2006 Mercedes Benz E320

Routine

Owners filed 41 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Mercedes Benz E320 years to avoid. Which Mercedes Benz E320 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
91,468 milesMedian miles at failure

33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Mercedes Benz E320 problems

16 of the 41 complaints (39%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes15
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000
Air Bags · airbags4
202
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Fuel System, Diesel · fuel system2
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights2
000
Visibility1
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Tires1
000
Suspension1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly24V874000
Filed Nov 19, 202433,456 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly22V954000
Filed Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly21V196000
Filed Mar 19, 202111,356 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly19V918000
Filed Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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

Risk. 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.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2021TX

Vehicle had a blow out on highway. Pull onto right shoulder doing about 60mph. Pressed the brakes and would not stop. Kept pressing brake and pumping the brakes and would not stop. was going around 50mph on the shoulder. After 15 seconds of pressing the brakes, car decided to brake. Checked brake lines, brake fluid and everything was correct and not leaking and drove the car back home slowly with spare on. ESP and ABS error came on. No other warning came on.

Visibility
Filed Jul 1, 2020MN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 202065,000 milesID

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.

Service Brakes
Filed May 7, 2019200,000 milesTX

IN JANUARY 2018, MY CAR HAD DEVELOPED SBC MALFUNCTION ISSUES AND I TOOK IT TO THE AND THEY QUOTED ME $ 2,700+/- TO FIX THE ISSUE. I THEN CALLED MB USA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SBC UNIT WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED FOR 10YRS AND THAT I HAD JUST CROSSED THAT LIMIT. I THEN REACHED OUT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO AGREED TO REPLACE THE UNIT FOR $865 (PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED RECEIPT). I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE THE SBC UNIT FROM MB OF CLEAR LAKE FOR $1,045.70 . THUS, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR REPAIR AND SAVE MY SELF ABOUT $1,000 AS MB WAS NOT COVERING ITS REPAIR. ON SEPTEMBER 2018 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MB USA, INDICATING THAT THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS REIMBURSABLE. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER AND PROVIDED ALL THE DOCUMENTS THAT THEY REQUESTED. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR CAN BE REIMBURSED ONLY IF IT WAS DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. I BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A FAIRWAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WHEN ALL THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LEGITIMATE REIMBURSABLE. MB I BELIEVE IS NOT ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE IN RECOVERING MY DUE REFUND FOR A FAULTY SBC UNIT. I HAVE SENT A LETTER TO MB USA AND THEY REACHED OUT TO ME WITH THE ANSWER, "NOT UNLESS REPAIR DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER" THANK YOU.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 10, 2018127,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE ROTORS, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2017108,000 milesTX

MY AIRBAGS SELF DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD JUST LEFT WORK AND DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON THE WEST SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY APPROACHING THE TOLL STATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE WAS AN INCREDIBLY LOUD EXPLOSION AND AND HARD PERCUSSION AS THE AIRBAGS SELF DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN PUNCHED OR SHOT IN THE GUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN DROPPED DOWN AND THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SEATBELT AROUND MY WAIST AND SHOULDER TIGHTENED. FORTUNATELY, I KEPT IT TOGETHER AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING, RUN OVER A POTHOLE, SWERVED OR OTHERWISE MAKE ANY SUDDEN DIRECTION CHANGE. I WAS IMMEDIATELY CALLED BY AN OPERATOR ON THE MERCEDES EMERGENCY SYSTEM WITHIN THE CAR. SO MERCEDES IS AWARE OF THE INCIDENT AT THE TIME IT HAPPENED. SHE ASKED IF I NEEDED AN AMBULANCE OR POLICE. I TOLD HER THAT THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN AND THAT I WAS PHYSICALLY OK. ADDITIONALLY, I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO STAR MOTOR DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY LOOKED AT MY VEHICLE LESS THAN 20 MINUTES AFTER IT OCCURRED. THE SERVICE ADVISER AND SOME OF THE TECHNICIANS QUICKLY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE (IT WAS NEAR CLOSING TIME). THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT READ THE CODES OTHER THAN THE SRS FAULT. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD LIKELY BE CHEAPER TO FIX AT A BODY SHOP THAN AT THE DEALER. I LATER FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEATBELT HAD ALSO DEPLOYED AND WAS TIGHTENED.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 2017149,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED SO THAT AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED OVER 300,000 TIMES, THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC BRAKE UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN FAILURE AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SURPASSED THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 11, 201778,000 milesKS

