Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
725–50K
1350–75K
775–100K
16100–150K
6150K+
51 reports with mileage · 32 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
12 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
83 reports
57,901 miles · Mar 9, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
JUST LIKE THE GM CARS NOW BEING RECALLED, MY CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO BE REPAIRED---AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS MADE IMMEDIATELY, AS THE MECHANIC HAD DONE TAKEN CAR OF A CAR THAT HAD THE IDENTICAL "PROBLEM" JUST THE WEEK BEFORE. PARTS REPLACED WERE L CATALYTIC CONVERTER…
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JUST LIKE THE GM CARS NOW BEING RECALLED, MY CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO BE REPAIRED---AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS MADE IMMEDIATELY, AS THE MECHANIC HAD DONE TAKEN CAR OF A CAR THAT HAD THE IDENTICAL "PROBLEM" JUST THE WEEK BEFORE. PARTS REPLACED WERE L CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND AIR MASS METER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568000
100,832 miles · Apr 22, 2013
Wheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE RECOMMENDED AIR PRESSURE WAS ADDED TO THE TIRE. THE MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ALUMINUM WHEEL RIM WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,832. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10509129
182,000 miles · Feb 21, 2013
Air BagsPower Train
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE DRI…
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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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA ODI #10499556
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, AN ABNORMAL HISSING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FILLER NECK. AS THE CONTACT REMOVED THE FUEL PUMP HOSE FROM THE FILLER NECK VALVE, FUEL SPEWED FROM THE FILLER NECK ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, AN ABNORMAL HISSING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FILLER NECK. AS THE CONTACT REMOVED THE FUEL PUMP HOSE FROM THE FILLER NECK VALVE, FUEL SPEWED FROM THE FILLER NECK ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 161,011.
NHTSA ODI #10459402
218,556 miles · Jan 23, 2012
Air BagsPower Train
AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSTATE ON THE ON RAMP MY REAR U JOINT ON FRONT DRIVE SHAFT CAME APART. SUBSEQUENTLY BOTH MY CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY DRIVER FRONT DOOR AIR BAG. AS IT WAS CONSIDERED A MECHANICAL FAILURE MY INSURANCE WITH USAA DID NOT COVER ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10444917
105,000 miles · Nov 30, 2011
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY FORCE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY FORCE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10437869
143,700 miles · Sep 29, 2011
Suspension
FRONT SPRING PERCH: THIS COMPONENT IS HEAVILY CORRODED. IT STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY WORK. SPRING IS NOTICIBLY BENT AND TOUCHING THE STRUTS WHICH IS CAUSING GRINDING AND VIBRATION. SPRING IS VERY CLOSE TO FALLING OFF WHICH WILL CAUSE THE FRONT END OF THE CAR TO DROP WHICH I BELIEVE IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE PART FAILS WHI…
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FRONT SPRING PERCH: THIS COMPONENT IS HEAVILY CORRODED. IT STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY WORK. SPRING IS NOTICIBLY BENT AND TOUCHING THE STRUTS WHICH IS CAUSING GRINDING AND VIBRATION. SPRING IS VERY CLOSE TO FALLING OFF WHICH WILL CAUSE THE FRONT END OF THE CAR TO DROP WHICH I BELIEVE IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE PART FAILS WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY IN THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE HAVE MERCEDES BENZ ISSUE A RECALL REGARDING THIS MATTER. I WOULD HATE FOR PEOPLE TO LOSE THEIR LIVES IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT COULD'VE BEEN PREVENTED. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10427963
117,000 miles · Jul 25, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED ON THE TIRE WHEN THE SPRING PERCH THAT'S CONNECTED TO THE SPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED HE WAS NOT SURE IF HE COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND HE HAD TO ORDER THE REPAIR PARTS. THE DEALER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED ON THE TIRE WHEN THE SPRING PERCH THAT'S CONNECTED TO THE SPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED HE WAS NOT SURE IF HE COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND HE HAD TO ORDER THE REPAIR PARTS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11
