1999 Mercedes Benz E320
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 45 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 37 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 44 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 214 |
| 2004 | 203 |
| 2005 | 231 |
| 2006 | 41 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2009 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190201
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CRASH INTO ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130221
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
8/31/18 IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE (FROM A FIRE BUT NO FLAME WAS SEEN) I HAD TO OPEN ALL WINDOWS TO BREATH AND SEE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181004
THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE INVOLVING THE SUN ROOF. *YD
NHTSA ODI report, 20011116
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mercedes Benz E320?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.