (39%) | 7 | 13 |
| 2011 | 296 | Airbags (48%) | 9 | 11 |
| 2010 | 258 | Airbags (39%) | 6 | 9 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single E-Class model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Mercedes-Benz filed with NHTSA for the E-Class, in its own words. A warranty extension means Mercedes-Benz pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Engine· model years 2018, 2023
Complaint Check Engine Light ON with DTC P012800 "The Coolant Temperature is Below the Specified Temperature" active and/or stored in the ME (N3/10).
- Warranty extensionFeb 2026· Engine· model years 2020–2023
Complaint -Check engine light illuminated. -Engine runs rough.
- Warranty extensionJan 2026· Engine· model years 2011–2018, 2020–2023
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage on the exhaust valve system in your vehicle from the original New…
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Electrical system· model years 2011–2025
Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231,…
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2019
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the coverage for the intake line assembly on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited…
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2025
Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction The partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line assembly) may not work…
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Fuel system· model years 2010–2023
IMPORTANT EMISSION EXTENDED WARRANTY INFORMATION In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC ("MBUSA") is extending the warranty coverage on the Fuel System Control…
- Warranty extensionDec 2023· Electrical system· model years 2020–2021, 2023
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC ("MBUSA") is extending the warranty coverage on the engine thermostat (including software update) installed in certain…
- Warranty extensionNov 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (âÂÂMBUSAâÂÂ) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit for Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) from…
- Warranty extensionOct 2023· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit for Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) from the…
- Warranty extensionOct 2023· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles certified as…
- Warranty extensionSep 2023· Engine· model years 2012–2016
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on March 10, 2023, and contains clarification on reimbursement timeline and removal of damage codes related to intake valves/guide.
- Warranty extensionSep 2023· Engine· model years 2012–2016
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA ("MBUSA") is extending the coverage for the exhaust valve assembly on your vehicle as follows: Why the warranty extension?
- Warranty extensionAug 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2019
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (âMBUSAâ) is extending the warranty coverage on the intake line assembly in certain Model Year (âMYâ) vehicles…
- Warranty extensionJul 2023· Fuel system· model years 2012–2020
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (âMBUSAâ) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel supply hose in certain Model Year (âMYâ) vehicles listed…
- Warranty extensionMay 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2017
This extended warranty applies to the following condition that may necessitate the repair or replacement of the catalytic converter system and is related to: ⢠A check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (âMILâ) may illuminate due to sulfur contamination in the catalyst.
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership.
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2016
Why the warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2011-2016 CL/CLS/S/E/ML/SL/G/GL/GLE-Class vehicles with V8 engines, the exhaust valve assembly might not work properly and result in an engine misfire and potential illumination of the check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2016
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (âMBUSAâ) is extending the warranty coverage on the exhaust valve system in certain Model Year (âMYâ) vehicles…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Body and structure· model years 2010–2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership.
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Body and structure· model years 2010–2016
To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the âBurl Walnut Trimâ in model year 2010 to…
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2015–2019
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has extended the warranty for the accelerator pedal wiring harness and connectors from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles for certain Model Year (“MY”)…
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Electrical system· model years 2016–2019
Mercedes-Benz AG (âMBAGâ), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has extended the warranty for the accelerator pedal wiring harness and connectors from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles for certain Model Year…
Manufacturer reference ELW-AccelPedal: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Warranty extensionJun 2022· Engine· model years 2018–2019
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the coverage for the ignition coil on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4…
- Warranty extensionAug 2021· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2017–2018
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on July 30, 2021 and includes an additional population (33) of certain MY 2018 Baumusters covered under this extended warranty.
- Warranty extensionNov 2020· Engine· model years 2013–2016
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: The purpose of this letter is to advise you of additional benefits that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is providing to you regarding your vehicle ownership.
- Warranty extensionJan 2015· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2013–2018
In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has decided to extend the warranty for certain fuel tank components in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
- Service campaignSep 2026· Electrical system· model years 2026
Service Campaign 2026090004: An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will inspect the coolant pump electrical connector on your vehicle and, if necessary, secure it properly.
Manufacturer reference CL-Check and Correct Cool: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignMay 2025· Engine· model years 2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the ME-SFI control unit software does not meet current production specifications. As a result, a check engine malfunction indicator lamp might erroneously be triggered.
- Service campaignJan 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2024 E-Class and CLE-Class (214, 236 platform) vehicles, the software for the MBUX control unit and the head unit does not correspond to the current series production configuration.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every E-Class model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags514 (28%)
- Electrical system204 (11%)
- Other or unspecified191 (10%)
- Engine164 (9%)
- Suspension145 (8%)
- Fuel and propulsion136 (7%)
- Brakes131 (7%)
- Body and structure110 (6%)
Safety recalls
87 recalls cover at least one E-Class model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
The transmission wiring harness may be routed too close to the front driveshaft, which can result in wiring harness damage and cause a loss of drive power.
The 12-Volt and 48-Volt ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connections overheating.
The tires were incorrectly marked with the wrong maximum inflation pressure and may not meet the strength requirements for the stated pressure.
The camber strut bracket may have been improperly welded onto the rear axle carrier, possibly resulting in separation of the bracket from the rear axle carrier.
A software error in the MBUX multimedia system may deactivate certain vehicle systems, including the cross-traffic alert that applies the brakes automatically in certain driving situations.
The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production.
The transmission wiring harness may be routed too close to the driveshaft, which can result in wiring harness damage and cause a loss of drive power.
The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
The 48-volt ground cable connection located in the engine compartment may not be tightened properly and may result in the ground cable overheating.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Due to a software error, the exit warning system audio and visual warnings may fail to alert occupants about approaching vehicles.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric…
And 72 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2017
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- DP20004Defect petition· opened Apr 2020, closed Oct 2020· Brakes· model years 2010–2015
Rear brake line failure
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,835 owner complaints, 27 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns Mercedes-Benz filed, and 87 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2014 (303), 2011 (296), 2010 (258). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (28%), electrical system (11%), other or unspecified (10%). Mercedes-Benz has filed 27 warranty extensions covering the E-Class, listed on this page.
Which E-Class model years have the most complaints?
2014 (303), 2011 (296), 2010 (258). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the E-Class with each other rather than with other models.
Has Mercedes-Benz extended the warranty on the E-Class?
Yes: engine (model years 2018, 2023); engine (model years 2020–2023); engine (model years 2011–2018, 2020–2023), and 24 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a E-Class?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 87 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.