The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 24, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 181 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2013 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 20K to 80K miles on the car (75 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- airbags 2021
An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- electrical 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- body structure 2015
If the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 165 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Due to left and right secondary chain tensioners, of the check valve, being installed and pressed
- Xentry (mercedes): the fuse and relay boxes (srb) in engine compartment or rear compartment…
- The engine diagnosis warning lamp - check engine lamp (CEL) is active
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 2 DR 4WD | not rated | 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 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet C RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
My 2013 mercedes e350 w4 exhibited very high engine revving followed by high acceleration which could only be controlled by activating the parking brake. This is the second dangerous incident that has occurred with this car.
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10587944
More owner reports
Car accelerates suddenly in spite of foot on brake. At times foot was put lightly on the gas and car suddenly accelerated. These incidents happened at least 3 times.
NHTSA complaint 10573213
Tire blew out for no apparent reason. This is the fourth time it has happened since I have owned this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 10704898
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 24; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (30%), wheels (20%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
6 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,900 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 44,100 miles, from 75 complaints.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
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