Owners have filed 61 complaints
about the 2000 Mercedes Benz E Class with NHTSA between 2000 and 2012.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 94
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E Class. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 8
1.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 6
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E Class
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
310.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
826.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
516.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1446.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2000peak 9Aug 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Mercedes Benz E Class
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05007Opened 7 Nov 2005Closed 27 Mar 2006POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT COFFEE FROM A CUP, PLACED IN THE CUP HOLDER, SPILLED ONTO THE GEAR SHIFTER AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE?S ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONCERN RAISED BY THE PETITIONER WAS INVESTIGATED (SQ01-010) AND WAS CLOSED AFTER ODI CONCLUDED THAT THE FACTS DID NOT DEMONSTRATE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT.ODI HAS SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED NINE MORE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FLUID CONTAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SINCE THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED, NONE OF WHICH REPORT CRASHES OR INJURIES.THESE NINE COMPLAINANTS MAINLY EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE DESIGN OF THE CUP HOLDER AND THE...
PE03058Opened 17 Dec 2003Closed 22 Apr 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF...
SQ01010Opened 25 Sep 2001Closed 4 Feb 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT DOWN
Recalls on the 2000 Mercedes Benz E Class
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
01I005000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
LOS Altos, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH "BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM" WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO HELP TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL FASTER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED DURING A PANICK STOP. DURING A PANIC STOP, IN MY CASE AT 10 MPH, WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD AS A ROCK AND REFUSED TO TRAVEL DOWN, EXHIBITING THE SO CALLED "HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE" WITH THE THE VEHICLE CONTINUING TO MOVE AND COLLIDING WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT. I TOOK MY E320 TO AN AUTHORIZED LOCAL MBZ DEALER, AUTOBAHN MOTORS IN BELMONT-CA, WITHIN TWO HOURS OF THE ACCIDENT FOR A CHECK OF THE BRAKES. THE DEALER REPORTED THE BRAKES OPERATE NORMALLY AND NO PROBLEMS WERE DETECTED ON THEM. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE ALSO OWN A 1999 MBZ ML 320, AN SUV, WHICH BRAKES AND STOPS FLAWLESSLY WITH NO SIGN OF HARDENING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF ANYTHING OUR 2000 E320 MUST HAVE BETTER BRAKES AND NO SIGN OF RESISTANCE, YET IT DOES NOT. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES ON THE 2000 E320 ARE APPLIED NORMALLY, THEY OPERATE FLAWLESSLY WITH EXCELLENT GRIP, YET IN PANICK STOP THE BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #730632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 138,000 milesHillsdale, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
MY 2000 E320 HAS EXCESSIVE RUST ISSUES THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE BODY. I WAS TOLD BY MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE USE OF A NEW WATER BASED PAINT USED BETWEEN 1997-2002 BUT BECAUSE I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD THEY CAN NOT HELP ME OR OFFER ME ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH THE ISSUE. I HAVE LOCATED ONLINE FORUMS WITH CONSUMERS WHO OWN THE SAME CAR AS MYSELF AND HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUES IN THE SAME PLACES AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION FROM MBUSA. THE WORST AREAS ARE IN EVERY WHEEL WELL CAUSING THE WHEEL WHEELS TO BUCKLE AND CHIP INTO THE SUSPENSION AND BREAK AREA AND IT HAS CAUSE THE FRAME OF THE CAR TO SEVERELY WEAKEN, IN ADDITION MY REAR TRUNK KEY HOLE AREA IS RUSTING THROUGH AND I WAS ADVISED IT WILL RUST THROUGH AND AT THAT POINT THE LOCKING MECHANISM WILL COME OFF AND I WILL AT THAT POINT NEED TO REPLACE THE TRUNK LID POSSIBLY CAUSING THE TRUNK TO INVOLUNTARY OPEN WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10472635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesLynnfield, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SPRING TOWER HAD FRACTURED. HE ALSO NOTICED CORROSION ON THE SPRING TOWER. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #10416902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 E320. I HAVE BEEN HAVING CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH HEADLAMPS, FOG LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LAMPS GOING OUT VERY FREQUENTLY. OFTEN, I RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT THE "LAMPS ARE INOPERABLE", AFTER CHECKING ALL BULBS, I FIND THIS IS NOT THE CASE, MERCEDES MAY NOT ADMIT TO THIS, BUT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR CARS. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY (TWO DAYS AGO) HAD MY PASSENGER SIDE BULB HOUSING MELT AWAY. DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THAT BEEN HAPPENING. I BELIEVE I AM LUCKY THAT THE CAR HAS NOT CAUGHT ON FIRE AS OF YET WITH ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE ONLY GOOD NEWS I HAVE ABOUT THESE CONSTANT PROBLEMS IS, THE BODY REPAIR COMPANY FOR MERCEDES-BENZ OF SOUTH ATLANTA (GA), WILL SEE ME ON MONDAY TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS HOUSING, PROVIDED THEY HAVE ONE IN STOCK. SO, "WISH ME LUCK" AND PRAY FOR MERCEDES TO DO THE RIGHT THING BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS TO ONE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS......
