Mercedes-Benz

E-Class (W213)

2017-2023 · Midsize Sedan ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.4)
586 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
16 Fire Reports
19 Crash Reports
Includes data from: AMG E53E-CLASSE-CLASS CABRIOLETE-CLASS COUPEE-CLASS STATION WAGON
View all 5 generations of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M177

4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 603 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.4)
10 complaints 3.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
4
electrical
2
brakes
2
engine
2
interior
2

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

M274

2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.5)
209 complaints 69.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
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Complaint Breakdown

engine
54
electrical
33
fuel system
30
other
29
safety systems
25

Known Issues

Engine Issues (54 complaints)
Est. repair: $2,000โ€“$3,500 (5 reports)
Electrical System Issues (33 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (30 complaints)

M256

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 396 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.9)
190 complaints 21.4 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
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Complaint Breakdown

electrical
50
engine
39
wheels tires
38
safety systems
35
fuel system
18

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (50 complaints)
Engine Issues (39 complaints)
Typical onset: 400โ€“19,500 mi
Wheels/Tires Issues (38 complaints)

M264

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.9)
90 complaints 22.5 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
30
engine
17
electrical
16
fuel system
14
transmission
11

Known Issues

Engine Issues (17 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (16 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (14 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz E-Class regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (110 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (101 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (70 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (62 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Wheels/Tires Issues (38 complaints)
wheels_tires critical

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?

The 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has accumulated 586 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good used car?

The 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 586 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?

The 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 586 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the E-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2017-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 586 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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