VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 sits mid-pack among E320 years: 49 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (35% of the total).

49

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other E320 years?

E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted287 complaints1994: 19 complaints1995: 129 complaints1996: 62 complaints1997: 80 complaints1998: 51 complaints1999: 109 complaints2000: 81 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 27 complaints2003: 281 complaints2004: 243 complaints2005: 287 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 11 complaints
E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1735%
Fuel System918%
Airbags612%
Lighting48%
Electrical System36%
Suspension24%
Seat Belts24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

21V196000Visibility & WipersMarch 19, 2021 · 11,356 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVING EAST ON US 30 IN SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC ON WET PAVEMENT (DUE TO PREVIOUS RAIN) BETWEEN TORONITO STREET AND LOUCKS MILL ROAD IN YORK, PA, I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN TO STAY WITH THE TRAFFIC AND REALIZED THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING, I APPLIED FULL PRESSURE EXPECTING THE ABS TO ACTIVATE AND NOTHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 14, 2011 · crash

“PERSISTENT SMELL OF DIESEL IN CABIN AFTER FILLING TANK. LEAK ISOLATED TO RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) FUEL SENDER CAP UNDER REAR SEATS. SAME AS GASOLINE VERSIONS, THIS REALLY HAPPENS IN THE CDI OR DIESEL VERSIONS AS WELL. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION/RECALL SHOULD APPLY TO THESE CARS AS WELL!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 13, 2016

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT SAT. APRIL 9, 2016. I STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED DEAD STILL IN THE ROAD. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR BUT LESS THAN 45 MPH AND THE IMPACT WAS DEAD ON, NO GLANCING BLOW. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON A STATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 9, 2016 · crash

“IN MY OPINION, THE NHTSA DROPPED THE BALL WHEN THEY APPROVED THE HID AUTOMOBILE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM ON SOME NEWER MODEL CARS. THE GLARE THESE HEADLIGHTS PRODUCE IS VERY DISTURBING AND IN MY OPINION,THIS STANDARD SHOULD BE REVISITED AGAIN BY THE NHTSA, AND REVISED WITH NEW ANTI-GLARE PARAMETERS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 11, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING, WITH SHORT BEEPS , THE SBC IN MY W211 GIVES A SHORT WARNING AND FAILS COMPLETELY. IT IS VERY RISKY TO DRIVE AFTER THAT. WITH SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR THE RELIABILITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. IF THERE IS A RECALL IT WOULD HELP MANY OWNERS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 10, 2019

2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?

It is close to typical for the E320: 49 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 E320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E320 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.