2002 Mercedes Benz E320 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (3) · Suspension (2) · Power Train (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz E320 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (44)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 l
Showing the 6 most recent of 44 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2020-09-03 · Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly · 200,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz e320. the contact stated that the sun roof was unable to be opened and that the sun roof glass had become indented. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) for another mercedes-benz vehicle w…”
2016-05-09 · Service Brakes · 58,100 mi“on april 25, 2016, i noticed that a white brake system indicator light came on while the engine was running. i was driving on a city street at about 10 mph in traffic. despite the white warning light, the foot brakes still held. it said "service brakes , visit workshop". i immediately drove to the sole authorised agent in trinidad, who ran some di…”
2015-12-22 · Electrical System · 83,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz e320. the contact stated that the fuse box and the computer burned. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the vin was not provided. the failure mileage was 83,000. …”
2015-05-20 · Power Train · 118,000 mi“while decelerating onto highway from on ramp, the transmission seems to slip out of gear. this has happened several times. it's is a scary situation to lose power as you merge into highway. i coasted to brake down lane. i shifted back into park gear to reset, then back into drive gear to resume travel. this has happened two more times since. can be…”
2014-12-31 · Fuel System, Gasoline“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz e320. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a gasoline fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was unknown. …”
2014-11-26 · Exterior Lighting · 92,000 mi“the temperature led has completely gone out and the clock/gear selection led is unreadable... i believe seeing another complaint of the same type in the database, don't remember the model but was wondering why if this is a trend does mercedes not have a fix for the situation. i realize that the warranty is only good for so long but if other cars al…”
2014-11-26 · Suspension · 140,000 mi“the car started having very strong vibrations at idle speed when car is in reverse or drive and stopped at a standstill with brake. took it to shop and was informed that the vehicles motor mounts were in need of replacement, to the tune of over 600.00. once again i have read a similar complaint in the database and really want to know why mercedes h…”
2014-11-26 · Air Bags · 90,000 mi“exact date of incident not known i am third owner of car and have known the second owner the entire time of her ownership. the srs light on the dash stays lit at all times, as does the passenger side airbag off indicator. was wondering if this was a one incident type or if this is a trend among older e320's that are out of warranty. *tr…”
2014-11-19 · Air Bags · 140,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz e320. while driving approximately 10 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side door of the contact's vehicle. the air bags deployed and metal shavings came out of the air bags. the contact was injured and required medical attention. a police report was filed. the vehicle was taken to an inde…”
2012-04-09 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 83,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz e-320. while traveling 45 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle had began to vibrate uncontrollably. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and the failure mileages were 83,000. the vin wa…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.