NHTSA complaint #10392173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesLynnfield, MA
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES E 320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY PANEL ON THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACTS PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHIN A YEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF THE RUST, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS INFORMATION ONLINE SUGGESTING THAT THE MANUFACTURER MAY HAVE USED WATER BASED PAINT ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10359148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,500 milesColts Neck, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FAULTY CAM AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAUSED ENGINE TO DIE (STALL) IN THE MID TRAFFIC ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS. DEALER REPLACED CAM POSITION SENSOR 003-153-28-28 AND SENDER UNIT 004-153-69-28, INDICATING THE CAUSE AS AN INTERNAL FAULT. DEALER'S SERVICE REP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10331967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 130,000. UPDATED 01/19/10 *BF THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE REPLACED. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND WERE REPLACED. THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW RINGS AND A VALVE SEAL. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT WITH THE CLUTCHES. THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE LEFT WINDOW REGULATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10298324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDayton, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
90K MILES GAUGE CLUSTER LED CLOCK AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAYS FAILING. CAN NOT READ NUMBER. NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND IT'S A 2000 I HAD A 1996 AND NOW A 1993 WITH ALMOST TWICE THE MILEAGE AND ALL THE DISPLAYS WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10295926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHtfd, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR IS A 2000 MERCEDES E320 WITH ONLY 43,000 MILES AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR THE LAST 10,000 MILES. THE BENZ WON'T REPLACE IT OR FIX IT. THE DISPLAYS DON'T WORK!!!
NHTSA complaint #10294681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 E320 CLUSTER IS NOT WORKING WHAT NUMBER AND DATE IS NOT SHOWING UP. I SEE ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING.
NHTSA complaint #10247436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,500 milesMarietta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD WITHOUT THE USE OF POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES. FINALLY STARTED AND DID NOT STALL AGAIN. NEXT DAY, SAME THING HAPPENED. WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THAT THEY ARE A COMMON FAILURE ON A MERCEDES. VEHICLE HAS 76K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10239384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,200 milesMarietta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A SMALL AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION DRIPPED FROM A WATER BOTTLE SITTING IN THE CENTER CUP HOLDER. IMMEDIATELY, THE WIDOWS WENT DOWN STARTLING ME AS TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE WINDOW BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND AT THIS POINT WAS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE WINDOW UP USING THE KEYLESS REMOTE. LATER THAT DAY, THE SWITCH BEGAN TO WORK THE WINDOWS BUT THE REAR WINDOWS NO LONGER WORK FROM THE FRONT SWITCHES NOR DOES THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR. UPON INVESTIGATION, OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE PROVING A DESIGN FLAW. THE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY POSITIONED BELOW THE CUP HOLDER IS NOT WATER PROOF AND THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF WATER WILL SHORT CIRCUIT THE SYSTEM. OTHERS HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION LOCK DUE TO THE WATER INGRESS. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD PROVIDE REPAIR UNDER A RECALL AND PROVIDE A REPAIR THAT WILL WATER PROOF THE CIRCUITS.