CAR HAS "SENSOTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM", SBC, THAT UPON FAILURE RENDERS THE CAR UNSAFE AS ONLY THE FRONT WHEEL BRAKES WILL HAVE PARTIAL HYDRAULIC POWER TO STOP THE CAR. REF: MB BULLETIN "S142.46-P-0012A" FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING OR BRAKE DEGRADATION. MY CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL TRANSITORY FAILURES AS I WAS DRIVING. ONLY TURNING OFF THE KEY AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN DID I REGAIN NORMAL BRAKING. ALSO UPON SBC FAILURE THE BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH A FUNCTIONING REVERSION TO "HYDRAULIC MODE." MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RECALL AND REPLACE ALL SBC UNITS ASAP TO ELIMINATE THIS "TIME BOMB." *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 16, 2016176,500 milesTX

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!

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 12, 2016125,000 milesKY

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 HIGHWAY ABOUT 10 P.M.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 15, 2016112,000 milesNY

FUEL IS LEAKING OUT OF MY E320 CDI, THERE IS ALSO AN INTENSE FUEL SMELL, IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE THAT THE NHTSA PREVIOUSLY ORDERED MERCEDES TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS ON ALL 2003-2009 E-CLASS MERCEDES, BUT MERCEDES SAYS IT ONLY APPLIES TO GASOLINE ENGINES.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 27, 2015159,000 milesVA

THE INSULATION COVERING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING THAT POWERS THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES HAS FAILED AND CRUMBLED AWAY EXPOSING THE BARE COPPER WIRE. THIS CIRCUIT POWERS TWO HALOGEN 55 WATT BULBS (110 WATTS TOTAL OR ~10 AMPS) AT 12 VOLTS. THE INSULATION FAILURE WILL PRESENT AN IMMEDIATE VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD IF THE ELECTRICAL PROTECTION FUSE FAILS TO ACTUATE AS A RESULT OF THE SHORT CIRCUIT CREATED BY POTENTIAL BARE WIRE CONTACT. IF THE ELECTRICAL PROTECTION FUSE DOES ACTUATE PROPERLY THE CAR WILL LOSE FORWARD ILLUMINATION WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION AT NIGHT. IN EITHER INSTANCE A PROPERTY AND PERSONAL HAZARD CAN RESULT FROM THIS DEFECT. THIS DEFECT CAN BE TRACED DIRECTLY TO THE WIRE MERCEDES BENZ SELECTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THIS CIRCUITRY. EITHER THE GAUGE OF THE WIRE SELECTED IS INSUFFICIENT TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE CURRENT FLOW THE CIRCUIT DEMANDS OR THE INSULATION OF THE WIRE SELECTED IS INHERENTLY DEFECTIVE AS EVIDENCED BY ITS CRUMBLING DETERIORATION FOR A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IN EITHER CASE THIS WIRING FAILURE CONSTITUTES A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO RECALL AND CORRECTION BY THE MANUFACTURER AT HIS EXPENSE. THE DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE A FAILED LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB, A MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY THAT CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO BE PERFORMED A NUMBER OF TIMES DURING THE VEHICLE'S LIFESPAN. THE DEFECTIVE INSULATION WAS IMME

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 6, 2015132,998 milesCA

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. . MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 13, 201591,468 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING I GOT THIS WARNING " BRAKE SERVICE BRAKE VISIT WORKSHOP.(COLOR BLACK)" I WENT TO A CERTIFIED MERCEDES BENZ SHOP AND GOT A COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS STATING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE POWER SUPPLY ACCUMULATION OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER, I NEVER RECEIVED FROM MERCEDES-BENZ A LETTER ABOUT A RECALL OF THIS PROBLEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2015151,000 milesAR

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 9, 201551,000 milesLA

DURING RENEWAL OF HEADLAMP BULBS I FOUND THAT INSULATION HAD BROKEN OFF LEAVING SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF BARE CONDUCTORS. WIRES ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO EACH OTHER AND IF THEY TOUCH THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF LIGHTING OR ELECTRICAL FIRE. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, WHILE DRIVING ON A DARK ROAD, IT LIKECOULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC CRASH. THIS IS COMMONLY DISCUSSED BY OWNERS IN THE MERCEDES-BENZ FORUMS. I AM SURPRISED THAT MERCEDES HAS NOT BEEN FORCED TO RECALL W211S FROM 2003 TO 2009 MODEL YEARS. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 10, 2015TN

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2015172,322 milesNC

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. MERCEDES HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 11, 2015135,000 milesWI

