2001 Mercedes Benz E320
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 38
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
None on file
None on file
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 38 complaints
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
34% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown, the car filled with smoke from within the dashboard on driver side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-02
Engine caught on fire while vehicle was idling in park in the driveway. Completely destroyed the vehicle in 10-15 minutes. Fire started under the hood. I believe that there was an electrical problem that induced the fire but unable to be sure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-05
Also filed under Engine
Air bags
18% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was involved in a near head on collision. Vehicle was traveling at approx. 40 MPH with secondary vehicle traveling approx. 50 MPH. Secondary vehicle impacted the mercedes nearly head on. None of the air bags deployed in the mercedes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-31
I was pulling into a parking stall at work and about to come to a stand still and all of a sudden the car accelerated jumped the curb and continued to accelerate despite application of the brakes until it crashed into a wall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-06
Also filed under Power train
While driving at 30 MPH steering wheel locked up upon making a right hand turn. This resulted in loss of control of the vehicle, and it slammed into the wall. Upon impact, frontal air bags did not deploy, and the windshield shattered in ward.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-24
Also filed under Steering
Power train
16% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
When water enters the control module for automatic transmission it fails to change gears while vehicle is in operation. Dealership has not given consumer a cause for this problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-06-15
Exterior lighting
13% · 5 reportsSuspension
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing front and coil springs.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes Benz E320?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz E320 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.