Mercedes-Benz E500 years to avoid
The Mercedes-Benz E500 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.
546
Total complaints
4
Recall campaigns
2003–2009
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
E500 years to avoid
Every E500 year
Common questions
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz E500 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the E500 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003. The cleanest year on record is 2009.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E500?
By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among E500 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E500 have?
Across all model years, the E500 has 4 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 546 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.