Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability by Year
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class averages 60/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Overview
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 59/100, indicating mixed reliability. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, engine stalling, and tire vulnerabilities, with repair costs rated at an average level. While the model has a strong safety rating of 5/5 stars from NHTSA, prospective buyers should be aware of recurring problems such as electrical failures and tire blowouts, especially in earlier model years.
Current generation: 6th gen (2023–2023).
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2026 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (63/100) and 2023 (63/100).
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Avoid
The worst Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2019 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to unknown or other (16) issues. Also avoid 2018 (55/100).
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Score Trend
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 66/100 compared to 55/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
1 recalls · 7 complaints
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (2), Unknown Or Other (1), Seats (1).
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
5 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Tires (5), Power Train (4), Engine (4).
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
8 recalls · 19 complaints
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Electrical System (3), Fuel System, Gasoline (3).
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 recalls · 36 complaints
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has mixed reliability. There are 30 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Severity signals include 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Engine (6), Power Train (4).
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
26 recalls · 35 complaints
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has mixed reliability. There are 26 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Severity signals include 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Back Over Prevention (6), Engine (5), Unknown Or Other (4).
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
42 recalls · 100 complaints
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has mixed reliability. There are 42 recalls and 100 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (16), Electrical System (16), Seat Belts (14).
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
72 recalls · 252 complaints
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has mixed reliability. There are 72 recalls and 252 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 12 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (44), Unknown Or Other (32), Steering (28).
Found Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Check Its History
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models
Compare all Mercedes-Benz models by reliability
Compare Mercedes-Benz E-Class With Similar Sedans
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 5-Series, Volvo S90, and Lexus ES.
BMW 5-Series reliability
8 years tracked · 330 complaints
Volvo S90 reliability
9 years tracked · 18 complaints
Lexus ES reliability
8 years tracked · 95 complaints
Land Rover Range Rover Sport reliability
9 years tracked · 757 complaints
Volvo S60 reliability
6 years tracked · 65 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has good reliability with an average score of 60/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
- The best year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 2026 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Classanalysis →
- What are the Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to avoid?
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to avoid include 2019 (54/100), 2018 (55/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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