VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other E320 years?

E320 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E320 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine538%
Suspension323%
Fuel System215%
Steering215%
Body & Structure18%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

3 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.

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.

“ENGINE DEVELOPED CATASTROPHIC OIL LEAK. OIL LEAKED FROM OIL COOLER SEALS. I WAS INFORMED BY MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE SEALS WERE REDESIGNED. THE ORIGINAL SEALS WERE MADE OF AN ORANGE RUBBER MATERIAL AND THE REPLACEMENT SEALS ARE MADE OF A PURPLE VITON MATERIAL. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 30, 2013

“LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT PARTS MANUFACTURED BY FEQ AND SUPPLIED THRU WORLDPAC ARE SUSPECTED TO BE DEFECTIVE. PARTS HAVE 18K MILES ON THEM AND ARE AT A FAILURE POINT. ALTHOUGH WE ARE UNUSBLE TO DETERMINE IF A PART FAILURE FROM DESIGN AND MANUFACTURER OR FROM IMPACT DAMAGE TO SUPPORTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 25, 2017

“ON TWO SEPARATE OCASSIONS, ABOUT 4 WEEKS APART STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING A NEAR ACCIDENT ON MERCEDES E CLASS. DEALER CLAIMED THIS WAS A RARE OCASSION. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE DEALER SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME I WAS BILLED ABOUT $1,000. I AM GOING TO BE BILLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 14, 2014

“The vehicle previously underwent a sunroof recall repair; however, the repair appears to have been performed improperly. The sunroof seal was never replaced as required, which has resulted in ongoing water intrusion. The vehicle now shows two visible areas on the body with paint bubbling and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 1, 2026

2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 E320 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.