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 234 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.
STEERING
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double‑clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") • an XSS ticket may be necessary to add the SA code 2. Perform SCN coding of EIS N73 control unit 3. Deactivate the vehicle key (a successful deactivation is indicated by the LED lighting up 2x briefly and then 1x for a long period). 4. Place the vehicle key in the storage compartment on the key symbol and turn on the ignition. IMPORTANT: all other vehicle keys must be outside the recognition range of the vehicle when doing this! Perform steps 3 and 4 successively for all vehicle keys. Notes: 6th, 7th and 8th generation keys can be deactivated as follows: Up to modification year 22/1 by double clicking the "Lock button" As of modification year 22/1, by press and holding the “Lock button", then double‑click the “Unlock button" at the same time. On model series 167, the storage compartment with the key symbol is located in the armrest. The SCN coding from the EZS is only transferred correctly to the vehicle key under the following conditions: Only one vehicle key is located in the vehicle, this key has been deactivated and it is positioned on the marking in the storage compartment for the data transfer. The costs for this adaptation are to be borne by the customer. For the newer BR 174, 178, 244, 248, 520, and 540, a software update must be initiated, as there is no way to perform SCN coding.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, 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"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
POWER TRAIN
Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for creating a TIPS case. Cause The root cause will vary depending on the complaint. The goal of this document is to provide diagnostic checks and procedures that may help resolve customer complaints without opening a TIPS case. Remedy Before opening a transmission-related TIPS case, the following steps must be performed to ensure all relevant data has been collected and possible remedies (when applicable) have been performed. Please Note: At minimum, the documents below must be collected before proceeding to ensure the data in its original state when the vehicle arrived is captured. - Initial Quick Test w/ Freeze frame data - VGS Control Unit Log - Initial EEPROM data (.txt format) - IPR Result (if applicable. See LI27.00-P-073124 - Transmission diagnosis using the Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) tool) - Transmission Heath Page If the vehicle has previously been repaired for the same concern, note the date, mileage, and TIPS case or RO number, along with a brief description of the prior work performed. IPR Guidance: The IPR recommended repair should be completed prior to following any steps in this LI and prior to case creation. IPR repairs do not require additional warranty approvals or a TIPS case to validate/confirm the results. To ensure efficient case handling, please avoid opening TIPS cases for this reason. For further information regarding IPR please see the following documents: LI27.00-P-073124 - Transmission diagnosis using the Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) tool Oil Pan Condition Evaluation: In some situations, IPR will advise checking the oil pan condition and determining a repair based on the evaluation. Example photos in Xentry can be found in two ways: • Use the blue hyperlink in the IPR result, and it will take you to the Condition check of transmission oil • Navigate to Xentry Bluebook > Help for control unit > Condition check of transmission oil If a different repair that what is recommended by IPR is performed, attaching photo documentation of the complaint vehicle oil pan and the IPR example to the claim is required. Reproducing the Concern: Proper evaluation of transmission concerns generally requires the condition to be reproducible. It is recommended to compare the vehicle to a similar model, if available, to help determine whether the shift behavior is characteristic of the drivetrain or uncharacteristic for the vehicle. If the concern cannot be duplicated: • A test drive with the customer may assist in understanding and reproducing the complaint. • The vehicle shift quality should be compared to a known-good vehicle with identical drivetrain and model year. • Check Shift Quality History (VGS Control Unit > Adaptations > Shift Quality History) Shift Quality History will show the last 5 noticeable harsh shifts and some of the parameters in which it occurred. You can use this to attempt recreation of the operating conditions and increase likelihood of reproducing the complaint. Complaint A: Shift Quality Note: Certain AMG variants may exhibit more firm and noticeable shift behavior as a normal characteristic. Refer to LI27.60‑P‑075147 for additional information. 1. Perform Valve flushing procedure 2. Perform 5 Torque Converter adaptions in a row - Allow the vehicle to warm up naturally, DO NOT power brake as it will increase the temperature in the torque converter. - After the 5th adaptation, collect a screen shot showing all 5 on one page 3. Perform a standstill adaption - collect a screen shot Recheck vehicle operation. If the concern has not improved, driving adaptations should be performed to target specific gear shifts.
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.