2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 sits mid-pack among E320 years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (26% of the total).
54
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other E320 years?
What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 6 | 11% | — flat |
| Lighting | 5 | 9% | — flat |
| Suspension | 4 | 7% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY. COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE IN 10-15 MINUTES. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. I BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT INDUCED THE FIRE BUT UNABLE TO BE SURE. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A NEAR HEAD ON COLLISION. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 40 MPH WITH SECONDARY VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH. SECONDARY VEHICLE IMPACTED THE MERCEDES NEARLY HEAD ON. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THE MERCEDES. THE MERCEDES WILL PROBABLY BE A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO DAMAGE…”
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT WORK AND ABOUT TO COME TO A STAND STILL AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED JUMPED THE CURB AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THERE WAS LEAKAGE OF RADIATOR FLUID ON THE…”
“2001 MERCEDES BENZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPLAINT CONCERNING CLOUDING OF THE HEADLIGHTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $450 TO REPLACE TWO POLYCARBONATE HEADLIGHT COVERS. THE CONSUMER FOUND ANOTHER COMPANY TO REPLACE THEM FOR $100. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED SHORTLY…”
“ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY. COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE IN 10-15 MINUTES. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. I BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT INDUCED THE FIRE BUT UNABLE TO BE SURE. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD…”
2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?
It is close to typical for the E320: 54 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2001 E320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).
Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320.
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.