RoadVitals

2009 Mercedes-Benz E320

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Jan 2, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 19, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 105 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system436.4%
  • Engine327.3%
  • Body & structure19.1%
  • Driver assistance19.1%
  • Electrical19.1%
  • Exterior lighting19.1%

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

3 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.gov

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Nov 19, 2024
33,456 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2024120001/2/3View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Dec 23, 2022
131,653 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
The risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2023010004/5/6View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Dec 20, 2019
747,928 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
The risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2020040011View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Jan 2, 2020

CHECKING ON UNREPAIRED RECALL NHTSA#19V91832/RECALL#2019120012. THIS RECALL DESCRIBED AS PROBLEM WITH BONDING BETWEEN GLASS PANEL AND THE SLIDING ROOF FRAME, WHICH COULD LEAD IN SEPARATION OF THE GLASS PANEL FROM THE VEHICLE. I INTERPRET THIS TO BE THE SUNROOF GLASS DETACHING FROM THE FRAME ENDANGERING OTHERS. THIS RECALL APPEARS TO BE OPEN ON MY VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS THUS FAR.

NHTSA ID
11296704
Incident
Jan 2, 2020
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Nov 21, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE HESITATION WAS PERSISTENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE INLET PORT SHUTOFF MOTOR AND LINKAGE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,818.

NHTSA ID
10927283
Incident
Oct 29, 2016
Mileage
64,818 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2015

THE OIL COOLER ON THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL. THIS IS A LARGE, 15 HOUR REPAIR, THE TOTAL ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE COOLER AND SEALS IS $2350. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS REPAIR DONE YET. ALSO HAD OTHER OIL SEALS REPLACED IN THE TURBO AREA OF THE ENGINE WHICH COST ME $989.91.

NHTSA ID
10778933
Incident
Aug 22, 2015
Mileage
123,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 18, 2015

FUEL LEAK FROM THE SEAL ON FUEL PUMP IN THE FUEL TANK. SMALL PAD OF FUEL ON A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. ODOR SMELL WITH A/C ON. *TR

NHTSA ID
10695145
Incident
Feb 3, 2015
Mileage
47,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 13, 2014

I WAS CHANGING LANES AND WENT TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER. THE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF POWER IS A PLASTIC(YES PLASTIC) ROD THAT OPENS THE INTAKE TO INITIATE TURBO BOOST. THE FACT THAT HIS ROD IS MADE OF PLASTIC THAT CAN BREAK SO EASILY WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL IS DANGEROUS. MERCEDES BENZ IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE A QUALITY CAR THAT IS VERY COSTLY AND IT IS SHAMEFUL THAT IT IS MADE SO SHODDY CREATING A FALSE SENSE OF SAFETY AND QUALITY. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND NOW HAVE TO FIX THIS JUNK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10654777
Incident
Nov 9, 2014
Mileage
59,600 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 31, 2013

THE WIRING IN THE TRUNK THAT GOES TO THE REAR BRAKE AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED AND OPENS THE TRUNK FAILED. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE REMOTE OR THE BUTTON IN THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY WAS TO USE THE VALET KEY. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING IN THE DASH ABOUT ALL OF THESE LIGHTS BEING OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FOUND THE GROUND WIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE TRUNK LINER AND THE TRUNK LID HAD BROKEN DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10558042
Incident
Nov 30, 2013
Mileage
85,600 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 22, 2012