NHTSA ODI #10415048
120,000 miles · Apr 28, 2011
Suspension
THE SUSPENSION SPRING PERCH BROKEN AND SPRING COIL FELL OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398188
127,000 miles · Mar 16, 2011
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR THE BRAKES WHEN HE WAS INFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE SPRING PERCH ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR THE BRAKES WHEN HE WAS INFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE SPRING PERCH ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RUST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
NHTSA ODI #10390374
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
PE07021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Ejection
Opened Apr 19, 2007 · Closed Aug 9, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
ODI HAS FOCUSED THIS INVESTIGATION ON ASSESSING THE RISKS POSED BY A SEPARATED SPRING AS (1) A ROAD HAZARD AND (2) THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED AFTER THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BEEN EJECTED FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IN THE VEHICLE.BOTH RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION, FLEXING, AND FRACTURE OF THE UPPER FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNTING BRACKET.TIME-IN-SERVICE FAILURE RATES ARE NOTABLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES SINCE CORROSION IS A PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE FAILURE MODE.SINCE A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, ODI IS SKEPTICAL THAT OWNERS CAN ALWAYS DETECT THE SUBTLE SIDE TO SIDE DIFFERENCE IN RIDE HEIGHT AND/OR INSPECT OR NOTICE THAT THE UPPER SUSPENSION BRACKET HAS BEEN COMPROMISED BY CORROSION.(1) ROAD HAZARD - ALTHOUGH THE (APPROX. 7 LB.) FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING THAT MAY BE EJECTED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD POSE A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES, THE OCCURRENCE RATE HAS BEEN LOW (.03% BASED ON 51 REPORTED INCIDENTS OCCURRING AND AN INITIAL POPULATION OF 172,781 VEHICLES AFTER 9 - 12 YEARS OF USE / EXPOSURE) AND THERE ARE NO KNOWN INJURIES, FATALITIES, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORTS DUE TO AN EJECTED SPRING.ALSO, MANY OF THE 51 INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR PARKED.(2) VEHICLE CONTROL - VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD BE AFFECTED BY THE FRACTURE OF THE UPPER SUSPENSION MOUNT AND/OR THE ASSOCIATED SPRING EJECTION.ODI FIRST IDENTIFIED ITS CONCERN ABOUT CORROSION IN THE UPPER SUSPENSION BRACKET OF SUBJECT VEHICLES IN 2002, AT WHICH TIME MERCEDES PROVIDED A VIDEO THAT SHOWED THAT A VEHICLE COULD BE STEERED, STOPPED, AND CONTROLLED THROUGH VARIOUS MANEUVERS AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH A FRONT COIL SPRING COMPLETELY MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE. DURING PE07-021, IN ADDITION TO REVIEWING THE 2002 VIDEO-TAPE, ODI ENGINEERS DROVE AN EXEMPLAR VEHICLE WITH THE SPRING REMOVED AND SIMULATED VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF STEERING ANGLES TO ASSESS WHETHER THERE WERE ANY POSSIBLE CONDITIONS / DISPLACEMENTS IN WHICH THE SEPARATED SPRING MIGHT INTERFERE WITH THE WHEELS. IN A VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT SPRING REMOVED, THE TOP OF THE WHEEL CAN LIGHTLY CONTACT THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE WHEEL FENDER DURING HIGH ANGLE TURNS TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SLOWER SPEED MANEUVERS SUCH AS CITY DRIVING. THE LIGHT TIRE CONTACT GENERATED AN OBVIOUS GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD LIKELY ABRADE OR BEND THE EDGE OF THE FENDER WITH CONTINUED USE.HOWEVER, THE EXTENT OF THE INTERFERENCE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO AFFECT VEHICLE STEERING AND DOES NOT OCCUR AT SMALLER TURNING ANGLES ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHWAY DRIVING.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
PE03058 · Engine Crankshaft Pulley Failure
Opened Dec 17, 2003 · Closed Apr 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF 55 ODI COMPLAINTS REFERENCE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT).THERE HAVE BEEN NO CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.
1999 Mercedes Benz E320 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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