Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz E320, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 24 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.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1999 | 1 | 1 |
| Jun 2000 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2000 | 1 | 3 |
| Feb 2001 | 1 | 4 |
| Apr 2001 | 1 | 5 |
| Feb 2002 | 2 | 7 |
| Sep 2005 | 1 | 8 |
| Dec 2005 | 1 | 9 |
| Jan 2006 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2006 | 1 | 11 |
| Oct 2006 | 1 | 12 |
| Nov 2006 | 1 | 13 |
| Feb 2007 | 1 | 14 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 15 |
| Jan 2008 | 1 | 16 |
| May 2008 | 2 | 18 |
| Jun 2008 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2009 | 1 | 20 |
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 21 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 22 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 23 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 24 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 25 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 26 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 27 |
| Sep 2014 | 2 | 29 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 30 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 31 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 32 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 33 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 34 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 35 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 36 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 37 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 38 |
| Dec 2018 | 3 | 41 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 42 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 44 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
My car passenger side control arm has dry rotted and cracked in half I noticed this because my car steering wheel has never turned all the way to the right side so as I pulled up to the store, I had got out my car to check to see what the problem was and come to find out that the lower control arm by the lower ball joint was cracked in half from the control arm
I purchased 4 brand new tires from Firestone. They said tires has warranty and lifetime rotation as long as I own the car. I didn't receive any documentation about it or email shows my warranty. My right rear tire exploded in middle of highway. It was so hard to pull over almost got into an accident. I put my spare tire and checked tire if it caused by screw or any object there was nothing wrong with it. My tire just broke on side wall. I call Firestone center explained what's happened and I said I need to know what's wrong with the tire. I have 3 more the same tires I don't want to die. They gave me inspection number and take it to place I purchased and install my tire. I left my key and gave them inspection number. Next day they put new tire and charge me money for install no explain about what's happened old tire. After install the new tire 2 of wheelnuts missing on it no information about it also. I don't want to die.they need take it seriously. Store address:1492 Annapolis Rd , Odenton, MD 21113 +1 410-305-7563 235 45 R17 97 W
i got abs warning on the dash board, anti lock brake warning, sbc warnings, brake shop warnings...messages, brake pedal travels to the floor,. not stopping the car at the least.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 WAGON. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE EXECUTIVE REFERRAL MANAGER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
MY HUSBAND I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND I-99 AT A SPEED OF 65 WE BOTH HAD OUR SEATBELT ON AND AT 11.20AM MERCEDES SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR ACCIDENT.. AIRBAG DEPLOYING CAUSING INJURY TO MYSELF HITTING MY FACE AND RIGHT SIDE OF MY BODY INCIDENTS HAPPENED AT (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
MY HUSBAND DRIVING ON 99 FREEWAY GOING SOUTH BOUND AT 11:20AM SIDE PASSAGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT WITH ANY CAR I WAS IN PASSAGER SIT AIRBAG INJURED ME BLOWING UP IN MY FACE MY FACE IS BRUISE, INJURED MY HEAD AND RIGHT SIDE OF MY BODU
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF CAR FELL DOWN AND THERE WAS A SOUND LIKE I HIT A POTHOLE. THE ROAD WAS CLEAR. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD ROTTED OUT AND BROKE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG, BUT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: • It is recommended to replace the cover caps. • The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicle’s warranty in any way.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: • Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) • Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. • Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). • Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. • Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). • Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. • If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. • If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: • LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system • LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
SEATS
Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). ⢠Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. ⢠Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
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.
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.