2000 Mercedes Benz E Class recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.
What could happen:
The fix: MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2000 E CLASS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01I005000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-367-6372.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.
Consequence:
Remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2000 Mercedes Benz E Class owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (11), Engine (7), Body / structure (5), Steering (4), Transmission / drivetrain (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/27/2012 · Body / structure
MY 2000 E320 HAS EXCESSIVE RUST ISSUES THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE BODY. I WAS TOLD BY MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE USE OF A NEW WATER BASED PAINT USED BETWEEN 1997-2002 BUT BECAUSE I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD THEY CAN NOT HELP ME OR OFFER ME ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH THE ISSUE. I HAVE LOCATED O…
08/03/2011 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SPRING TOWER HAD FRACTURED. HE ALSO NOTICED CORROSION ON THE SPRING TOWER. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE…
03/18/2011 · Electrical system
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 E320. I HAVE BEEN HAVING CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH HEADLAMPS, FOG LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LAMPS GOING OUT VERY FREQUENTLY. OFTEN, I RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT THE "LAMPS ARE INOPERABLE", AFTER CHECKING ALL BULBS, I FIND THIS IS NOT THE CASE, MERCEDES MAY NOT ADMIT TO THIS, BUT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR CARS. I HA…
10/04/2010 · Body / structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES E 320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY PANEL ON THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACTS PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHIN A YEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF THE RUST, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS INFORMATION ONLINE SU…
05/24/2010 · Engine
FAULTY CAM AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAUSED ENGINE TO DIE (STALL) IN THE MID TRAFFIC ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS. DEALER REPLACED CAM POSITION SENSOR 003-153-28-28 AND SENDER UNIT 004-153-69-28, INDICATING THE CAUSE AS AN INTERNAL FAULT. DEALER'S SERVICE REP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
01/05/2010 · Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 320 WAGON WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2003. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 40 MPH, THE CONTACT THOUGHT HE HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING AND THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN HE COULD HEARD A GRINDING AND THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE…
12/15/2009 · Electrical system
90K MILES GAUGE CLUSTER LED CLOCK AND OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAYS FAILING. CAN NOT READ NUMBER. NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND IT'S A 2000 I HAD A 1996 AND NOW A 1993 WITH ALMOST TWICE THE MILEAGE AND ALL THE DISPLAYS WORK. *TR
12/07/2009 · Electrical system
MY CAR IS A 2000 MERCEDES E320 WITH ONLY 43,000 MILES AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR THE LAST 10,000 MILES. THE BENZ WON'T REPLACE IT OR FIX IT. THE DISPLAYS DON'T WORK!!! *TR