Mercedes-Benz E-Class: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to approach with the most caution are 2005 and 2006. The strongest years in our data are 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Recommended 7 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.; Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.; Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.' Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.; Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.; Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.' Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.; Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.; Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.' Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.; Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.; Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.' Full report ↗
2024 Caution 6 The heavily digital MBUX cabin shows software/electrical bugs and recurring fault messages in early-build cars.; Driver-assistance can misbehave, lane-keep that will not disengage on command and false 'emergency assist' activations.; A mild-hybrid/12V battery-related recall affects early cars; confirm the remedy was performed. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.; Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.; Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.' Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines.; A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals.; COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.; Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.; Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines.; A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals.; COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.; Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.; Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.; Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.; Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 5 Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.; Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.; Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.; Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 4 Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.; Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 4 Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.; Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 4 Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.; Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.; Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.; Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 4 Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.; Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.; Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes. Full report ↗
2006 Avoid 3 Fuel-tank, filler-neck and fuel-level-sensor seals can fail and leak gasoline near the rear of the car, producing a strong fuel odor and a fire risk.; Sensotronic (SBC) electro-hydraulic brakes can trigger a 'brake malfunction' warning and lose braking assist or pressure, requiring SBC-unit replacement (covered by an extended Mercedes warranty).; Underbody, subframe and suspension components corrode in salt-belt climates as the car ages. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 3 Fuel-tank, filler-neck and fuel-level-sensor seals can fail and leak gasoline near the rear of the car, producing a strong fuel odor and a fire risk.; Sensotronic (SBC) electro-hydraulic brakes can trigger a 'brake malfunction' warning and lose braking assist or pressure, requiring SBC-unit replacement (covered by an extended Mercedes warranty).; Underbody, subframe and suspension components corrode in salt-belt climates as the car ages. Full report ↗

Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems by year

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

All-new W214 with 48V inline powertrains and a heavily digital cabin. Early reports center on software/MBUX bugs, a mild-hybrid battery recall and over-eager driver-assist. Refined and modern but unproven; high running costs apply.

  • The heavily digital MBUX cabin shows software/electrical bugs and recurring fault messages in early-build cars.
  • Driver-assistance can misbehave, lane-keep that will not disengage on command and false 'emergency assist' activations.
  • A mild-hybrid/12V battery-related recall affects early cars; confirm the remedy was performed.

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Recommended

Final W213 sedan year and the cleanest of the generation, with minimal complaints and no sedan recalls reported. Excellent comfort, cabin and safety; the main caution is the cost of insurance, premium fuel and repairs.

  • 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
  • Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
  • Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'

2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Recommended

Late W213, refined and with a light complaint record, a comfortable, well-equipped and safe luxury sedan that holds up well used. The ongoing cost is ownership (insurance, premium fuel, repairs), not reliability.

  • 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
  • Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
  • Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Recommended

Facelifted W213 with updated MBUX and few reported problems beyond an addressed 2.0T misfire TSB and occasional 12V-battery faults. One of the better-rounded used E-Class years; expect premium-fuel and high-insurance costs.

  • 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
  • Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
  • Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Recommended

Mature W213 with a low complaint count and the generation's issues largely resolved, a strong used pick for comfort, technology and safety. The trade-off is high insurance, premium fuel and luxury repairs, not dependability.

  • 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
  • Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
  • Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

W213 gains 48V mild-hybrid engines and shows a much lighter complaint record. A refined, tech-rich and safe luxury sedan; the main caution is Mercedes-tier running and repair costs, not reliability.

  • 12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
  • Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
  • Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Second-year W213 with launch glitches easing but engine, infotainment and transmission complaints still present. Class-leading comfort, cabin and safety tech; budget for premium fuel, high insurance and costly repairs.

  • Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines.
  • A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals.
  • COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Launch W213 with the generation's highest complaint count: engine cold-start/emissions faults, COMAND/MBUX screen freezes, 9G-Tronic 'reversing not possible' and cabin fuel odor. Impressive but teething-prone; later years are safer.

  • Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines.
  • A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals.
  • COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty.

2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Final W212 year and the most refined of the generation, with the lowest complaint volume. Corrosion and electronics are the watch items; a comfortable, well-sorted luxury sedan if maintained, but expensive to run.

  • Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.
  • Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.
  • Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages.

