COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450, most frequently naming the driver assistance, body & structure and engine categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 227 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 5 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 6 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 7 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 8 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance337.5%
- Body & structure225.0%
- Engine112.5%
- Interior & seats112.5%
- Tires & wheels112.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
7 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govBACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Rear glass window on convertible soft top is prematurely separating/delaminating from top assembly on 2020 Mercedes-Benz E350 convertible with under 8,000 miles. Glass is integrated into the convertible top and failure may lead to reduced rear visibility, possible glass detachment, water intrusion, and safety hazard while driving. This appears premature and inconsistent with expected vehicle life.
- NHTSA ID
- 11738921
- Incident
- Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-450. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperative. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was frozen. The contact also expressed concerns that the emblem located on the rear of the vehicle was intermittently blocking the rearview image. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11694082
- Incident
- Oct 17, 2025
- Mileage
- 48,000 mi
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image failed to display. An image indicating that the rearview camera was inoperable was displayed on the infotainment system screen. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the manufacturer was in the process of issuing a related recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11635911
- Incident
- Dec 14, 2024
- Mileage
- 34,000 mi
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed the rear view of the vehicle for approximately 10-seconds before going black. The back over prevention camera remained open despite failing to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the VIN was not included. The back over prevention camera was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11601554
- Incident
- Jul 12, 2024
- Mileage
- 48,000 mi
The side wall split on the outside of the tire and the tire deflated. I pulled to the side of the road. I have no spare because the tires are run flats. I tried to drive and within about 3 miles the tire shredded. The tread separated from the tire and made the car undriveable because the tire tread was hitting the wheel well. I was stranded with no spare. The rubber began melting and I was told by the tire shop fixing my car it fused to the rim. This tire was not made properly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11465827
- Incident
- May 21, 2022
On October 2, 2021, car caught fire in the engine compartment while car was turned off under carport of home. Car mileage was 18,000. The car was serviced by Mercedes of Marin and driven approximately 25 miles after the service when incident occurred. No warning lamps or messages appeared. Fire damage to carport and garage of house and fence and gate. Allstate, the insurance carrier is performing a fire inspection of the vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11437940
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated while attempting to open and close the door, the door failed to remain open. Additionally, on several occasions, the door closed independently. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was awaiting a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11419360
- Incident
- Oct 12, 2020
- Mileage
- 8,000 mi
THE DOOR HINGES ARE DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED, IT CLOSES TOO QUICKLY. THE DETENTS DO NOT WORK. THEY DO NOT HOLD THE DOOR AJAR. THIS IS A LONG, HEAVY DOOR AND WHEN IT SLAMS SHUT ON YOUR LEG, ANKLE OR FOOT IT REALLY HURTS! THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE SAFELY IS TO PUT YOUR FOOT AGAINST THE DOOR TO HOLD IT OPEN WHILE YOU EXIT. I BROUGHT THIS PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF MB, WHO AGREED TO REPLACE THE HINGES ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. ONCE THIS WAS DONE, THE DOOR WORKED FINE... FOR A MONTH. AND THEN IT SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM OF SLAMMING SHUT OR NOT STAYING OPEN. MB SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED THE HINGE ON THE PASSENGER DOOR, WHICH IS HARDLY USED, SO I HAVE NO DATA FOR THAT. I HAVE WRITTEN TO MB ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND RECEIVED A RESPONSE THAT THEY WOULD "LOOK INTO IT." THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IT MAKES ENTERING AND EXITING THE CAR PAINFUL AND STRESSFUL. MB NEEDS TO RE-ENGINEER THIS HINGE SO THAT IT WORKS AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO AND DOESN'T INJURE PEOPLE. LAST MONTH A FRIEND ARRIVED IN THE COUPE VERSION OF THIS CAR. AS HIS WIFE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, THE DOOR SLAMMED SHUT ON HER ANKLE. I TOLD HER TO CALL MB. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEBILITATING INJURY. IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11385595
- Incident
- May 29, 2020
- Mileage
- 400 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING
Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line. Remedy In the event of a customer complaint and fault code in IDC control unit: U186B29 in IDC223 or fault code U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1 in IDC213 or fault code in HOSWD control unit: B1E7614 Check: Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. Please flash the new SW and perform the SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (N179/1) (available from July 2026). The software can be flashed onto all HOSWD213 with HW number A0009011522 and all HOSWD223 with HW number A0009011422. Please also flash the SW for the IDC control unit (N62/4), if possible (only applies to HOSWD223). Erase fault memory Remedy: Turn on the ignition or start the engine without touching the steering wheel. If, after 10 seconds without touching the steering wheel, one of the three fault messages appears on the instrument cluster: Check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, crimp connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage -> replace the steering wheel rim. If a yellow message does not appear on the instrument cluster within 10 seconds: Grasp the steering wheel fully with both hands, including the chrome molding at the 6 o'clock position (see picture 1). If the fault is triggered by grasping the steering wheel rim or pressing the clip at the 6 o'clock position, check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, kinked connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage: Replace the steering wheel rim. Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. A TIPS case should be created if fault profile is unclear. In the event of a customer complaint and a further fault code in HOSWD: B1E7713: Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). B1F1F04: Check the control unit of the hand detection system; if necessary, replace this with the control unit from a donor vehicle (make sure that the hardware part numbers are identical).
POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).
SUSPENSION
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.
SUSPENSION
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.
ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.