VehicleVerdict

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 61 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median E-Class year — the 2000 model ranks #2 of 23 E-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), engine (8), and steering (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

61

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other E-Class years?

E-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted69 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 9 complaints1994: 46 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 18 complaints1997: 43 complaints1998: 31 complaints1999: 20 complaints2000: 61 complaints2001: 33 complaints2002: 8 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 19 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 11 complaints2008: 5 complaints
E-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1321%
Engine813%
Steering610%
Body & Structure58%
Suspension47%
Transmission47%
Fuel System47%
Lighting47%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Brakes35%
Other23%
Latches & Locks23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Airbags12%

Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01I005000AirbagsApril 15, 2001 · 2,038 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.

Remedy

MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD WITHOUT THE USE OF POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES. FINALLY STARTED AND DID NOT STALL AGAIN. NEXT DAY, SAME THING HAPPENED. WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE CRANK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 2008

“VEHICLE LOST BELT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. CONSUMER COULD STILL DRIVE CAR BUT POWER STEERING WAS LOST. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SERVICE ROAD. THEN, VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE SERPENTINE BELT MELTED AND FELL OFF. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY/ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 16, 2005

“CONSUMER STATED STEERING WHEEL WAS RUBBING/SQUEAKING WHEN MAKING TURNS, THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING GEAR BOX AND STEERING RACK. *JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 8, 2001

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES E 320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY PANEL ON THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACTS PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHIN A YEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 16, 2005

“I BOUGHT A USED MERCEDES BENZ E320 IN JULY 2004. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE FUSES REPLACED. FOR SOME REASON, THE LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS A FUSE PROBLEM OR IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I BELIEVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 8, 2004

2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — common questions

Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 61 complaints put the 2000 model at #2 of 23 E-Class years. It is one of the E-Class years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 E-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (8 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-Class years to avoid are 2003, 2000, 1994, 1997, 2001, 1998. The cleanest record among E-Class years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.