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 7, 2015WI

THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL THAT HAS A SERVICE THRESHOLD. WHEN THIS THRESHOLD IS REACHED THE BRAKE SYSTEM DEFAULTS TO NON POWER ASSISTED HYDRAULIC MODE TO THE FRONT WHEELS ONLY. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULTS IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE SENT A COPY OF THE MERCEDES SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A TO NATHANIEL HAYES AT DOT.GOV WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. MERCEDES STOPPED INSTALLING THIS SYSTEM IN 2006. AT THE VERY LEAST, MERCEDES SHOULD ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL TO INTERROGATE THESE VEHICLES WITH STAR DAS TO DETERMINE HOW CLOSE TO THE SERVICE THRESHOLD THE SBC UNIT IS AND REPLACE THEM AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. ....UPDATED 01/23/15 *BF UPDATED 10/6/2015*JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 18, 2014118,000 milesFL

FILLED THE FUEL TANK WITH DIESEL. DROVE 240 MILES TO DESTINATION. UPON ARRIVING, SMELLED DIESEL VERY STRONG AT RIGHT REAR NEAR FUEL CAP AND UNDER TIRE WELL. LOOKED UNDER CAR AND SAW POSSIBLE DIESEL LEAKING. BOUGHT NEW FILE TANK THINKING THAT MAY SOLVE BUT KEPT SMELLING IT SO I DRIVE TO MB DEALER IN FORT PIERCE, FL. DEALER STATED FUEL TANK LEAK WITH ESTIMATE OF $3500. SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ON OTHER W211 CARS AS WELL. FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE CARS. THIS IS VERY MUCH A SAFETY ISSUE ON A SUPPOSEDLY "SAFE" CAR. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 7, 201431,000 milesFL

MY 2006 E CLASS 320 MERCEDES HAD A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS A FUEL SENDING UNIT PROBLEM I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND I SHOULD LET YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM BEING TOLD I HAVE TO PAY $1000.00 + FOR THIS REPAIR ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO COVER THIS? I ALSO READ THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CAR VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL # 2008-020001 CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME I AM VERY CONCERNED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 7, 201431,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. PAM

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2014136,042 milesTX

NEAR TOTAL AND INSTANTANEOUS BRAKE FAILURE, VERY CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER CAR, THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO ENTER PARKING LOT TO STOP. AS SOON AS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED DASH ILLUMINATED RED AND NOTIFIED OF BRAKE FAILURE, PUSHING PEDAL TO FLOOR BARELY PROVIDED ANY BRAKING AT ALL. AFTER KEY OFF CYCLES EVERYTHING APPEARS TO BE NORMAL AGAIN. HUGE CONFIDENCE LOSS IN VEHICLE, VERY CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER CAR AT SPEED, NOT GOOD. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 10, 2013140,000 milesMI

DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT LOW SPEED AND COIL SPRING SNAPPED ABOVE THE SPRING PERCH. CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN UNTIL REPAIRS WERE MADE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 4, 201376,000 milesAZ

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY COMPLAIN THE ACTION PE12001, MY VEHICLE HAS A CDI MOTOR BUT IS LEAKING IN THE SAME MANNER I'VE BEEN READING ABOUT. I ALWAYS GET A FUEL ODOR IN MY GARAGE. WHEN I FILL MY VEHICLE IT LEAKS FROM SOMEPLACE AND LEAVES A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE GROUND ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. IF I DON'T FILL ALL THE WAY IT DOESN'T LEAK TO THE FLOOR BUT I STILL GET THE FUEL SMELL. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THE CAR CATCHING FIR WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN BUCKLED IN AND SLOW TO GET OUT IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY FIRE. ALSO IF THE WATER HEATER FLAME WAS TO IGNITE THE FUMES BURNING DOWN MY HOME. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURES FLAW AS THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 16, 201387,000 milesFL

MI WIFE WAS LEAVING THE HOUSE TO WORK WHEN AT THE SECOND TURN BEFORE EXITING TO A MAIN STREET THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY WITH RED LIGHT WARNING ON THE DASH. THE BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY COLLAPSED WITHOUT ANY EFFORT TO STOP. DO TO THE LOW SPEED OF MOVEMENT MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR IN TO THE SIDEWALK AND PUT IT TO PARK. SHE LEFT THE CAR AT THE LOCATION AND USED OUR SPARE TO GO TO WORK. MY MECHANIC COULD NOD BE CERTAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEING PERFORMING NORMAL SINCE. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE DO TO UNCERTAINTY THAT MAY HAPPEN UNDER HIGHER SPEED AND GET INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 21, 2013149,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING ANY FURTHER. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT THEN ENTERED A PARKING LOT, SHIFTED INTO PARK AND IMMEDIATELY JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE AND REMOVE THE KEYS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 30, 201360,000 milesTX

