Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz E-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2017 has the most complaints per year, at 15 (167 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 3 (from 20 complaints), 2020 at 3 (from 20 complaints), and 2015 at 4 (from 57 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 26 of 167 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2021
2020
2015
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz E-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 → | 8 | 25 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2023 → | 6 | 24 | 0 | Tires | — |
| 2022 → | 6 | 21 | 0 | Fuel system, gasoline | — |
| 2021 → Fewest | 3 | 20 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 3 | 20 | 0 | Back-over prevention | — |
| 2019 → | 6 | 54 | 0 | Seat belts | — |
| 2018 → | 8 | 68 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2017 → Most | 15 | 167 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2016 → | 7 | 89 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2015 → Fewest | 4 | 57 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2014 → | 13 | 304 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2013 → | 6 | 185 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2012 → | 4 | 235 | 0 | Air bags | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US E350 fill) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R17 to 255/35R18 (trim-dependent; E350 pages)
Known issues for this generation
For 2014 E350 sedans, NHTSA campaign 16V-899 covers certain 2014-2016 E350 vehicles (with SL, S-Class, and other models): the electric power steering control unit may have improperly soldered contacts, which can cause loss of power-steering assist or a fire risk even when parked; dealers replace the EPS control unit. Campaign 19V-010 names certain 2014 E350 coupe/cabrio and related models for a Takata passenger frontal air bag inflator that may explode and send metal fragments into the cabin; dealers replace the passenger frontal air bag module. Confirm open campaigns by VIN under trim strings such as E350.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US E300 fill) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R17 to 245/40R19 (trim-dependent; E300 pages)
Known issues for this generation
For 2017 E300 sedans, NHTSA campaign 17V-076 covers certain 2017 E300, E300 4Matic, and E43 AMG vehicles: the front passenger occupant detection control unit may be incorrectly installed so an adult can be misclassified and the passenger air bag deactivated; dealers inspect the pressure hose and replace the hose and detection mat if needed. Campaign 18V-271 covers certain 2017 E300 and related models where headlight horizontal adjustment screws may lack a required sealing cap (FMVSS noncompliance); dealers retrofit sealing caps. Campaign 20V-449 covers certain 2017-2019 E300 vehicles that previously had the instrument cluster replaced, for seat-belt warning software that may not sound or blink correctly; dealers update cluster software.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US E350 fill) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R18 to 275/35R20 (trim-dependent; E350 pages)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 24V-224 covers certain 2024 E350 4Matic, E450 4Matic All-Terrain, and E450 4Matic vehicles: the transmission wiring harness may be routed too close to the driveshaft, which can damage the harness and cause a loss of drive power. Dealers check and correct the harness routing. The published unit count is shared across the listed E-Class variants in the campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 3 (from 20 complaints), 2020 at 3 (from 20 complaints), and 2015 at 4 (from 57 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2017 has the most complaints per year, at 15 (167 complaints). On the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 26 of 167 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz E-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
W213 generation (2017-2023).
What oil does a US Mercedes-Benz E-Class typically take?
Generation notes list MB-approved 0W-40 full synthetic for common US E350/E300 fills; confirm the approval sheet in the manual.
What tire sizes does a Mercedes-Benz E-Class use?
Sizes vary widely by chassis and trim; W213 E300 pages span about 225/55R17 to 245/40R19.