2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranged from $54,050 to $107,350 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
Known issues
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12V battery drain/failure and assorted electrical faults, cameras, displays and warning messages, are the main reports.
occasional · 7 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Some 2.0L turbo-four cars develop cylinder misfires (addressed by a Mercedes TSB) that can trigger limp mode.
occasional · 6 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Rear and forward cameras and driver-assist sensors can intermittently read 'system inoperative.'
isolated · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Class-leading cabin, a hushed and serene ride, and supportive long-haul seats.
- Smooth, refined turbocharged and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains.
- Excellent safety scores and standard active-safety equipment.
- Dual-screen MBUX/COMAND tech and a strong suite of driver-assistance features.
Cons
- High insurance, premium fuel and expensive repairs keep running costs steep.
- Early 2017-2018 cars had infotainment, engine and transmission glitches.
- Heavy depreciation, strong value used but a poor value bought new.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E350 | $54,050 | discontinued | — | — |
| E450 4MATIC | $61,550 | discontinued | — | — |
| AMG E53 | $73,800 | discontinued | — | — |
| AMG E63 S | $107,350 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-mercedes__benz-e__class-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($54,050). Higher trims started higher (up to $107,350), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 34% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mercedes-benz-e-class/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $750–800/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $3,000–3,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mercedes-benz/e350
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/mercedes-benz-insurance/mercedes-benz-e-cl…
- rallyemotors.comhttps://www.rallyemotors.com/mercedes-reliability-mileage/
- mbloveland.comhttps://www.mbloveland.com/blog-how-many-miles-mercedes-benz-lasts-loveland/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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.'. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
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.
How much did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost new?
Between $54,050 and $107,350 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $750–800/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.