I CHANGED THE LOW BEAM HALOGEN BULBS IN MY HEADLIGHTS WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRE LEADS TO THE BULB HAD LOST NEARLY ALL OF THEIR INSULATION, EXPOSING BARE WIRE. THE INSULATION FLAKES WERE SITTING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CAPSULE THAT CONTAINS THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, WHICH IS NORMALLY CLOSED, ACCESSED BY A REMOVABLE "DOOR". BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SPARKING/FIRE DANGER, SO I APPLIED ELECTRICAL TAPE OVER THE WIRES. HAD I NOT CHANGED THE BULBS [THEY LOSE BRIGHTNESS OVER THE YEARS], I WOULD HAVE BEEN UNAWARE OF THIS DANGER. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS SAME WIRE INSULATION HAS BEEN USED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. I AM AMAZED THAT MERCEDES HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2007. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Sep 21, 201230,500 milesMI

I FILLED THE TANK OF OUR E320 CDI WITH DIESEL FUEL AT A LOCAL STATION AND DROVE THE SHORT DISTANCE HOME AND PARKED IN MY GARAGE. NEXT MORNING I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF DIESEL FUEL NEAR RIGHT-REAR TIRE. I DRIVE THE CAR NORMALLY TO WORK (~5 MILES) THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF DIESEL NEAR RIGHT REAR TIRE EACH TIME. DID A LITTLE ON-LINE RESEARCH AND LEARNED THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SENDER SEAL ON W211 MB'S, LIKE MINE. SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MB OF GRAND BLANC AND THEY CONFRMED THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACED THE SEAL UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. IF I WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY, MB WOULD HAVE REFUSED TO PAY, FROM WHAT PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM ARE REPORTING ON MB FORUMS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT SUCH A PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN ON A MB. MINE IS A DIESEL, SO A FIRE WAS UNLIKELY, BUT THIS HAPPENS WITH GAS VERSIONS AS WELL AND THAT IS DANGEROUS. MB SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO A RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 24, 201269,400 milesCA

THE FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND, ONTO THE EXHAUST, AND THE SMELL WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE CABIN. WE GOT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED BUT WE STILL HAVE A FUEL CAP FAILURE NOW WITH NO RESULT. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW PRESENT & USING A BAND-AID FOR THE PROBLEM WILL NOT SOLVE ANYTHING. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 8, 2012FL

I NOTICED FUEL STAINS ON BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK AND SMELL OF DIESEL IN MY GARAGE ESPECIALLY AFTER FILL UP. I TOLD THE DEALER WHEN I HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THEY SAID I HAD A FUEL LEAK AND THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO FIND THE SOURCE. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM COULD BE THE TANK, SENDING UNIT, OR SEALS....ALL VERY EXPENSIVE TO DIAGNOSE/ REPAIR. I MET WITH THE SERVICE MGR TO SEEK AN OUT OF WARRANTY COVERAGE AND GOT NOTHING. I CALLED MERCEDES CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY DECLINED TO COVER ANY OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR COSTS. I REMOVED THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND FUEL PUDDLING AROUND THE SENDING UNIT (IN THE TANK) ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THERE ARE FUEL LEAKS IN A HIGH LINE EXPENSIVE CAR LIKE THIS. MERCEDES CUSTOMERS SHOULD RIGHTFULLY EXPECT A LEAK FREE FUEL TANK FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. IT IS SHAMEFUL THAT MERCEDES DOESN'T OWN UP TO IT AND ISSUE A RECALL NOTICE AND FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 28, 201184,042 milesPA

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 HAPPENED. I RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR AHEAD WHICH WENT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. THE IMPACT DID NOT ACTIVATE THE AIRBAGS. MY SEAT BELT HELD ME BUT I DID RECEIVE WHIP-LASH. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TOTALED MY CAR. *TR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES BENZ STATING THE IMPACT DAMAGE WAS BELOW AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLDS AND THE EXAMINATION OF THE VEHICLE, REVEALED NO DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. UPDATED IVOQ 01/06/12. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 201060,000 milesMA

2006 MERCEDES E320 CDI SRS MALFUNCTION MESSAGE. SO FAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE STEERING WHEEL WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, HARNESS, REEL, AND COMPUTER TO REPAIR SRS. *TR

