The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 16, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 17 to 20 mpg combined. It's the best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year we track.
One of the most reliable. 6.2× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2003
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 286 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 38K to 90K miles on the car (98 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 30K–70K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 64K–95K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- fuel system, gasoline 2012
Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 149 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Xentry (mercedes): check engine light (cel) is activated; stored in engine control unit is…
- Mercedes (xentry): the inside door handle, on front door, is inoperative due to the bowden…
- M271.8 evo engine has poor accelerator response- lack of power under full load and high rpm
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedRear brake line failure2020
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Subject: forwarded from fmcsa regarding consumers complaint about mercedes benz tires.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10488321
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 6.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 16; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (25%), wheels (25%) and engine (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 38,800 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 60,800 miles, from 98 complaints.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works