NHTSA complaint #10239386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesFishers, IN
SUSPENSION
SPRING PERCH FAILED, CAUSING LEFT FRONT SPRING TO BRAKE AND COLLAPSE ONTO TIRE.. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10224410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesFishers, IN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
SPRING PERCH FAILED, CAUSING LEFT FRONT SPRING TO BRAKE AND COLLAPSE ONTO TIRE.. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10224410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesMarietta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DRIVER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND AS A RESULT, THE HEAT SHIELD AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN BENT FROM THE ENGINE ROTATING. THIS RESULTED IN THE ALUMINUM SHIELD JAMMING THE STEERING COLUMN FROM TURNING. THIS OCCURRED DURING A SHARP CORNER AND STEERING INPUTS TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT PRODUCE ANY RESULTS. VEHICLE NEARLY CRASHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NEW HEAT SHIELD AND MOTOR MOUNTS ARE BEING REPLACED. OLD MOUNT WAS KEPT. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED FAILURE ON MERCEDES BENZ E55 MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10222288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesVancouver, 00
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
2000 MERCEDES E320 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PIXEL FAILURE ..CLOCK AND GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR. REPLACED ORIGINALLY AT 60,000 KILOMETERS AND HAS RECENTLY FAILED AGAIN .MERCEDES WOULDN'T WARRANTY IT AS IT WAS OVER A YEAR. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED AFTER MARKET FOR $225.00 DOLLARS.
NHTSA complaint #10218794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
MY 2000 MERCEDES E320 HAS INOPERABLE DISPLAYS FOR THE GEAR, TEMPERATURE, AND TIME. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS IS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE. WITH THE DISPLAY BEING DEFECTIVE, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN THE WRONG GEAR BECAUSE THERE IS NO VISUAL VERIFICATION AT EYE LEVEL, AS IS REQUIRED ON ALL CARS. I HAVE EVEN BEEN IN THE CAR WITH HER AND WITNESSED HER PUTTING THE CAR IN THE WRONG GEAR BECAUSE SHE WASN'T ABLE TO SEE THE GEAR WITHOUT LOOKING DOWN AT THE CENTER CONSOLE. MERCEDES IS AWARE OF THIS DESIGN DEFECT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT REFUSES TO REPAIR IT WITHOUT CHARGING THE CUSTOMER. THIS DEFECT HS BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS AND THEY EVEN CONTINUED TO INSTALL THEM AFTER CUSTOMERS REPORTED THE DEFECT TO THEM BY THE HUNDREDS. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY MERCEDES AS THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ALL CARS THAT I HAVE DRIVEN HAVE THE GEAR CLEARLY DISPLAYED ON OR NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A FEDERAL REQUIREMENT FOR THIS FUNCTION TO WORK AT ALL TIMES. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10191754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
THERE ARE MANY OWNERS OF W210 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONS. THE WIDESPREAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUSTER ARE WITH THE GEAR SELECTED, CLOCK, AND TEMPERATURE DISPLAY. THE DISPLAYS EITHER HAVE MISSING PIXELS OR ARE COMPLETELY NOT VISIBLE. ON MY VEHICLE, THE GEAR SELECTED AND CLOCK PIXELS ARE COMPLETELY OUT AND SEVERAL ON THE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY. HTTP://WWW.MERCEDESFORUM.COM/M_11418/MPAGE_2/KEY_/TM.HTM.
NHTSA complaint #10182893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSaratoga, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE ME CONTROL MODULE OF THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10176145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Compton, CA
STRUCTURE
I WANT TO BRING THIS MATTER TO YOU REGARDING THE MERCEDES BENZ MODEL W210 1997/2002 THEY ARE PRONE TO RUST ON THE DOOR/TRUNKS AND THE FRONT UPPER SPRING MOUNTS.. AS THE SPRING MOUNTS SEPARATED ON MY CAR AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING THE SPOT WELDS RUSTED OUT ON A SIX YEAR OLD CAR WITH 47,000 MILES THAT IS GARAGED AND DETAILED WEEKLY I DID A SEARCH AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM MBUSA I CONTACTED MBUSA AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED SINCE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY..BTW EURO MBS HAVE A 10 YEAR RUST WARRANTY AND USA MBS HAVE A 4 YEAR WARRANTY FROM RUST... THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE IT KILLS A DRIVER AND PASSENGERS!
NHTSA complaint #10167702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.