E-Class (W211)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-V6-Gas
3.2L 6-cyl / 221 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V8-Gas
5.0L 8-cyl / 302 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.5-V8-Gas
5.5L 8-cyl / 493 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-I6-Diesel
3.2L 6-cyl / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
6.2-V8-Gas
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.4-V8-Gas
5.4L 8-cyl / 469 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
3.7-V8-Gas
3.7L 8-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.1-I6-Diesel
3.1L 6-cyl / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
OM642 DE30
3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 174 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
On a used 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the fuel system (1,630), the brakes (398) and the engine (206). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 1,630 owner complaints on the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 398 owner complaints on the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 135 owner complaints on the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (5)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 E350 4MATIC WAGON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2006, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009. A CONNECTING ROD FOR THE LOAD LEVELING REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY FAIL.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class complaints?
Owners have filed 2,736 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The systems they name most often are the fuel system, the brakes and the engine.
Is the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,736 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
NHTSA has 2,736 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the fuel system, the brakes and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the E-Class?
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,736 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.