1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 109 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median E320 year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 16 E320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (19), airbags (17), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
109
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
13
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other E320 years?
What are the most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 17 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 10 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER 1999 E320 HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH 110,000 MILES ON IT. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 55,000 MILES. BEFORE THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE HAD A TIRE LEAK AND A DEFECTIVE LAMP ASSEMBLY. *JB”
“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN A SUV SLAMMED IN REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD A SEAT BELT TENSIONER THAT DIDN'T LOCK. CONSUMER PUSHED THE SEAT BACK TRYING TO PREPARE FOR AIR BAGA WHICH THE DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER STATED AIR BAGS ACTED AS…”
“CONSUMER 1999 E320 HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH 110,000 MILES ON IT. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 55,000 MILES. BEFORE THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE HAD A TIRE LEAK AND A DEFECTIVE LAMP ASSEMBLY. *JB”
“THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *NLM THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMER TRIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE INTO…”
“8/31/18 IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE (FROM A FIRE BUT NO FLAME WAS SEEN) I HAD TO OPEN ALL WINDOWS TO BREATH AND SEE. MY HOME WAS WITHIN SIGHT SO I DROVE TO THE MIDDLE OF MY LAWN AWAY FROM ANY BUILDING, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHUT DOWN. I AS QUICKLY AS…”
1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 109 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 16 E320 years. It is one of the E320 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 E320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), airbags (17 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.
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.