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Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class years are 2011, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2003. Across 2010-2022, it has a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2001 to 2021.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Scores before 2010 are rough: fewer owners filed complaints back then.
Best years to buy
2011.
Quick answers.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good car?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable models we track, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2010-2022: Lemon Index 45; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2011 and the worst is 2003.
What are the best Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2011, 2012, 2013.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should you stay away from?
The years with the most complaints per car sold: 2003.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
119 safety recalls across the 21 model years we track. Most: 2017 (20), 2018 (10), 2019 (9). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name electrical, airbags and engine most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 42 | 2.4× fewer complaints than average | 20 | speed control (25%) | 0 | — | 18–21 |
| 2002 | – | too few complaints to score | 7 | steering (29%) | 0 | — | 18–21 |
| 2003 | 132 | 1.3× the average car's complaints | 60 | service brakes, hydraulic (32%) | 3 | — | 17–20 |
| 2004 | 54 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 27 | service brakes, hydraulic (37%) | 3 | — | 16–20 |
| 2005 | 82 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 30 | airbags (27%) | 3 | — | 16–27 |
| 2006 | 83 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 29 | transmission & drivetrain (21%) | 4 | — | 16–27 |
| 2007 | 55 | 1.8× fewer complaints than average | 24 | transmission & drivetrain (17%) | 5 | — | 16–26 |
| 2008 | – | too few complaints to score | 18 | wheels (50%) | 4 | — | 16–26 |
| 2009 | – | too few complaints to score | 13 | fuel system, gasoline (31%) | 4 | — | 16–26 |
| 2010 | 28 | 3.6× fewer complaints than average | 19 | speed control (16%) | 4 | — | 18–21 |
| 2011 | 16 | 6.2× fewer complaints than average | 12 | body structure (25%) | 5 | — | 17–20 |
| 2012 | 22 | 4.5× fewer complaints than average | 16 | transmission & drivetrain (31%) | 7 | — | 19–23 |
| 2013 | 24 | 4.2× fewer complaints than average | 20 | speed control (30%) | 6 | — | 22–23 |
| 2014 | 64 | 1.6× fewer complaints than average | 48 | wheels (15%) | 8 | ★★★★☆ | 22–24 |
| 2015 | 31 | 3.2× fewer complaints than average | 18 | electrical (22%) | 6 | ★★★★☆ | 22–23 |
| 2016 | 55 | 1.8× fewer complaints than average | 29 | airbags (48%) | 5 | ★★★★☆ | 20–23 |
| 2017 | 100 | about average | 54 | airbags (28%) | 20 | ★★★★★ | 20–25 |
| 2018 | 45 | 2.2× fewer complaints than average | 22 | engine (23%) | 10 | ★★★★★ | 21–25 |
| 2019 | 52 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 22 | seat belts (32%) | 9 | ★★★★★ | 22–25 |
| 2020 | 36 | 2.8× fewer complaints than average | 10 | engine (20%) | 7 | ★★★★★ | 22–26 |
| 2021 | 81 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 18 | electrical (33%) | 6 | ★★★★★ | 24–26 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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