Steering
Filed May 4, 2010NJ

2006 MERCEDES BENZ E320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEING CLASSIFIED AS UNSAFE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED FROM THE DAY SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, THE VEHICLE PULLED SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWERVING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. ALSO THE VEHICLE MADE A STRANGE SOUND WHEN THE CONSUMER BACKED UP AND TURNED TO THE RIGHT. *JB

Tires
Filed May 23, 200978,342 milesNM

A SET OF MICHELIN TIRES WAS PURCHASED FROM COSTCO AND MOUNTED ON MY 2006 MERCEDES ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO. THE MORNING AFTER THE FIRST 6,000-MILE TIRE ROTATION, THE FRONT TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE ON I-40 WEST OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM. COSTCO PAID FOR A REPLACEMENT TIRE AND DAMAGE TO THE RIM. THEN, ON MAY 13, 2009 ANOTHER ONE OF THE ORIGINAL SET OF MICHELIN TIRES SEPARATED IN A SIMILAR FASHION AGAIN ON I-40, NEARLY CREATING A MAJOR TRAFFIC FATALITY. THREE SEMI-TRUCKS ADEPTLY SWERVED TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS TIME, I HAD TO PAY $1,724 TO REPAIR DAMAGE TO THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR END OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE COST ALSO INCLUDES $880 THAT I PAID FOR A NEW SET OF MICHELIN TIRES FROM THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, WHICH INFORMED ME THAT THEIR TIRES WERE NOT COMPROMISED BY EXTENDED STORAGE IN WAREHOUSES (I.E., DRY-ROTTING). COSTCO OFFERED TO PUT ANOTHER NEW SET OF THEIR TIRES ON MY VEHICLE, BUT I REFUSED TO TAKE THE RISK OF HAVING OLD DRY-ROTTED TIRES PLACED ON MY VEHICLE AGAIN. CONSEQUENTLY, COSTCO REFUSED TO PAY ANY OF THE $880 CHARGE FOR THE NEW MERCEDES DEALERSHIP TIRES. NOTE: THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND AAA TOWED THE CAR ON BOTH OCCASIONS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 22, 20088,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER EVERY 4-6 WEEKS DUE TO A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALL THE SWITCHES RELATING TO THE BRAKES, THE COMPUTER WAS SHUT DOWN THREE TIMES, SENSORS WERE REPLACED, AND THE BALL IN THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED, WHICH ALLOWED CARBON DIOXIDE TO LEAK INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE NINTH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jan 21, 2007NY

ON DECEMBER 28 2006 I TOOK MY 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320 TO MERCEDES BENZ OF MANHATTAN BECAUSE THE SRS (SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASHBOARD. THE TECHNICIANS DETERMINED THAT THE SRS CONTROL UNIT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SRS CONTROL UNIT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEPLOYING THE AIR BAGS AND TENSIONING THE SEAT BELTS IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I PURCHASED MY CAR USED FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WITH A BUMPER TO BUMPER EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM QUALITYGUARD PLUS 615-725-1000 POLICY #QSDL01651641 EXPIRES: 07-01-2007. THE WARRANTY COMPANY WAS INFORMED OF THE ABOVE, BUT REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS CLAIMING THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I ASKED THEM WHY, AND THEY JUST REPEATED, ITS NOT COVERED. I THINK I DESERVE A BETTER ANSWER THAN THAT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I THINK IT SHOULD BE COVERED. YOU ASSISTANCE WITH THIS MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 11, 2007AL

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

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 20, 20061,572 milesTX

NO CHILD SAFETY LOCKS FOR THE REAR SEATS. THE CHILD IS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE CAR IS AT SPEED. THE DOORS DO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AT 9 MPH BUT YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR BY PULLING THE LOCK UP THEN PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE OPEN. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Nov 5, 200614,500 milesVA

(1)ERROR MESSAGE ON VEHICLE TO RETURN VEHICLE TO SERVICE BECAUSE OF SRS FAILURE. (2) DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS FAILURE RESULTS IN NON DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT TENSIONERS, AND TOLD ME IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. (3) DEALER REPLACED 5 CABLES, 10 CABLE CONNECTORS, 1 FUSE ELEMENT AND REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER. BY THE WAY, CONSUMER FORUMS AND BLOGS REFERENCE MANY IDENTICAL MERCEDES SYSTEM FAILURES. *NM

All 41 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20098300Routine
200810300Routine
200717400Routine
2006 — this page41400Routine
2005231344Fatalities reported
2004203210Above average
2003214210Above average
200223010Routine
200138040Routine
200044020Routine
199983060Routine
199837000Routine
199763030Routine
199645030Routine
199596030Routine
199411010Routine

Compare every E320 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 19, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.