Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 60/100

Skip the 2018 and 2019 model years. Both collect heavy electrical complaints, from blank instrument clusters to sudden shutdowns, and 2018 also carries 72 recalls. The 2024 model year is the better buy, with far fewer recalls and complaints on record.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 54/1002018 55/100
Buy
2024 63/100
Model average
60/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz E-Class average of 60/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201954/100Mixed42100Unknown Or Other (16)
2201855/100Mixed72252Electrical System (44)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Instrument cluster blackouts lead the complaints. The display fades while driving, hiding speed and gear, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Seat belt sensing is the next problem: chimes stay on with both front occupants belted, and the belt may not tighten. Engine reports include a PCV valve fault with code P052E and rear main seal oil leaks.

42 recalls100 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (16), Electrical System (16), Seat Belts (14), Engine (10), Back Over Prevention (8), Wheels (8)

View full 2019reliability report →
55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Electrical trouble leads here. Owners report an alternator that quit at 23,000 miles and shut the car off, a stall in traffic with frozen steering, and a blank digital cluster that one dealer quoted at $6,100. Crankcase valve failures and 12 fire reports add to it. The year also carries 72 recalls.

72 recalls252 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (44), Unknown Or Other (32), Steering (28), Engine (24), Power Train (20), Seat Belts (16)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2024

2018: Electrical faults range from minor glitches to sudden shutdowns.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2024

2019: Sunroof glass shattering at highway speed is the most alarming report here.

ENGINE

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

2018: Crankcase ventilation valve failures come up repeatedly.

POWER TRAIN

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2019

2018: The transmission drops into neutral and refuses to go into drive, sometimes in traffic, and one car was towed in with transmission failure.

STEERING

13 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2019

2018: Three of the seven complaints are about waiting for a steering recall repair.

SEAT BELTS

11 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018

2019: The car sometimes fails to detect a buckled belt.

Best Mercedes-Benz E-Class Year to Buy Instead

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Owners filed only seven complaints on 2024, and federal records show a single recall. The weaker 2018 model year has 72 recalls and 252 complaints. Unlike 2026, it has had time on the road. Still, check it closely. Its complaints include low-speed surging while parking and bubbling on the factory 21-inch tires.

Score: 63/100 (Good)1 recalls7 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should I avoid?
Avoid 2018 and 2019. Our analysis finds both well below the model's own average. The 2018 year has the most recalls and complaints, with electrical, steering and engine reports. The 2019 year is marked by cluster blackouts and seat belt detection faults.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a bad year?
Yes, it is the weakest year on record. It has 72 recalls and 252 owner complaints, with 12 fire reports. Electrical faults lead, including an alternator failure that shut the car off, and steering and crankcase valve problems follow.
What is wrong with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Its main faults are instrument cluster blackouts and a seat belt system that sometimes fails to detect a buckled belt. Dealers often cannot reproduce either. Owners also report P052E engine codes, rear main seal oil leaks, and broken transmission wiring harnesses.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class the most reliable year?
It rates among the highest, but do not treat that as proof. It has no recalls or complaints because it has barely been on the road. Complaints build up over time. The 2024 model year is the safer pick with a longer record.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years have engine problems?
Both 2018 and 2019 show crankcase ventilation valve faults with code P052E and a check engine light. The 2018 year also has a piston failure on the M247 engine and two engine fires. The 2019 year adds a stall on a highway and a timing valve failure.

How we score every Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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