The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 10 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 22 to 26 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 23 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2020 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 8K to 48K miles on the car (11 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- back over prevention 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Show all 7 recalls
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- engine 2020
The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
- seats 2020
The left-rear seatback latch may not be strong enough to withstand certain loads.
- communication 2020
An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
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 279 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check engine indicator light active and fault code P261029/P02FF85/P02FF02 stored in engine…
- Complaint: Various causes are possible
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
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 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet C 4WD | not rated | 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 $3050–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), tires (20%) and electrical (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
7 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2020?
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