DEAR OFFICER, FROM THE BEGINNING (2010 AUGUST, 0 MILEAGE, MB E320) THE CAR HAS A CHEMICAL SMELL. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT IT WILL GO AWAY. HOWEVER, IN FEW MONTHS IT BECAME THE MOST AWFUL CHEMICAL SMELL (IT IS NOT MOLD, DIESEL FUEL OR EXHAUST). THIS EXTREMELY PENETRATING CHEMICAL(S) IS/ARE COMING FROM CARPET. VENTING/AIR-RECIRCULATION INCREASES CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION IN THE COMPARTMENT TO EXTREME LEVELS. THE CHEMICAL(S) IS/ARE DEFINITIVELY TOXIC GIVE STRONG HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, CAUSE NAUSEA, VOMITING, LIGHT-HEADEDNESS, CAUSE AND ACTIVATE ASTHMA (PERSONAL COMPLAINS) AND OTHER PROBLEMS (GOOGLE SEARCH). DETERIORATION COMPONENTS OF SYNTHETIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ARE KNOWN INDUCERS OF CARCINOGENESIS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HEALTH ISSUES. BASED ON GOOGLE SEARCH CHEMICALS IN THE CAR COMPARTMENT ARE COMMON PROBLEMS OF MERCEDES, VOLKSWAGEN AND BMW. THE DEALERSHIP REP AGREED WIT CHEMICAL SMELL. THEY OFFER CHEMICAL/DEODORIZER TREATMENT WHAT I AM HESITANT TO ACCEPT AS CHEMICAL ODOR REAPPEAR IN FEW WEEKS (GOOGLE SEARCH). ALSO MANY CHEMICAL DEODORIZER' ARE TOXIC (U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION). BASED ON GOOGLE SEARCH THE SOUND PROOFING UNDER THE CARPET IS THE SOURCE AS IT DECOMPOSE IN THESE VEHICLES AND RELEASE THE TOXIC CHEMICAL. DEALERSHIP AGREES THE SOURCE OF CHEMICALS BUT THEY DO NOT AGREE TO CHANGE SOUND PROOFING (ALTHOUGH THEY ADMIT THIS COMMON PROBLEM IN MERCEDES). I RESPECTFULLY ASK NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AT U S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INVESTIGATE THIS HEALTH ISSUE CAUSED BY DECOMPOSITION OF SOUND PROOFING. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SEVERELY EFFECTING SAFETY OF DRIVING AND IMPORTANTLY WELL-BEING OF US CITIZENS. SINCERELY, ON BEHALF OF MANY US CITIZENS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10444776
Incident
Sep 2, 2009
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Dec 17, 2009

2 HIGHWAY STALLINGS: 1) DEC.1. 2009 TRAVELING ON I-95 SOUTH AT 70MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CAR SUDDENLY STALLED, MANAGED TO PULL TO SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO BENZ DEALER 90 MILES AWAY. THEY CHANGED A NEW FUEL PUMP IN CHARLESTON, SC. CONTINUED DRIVING ON 2) DEC.3,2009, AFTER 400+ MILES ON I-95 SOUTH AT 70MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AGAIN, MANAGED TO PULL TO SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO BENZ DEALER IN MELBOURNE, FLORIDA. THEY CHANGED ANOTHER FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. NOW I AM DRIVING WITH MY FINGER CROSSED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10296303
Incident
Dec 1, 2009
Mileage
2,302 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI35.30-P-058566

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).

LI82.30-P-059239

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Complaint Headlamp, 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. 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: 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. 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 of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 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 condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (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. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective 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 according to 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. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Complaint Headlamp, 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. 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: 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. 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 of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 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 condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (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. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective 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 according to 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. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

LI82.10-P-078307

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 "Headlamp/front fog lamp leaky or fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system • Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. • If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system • Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. • 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 (Figure 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 (Figure 3). (Figure 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. (Figure 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 tight and there is natural physical condensation• If a higher pressure drop 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. Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. Observe the following documents for installation of desiccant packs: • LI82.10-P-078302 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system • LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system

LI82.10-P-078896

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 Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged headlamp in the following way: 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: External damage to the headlamp does not present a warranty or goodwill case. 1. Clear fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 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 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). 7. If the condensation has disappeared, nothing else has to be done. Note: If defrosting has been performed, you can skip the first step. 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. • All vents have to be sealed with sealing compound and the existing diaphragm with the stamp (picture 3 [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 (picture 6). • If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is tight and there is natural physical condensation. • If a higher pressure drop 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. If the pressure test is not passed, the headlamp is leaky. If the cause cannot be rectified, the headlamp must be replaced. Note: If the headlamp is replaced, no dry packs may be installed on the new replacement headlamp. AR82.10-P-5455WT was created for the pressure test. **NOTE - As of Sept 2025 the pressure testing tool is not finalized and may require modifications to fit properly. This AR can be used as a reference manual for all closed headlamps. In the event of an open headlamp system, the vent ducts must be sealed before the pressure test.

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

Mercedes-Benz E320 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009Viewing830
2008103049.1
2007174044.6
2006414150.1
20052313255.6
20042032149.6
20032142150.0
2002230034.2
2001380043.3
2000440039.4
1999830249.1
1998370243.7
1997630146.0
1996450145.9
1995960035.6
1994110042.1

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.