Common problems
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated March 2026
- Owner complaints
- 469
- Top recurring issue
- Electrical System
- Crash reports
- 16
- Fire reports
- 18
8 model years
7 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
27 injuries · 0 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Mercedes-Benz E-Class problem categories
Electrical System
82complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2018.
Unknown Or Other
62complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2018.
Engine
49complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2018.
Power Train
32complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2018.
Steering
32complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.
Back Over Prevention
18complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2019.
Seat Belts
30complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.
Service Brakes
3complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.
Wheels
8complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.
Tires
5complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2023.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, primarily involving the digital dashboard going blank and backup camera failures. These issues often occur around 23,000 to 45,000 miles. Symptoms include the dashboard intermittently losing display of critical driving information and backup cameras becoming unresponsive or displaying error symbols. Some complaints also mention alternator failures leading to vehicle shutdowns and electronic safety assist systems becoming inoperable, posing potential safety risks such as loss of vehicle control. These problems are noted to impact the vehicle's reliability and safety, with repairs sometimes being costly.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report several issues, with a frequent pattern involving the crankcase ventilation system error, specifically triggering a P052E code, which affects the fuel mixture. Another common problem is the sudden explosion of the sunroof, described by multiple owners as occurring without impact or warning, leading to glass shattering inside the vehicle. Some owners also mention water leakage into the driver's side, resulting in significant water accumulation and potential electrical damage. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges and can pose safety risks, such as loss of control due to sunroof failure or electrical system malfunctions due to water damage. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems and verify if these specific issues have been addressed in any prospective purchase.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class frequently report issues related to the electrical system, particularly involving the transmission wire harness and instrument cluster malfunctions. Complaints describe transmission harness failures leading to safety concerns, and some owners note that instrument clusters can randomly turn off, which affects visibility of speed and gear indicators, especially at night. Additionally, a few owners mention problems with the vehicle starting independently and unintended acceleration. These issues typically arise around 20,000 miles, with some owners experiencing persistent problems despite multiple dealership visits. Safety implications include reduced visibility of critical driving information and potential unintended vehicle movements.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class most commonly report issues related to technology and connectivity, with complaints about discontinued cellular services affecting remote start and safety features via the Mercedes-Me app. There are also reports of physical safety hazards, such as a fire incident when the vehicle was parked in a garage and an injury from peeling chrome plating on the cupholder. Additionally, some owners mention visibility concerns related to side mirrors and unexpected behavior from proximity sensors in car washes. These issues can have safety implications, including potential fire hazards and physical injuries, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
SEAT BELTS
Owners report two primary seat belt issues with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The first involves seat belts that do not retract properly, while the second pertains to the vehicle's failure to detect properly fastened seat belts, triggering persistent audible and visual alerts. Complaints frequently mention that this detection issue can affect both driver and passenger seats and occurs randomly, with one owner noting it began around 25,000 miles. Some owners express concern about safety implications, as the malfunction could potentially impact airbag deployment. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues for prospective buyers to consider.
STEERING
Owners report issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class related to steering, specifically citing delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. Complaints frequently mention a lack of available replacement parts for steering-related recalls, leading to extended wait times without resolution. Additionally, some owners describe noises associated with the automatic steering wheel adjustment, such as clunking sounds. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or loss of control are reported, the unresolved nature of these issues and the potential for steering-related malfunctions could be of concern to potential buyers. These complaints do not specify a consistent mileage range or timeline for when these issues typically arise.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report several electrical system issues, with a focus on infotainment and instrument panel malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention screens freezing or going dark, loss of exterior lighting, and unresponsive controls, often occurring shortly after vehicle delivery or within the first 10 miles of driving. Additionally, multiple owners describe incidents of unintended acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers, resulting in crashes with no prior warning signals or safety system activations. The reported mileage for these issues varies, with some occurring as early as 9,600 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding loss of vehicle control and the failure of safety systems to engage.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Complaints frequently mention battery-related problems, including failures of both the 12V and 48V batteries, with one incident resulting in a vehicle fire. Symptoms described include warning messages, loss of power, and vehicles becoming inoperable, often requiring towing. These issues appear at low mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,400 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of loss of control and near accidents due to sudden power loss, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
When problems are reported to begin
- Electrical system failures — 0–10 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Door latch failures — 9,000–10,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Engine stalling — 0–10,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
- Power train shifting issues — 300–1,750 miles on the 2023 model-year record
- Sunroof explosions — 87,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Fuel system failures — 14,000–15,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
- Transmission failures — 15,000–22,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
- 48V battery failures — 196–3,400 miles on the 2021 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Test infotainment system for freezing or blacking out during operation
- Inspect for unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
- Check for door latch functionality and ensure doors close securely
- Inspect Pirelli tires for sidewall bubbles and air leakage
- Verify power steering functionality and check for related warning messages
- Check for panoramic sunroof integrity and signs of stress or damage
- Inspect tires for signs of wear or damage and verify correct tire pressure
- Test engine start and stop functionality at low speeds
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Mercedes-Benz E-Class data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Mercedes-Benz E-Class research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Mercedes-Benz E-Class research FAQ
What is the most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class problem?
Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 7 years with 82 complaints represented.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class year has the most reported problems?
The 2018 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Mercedes-Benz E-Class you are considering.
