VehicleVerdict

Mercedes-Benz E320 years to avoid

The Mercedes-Benz E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.

1,516

Total complaints

4

Recall campaigns

1994–2009

Years covered

5

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

E320 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2005High complaint rate287
2003High complaint rate281
2004High complaint rate243
1995High complaint rate129
1999High complaint rate109

Every E320 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
2009113
2008133
2007204
2006494
2005avoid2873
2004avoid2432
2003avoid2812
2002270
2001540
2000810
1999avoid1090
1998510
1997800
1996620
1995avoid1290
1994190

Common questions

What are the worst Mercedes-Benz E320 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest year on record is 2009.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E320?

By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among E320 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E320 have?

Across all model years, the E320 has 4 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,516 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.