2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Facelift W212 with a much lighter complaint record than early years, though brake-line corrosion and electrical faults still appear. Refined and safe; high insurance, premium fuel and Mercedes repair costs apply.

  • Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.
  • Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.
  • Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Facelifted W212: corroded brake lines, steering-column-module and electrical complaints lead the record, especially in salt regions. Strong and comfortable, but inspect underbody corrosion and budget for costly upkeep.

  • Rear brake lines can corrode and leak in salt-belt cars, sometimes before 100k miles, reducing braking performance.
  • Electrical faults, speakers, displays, wiring and occasional smoke reports, appear as the cars age.
  • Steering-column control-module and electronics faults can cause choppy steering assist or warning messages.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Late pre-facelift W212 with fewer but still notable Takata airbag and suspension/corrosion reports. More dependable as bugs settled; running costs stay high and salt-belt rust is the thing to inspect.

  • Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.
  • Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

W212 still carries significant Takata airbag and suspension complaints. A refined, well-built sedan, but verify recall completion and budget for luxury-tier maintenance, insurance and premium fuel.

  • Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.
  • Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

W212 with the generation's heaviest Takata airbag complaint volume, plus rear-subframe corrosion and suspension issues. Confirm the airbag recall is done; expect high insurance, premium fuel and pricey repairs.

  • Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.
  • Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Launch W212: Takata airbag recall and Airmatic/suspension faults dominate, with early engine/transmission-mount wear. More solid and refined than the W211 but recall- and upkeep-heavy.

  • Frontal Takata airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; confirm the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The rear subframe/crossmember and rear lateral-arm mounts can rust through in salt regions, a structural safety concern.
  • Airmatic air-suspension struts and the compressor can leak or fail, an expensive repair.

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Final W211 year and the most sorted of the generation, with fewer reported defects but ongoing corrosion, suspension wear and expensive Mercedes upkeep. Buy only well-maintained, inspected examples.

  • Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.
  • Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.
  • Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes.

2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Late W211: fuel-leak and rust complaints persist as cars age, though the worst SBC era is behind it. A smooth, well-equipped cruiser that needs careful inspection and premium-fuel, high-insurance budgeting.

  • Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.
  • Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.
  • Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes.

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Caution

Facelifted W211 dropped the troublesome SBC brakes, but fuel-system leaks, suspension/control-arm wear and corrosion still mark the record. Better than 2005-06 yet a costly, maintenance-heavy luxury sedan.

  • Fuel-tank and fuel-level-sensor seal leaks continue, leaking gasoline near the rear of the vehicle with a strong fuel smell and fire risk.
  • Control arms, ball joints and bushings wear before 100k miles, and Airmatic-equipped cars can develop air-suspension leaks.
  • Some early 3.5L M272 V6 engines suffer premature balance-shaft/idler-gear wear that throws timing/camshaft fault codes.

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avoid

Last SBC-equipped W211: catastrophic-brake-warning failures and fuel-system leaks remain the headline issues alongside corrosion and electrical faults. Inspect brakes and fuel tank; repair, insurance and premium-fuel costs are high.

  • Fuel-tank, filler-neck and fuel-level-sensor seals can fail and leak gasoline near the rear of the car, producing a strong fuel odor and a fire risk.
  • Sensotronic (SBC) electro-hydraulic brakes can trigger a 'brake malfunction' warning and lose braking assist or pressure, requiring SBC-unit replacement (covered by an extended Mercedes warranty).
  • Underbody, subframe and suspension components corrode in salt-belt climates as the car ages.

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Avoid

First W211 years: notorious SBC electro-hydraulic brake failures and fuel-tank/level-sensor leaks dominate the record, plus age-related rust. A reliability low point with safety-relevant defects and luxury-tier running costs.

  • Fuel-tank, filler-neck and fuel-level-sensor seals can fail and leak gasoline near the rear of the car, producing a strong fuel odor and a fire risk.
  • Sensotronic (SBC) electro-hydraulic brakes can trigger a 'brake malfunction' warning and lose braking assist or pressure, requiring SBC-unit replacement (covered by an extended Mercedes warranty).
  • Underbody, subframe and suspension components corrode in salt-belt climates as the car ages.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mercedes-Benz models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.