1999 Mercedes Benz E320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E320 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Mercedes Benz E320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
83 complaints12 involved a crash6 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes-benz E320. While the contact was reversing the vehicle, the driver, passenger, ceiling, and both side air bags deployed without warning or an impact occurring. There were no injuries. The contact left a voice message with the manufacturer. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Air bags · Power train › Driveline › Universal joint
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes-benz E320. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact felt a vibration coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger side curtain air bags and front driver side door air bag erroneously deployed. The driver sustained a concussion and injuries to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes-benz E320. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact felt a vibration coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger side curtain air bags and front driver side door air bag erroneously deployed. The driver sustained a concussion and injuries to the face, neck, and shoulders, which required hospitalization. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed from the scene. There was no crash. The vehicle was examined by the manufacturer who determined that the front universal joint and driveshaft fractured, which caused the air bag sensor to erroneously activate and deploy the air bags. The manufacturer and local dealer (mercedes-benz of greenwich, 261 west putnam ave, greenwich, ct) were notified. The failure mileage was 125,000. The vin was invalid.
- Electrical system
8/31/18 in motion on a city street, the cabin filled with smoke (from a fire but no flame was seen) I had to open all windows to breath and see. My home was within sight so I drove to the middle of my lawn away from any building, the key would not turn, the car would not shut down. I as quickly as posable disconnected the battery to shut down.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting
Takata recall srs light on front passenger seat
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
My vehicle IS leaking fuel and the smell of the gas IS really bad from inside and outside of the car. Based on the analysis of fuel tank leaks on model year 2003-08 mercedes-benz e-class vehicles shows me that the e-calls has this issue but my car IS a 1999. I would like to know was the year based solely on the 15 year extended warranty or other facts also.
- Suspension
1999 E320 right front upper coil spring mount almost completely rusted away from frame. This problem IS frequent on this model and can cause a serious loss of vehicle control under a failure condition. The left coil spring cap IS fine, as it IS in most cases I've researched. - I found this…
1999 E320 right front upper coil spring mount almost completely rusted away from frame. This problem IS frequent on this model and can cause a serious loss of vehicle control under a failure condition. The left coil spring cap IS fine, as it IS in most cases I've researched. - I found this problem just before it broke while replacing the front brakes, and this parts failure requires removal and replacement of the affected area and parts. The repair IS ~$550.00 and IS a must to use the car safely. - mercedes benz certainly knows about this safety issue and has failed to at least notify owners of this model that users expect to last for decades. This IS not a "normal" problem.
- Air bags
I was pulling out of my driveway, going ~5 mph, when I smelled something, there was an explosion by my head and the air curtains on the driver's side self-deployed. after that my husband, a mechanic, deactivated the srs using the switch on the console of the car. however, approximately one year…
I was pulling out of my driveway, going ~5 mph, when I smelled something, there was an explosion by my head and the air curtains on the driver's side self-deployed. after that my husband, a mechanic, deactivated the srs using the switch on the console of the car. however, approximately one year later, the air curtains and airbag on the passenger side self-deployed while he was driving the car. then on or about july 31, 2014, a clear day, around 8:30 a.m. When my husband was driving the car at approximately 50 mph, he heard an explosion, the seatbelt retracted with such force that it caused a painful blow to his chest and pinned him into the car. he was able to drive the car off the road. at first he thought he might have been shot because of the noise from the explosion, it was hard to breathe and painful. however, after a few minutes, he realized it was the seatbelt and struggled to release it. the seatbelt put a gash in his left shoulder through his clothes. (we have pictures of the gash.) in all of these incidents, we have not been in an accident, road conditions were good, we have not been speeding, and, therefore, did not call the police. since then, we have taken the car off of the road because the seat belt no longer works, and driving the car without the seat belt would violate a new jersey statute. we're also concerned that there are more airbags that have the potential of spontaneously self-deploying while the car IS being driven. we've contacted mercedes and were told to have the car towed to a dealer and pay for a diagnosis. we feel that the car should be recalled by mercedes because it IS unsafe to drive and has the potential to cause an accident. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
There was a fuel leak under the rear driver side seat near the rear tire. I had it fixed by an independent mechanic, but the problem has recurred. I currently have a fuel leak at the same place. the vehicle now has 141,000 miles. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes E320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an abnormal noise was coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact indicated that after inspecting the vehicle, the front driver side appeared to be lowered. After taking the…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes E320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, an abnormal noise was coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact indicated that after inspecting the vehicle, the front driver side appeared to be lowered. After taking the front driver side wheel off the contact discovered that the wheel well was corroded and the suspension was damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 190,000.
- Service brakes
My car skidded of the road after I tried to brake in order to slow down because two right wheels of the car were in a puddle. I completely lost control of the car, and did not understand what was happening. I was on a ramp approaching highway 101, and I was not speeding. It was a really scary…
My car skidded of the road after I tried to brake in order to slow down because two right wheels of the car were in a puddle. I completely lost control of the car, and did not understand what was happening. I was on a ramp approaching highway 101, and I was not speeding. It was a really scary moment. I took the car to the mercedes dealership, and their conclusion was that there IS nothing wrong with the car, which IS hard to believe. *js
- Engine and engine cooling
Just like the gm cars now being recalled, my car shut itself off completely while I was traveling at 60 mph. it had to be towed to be repaired---and the diagnosis was made immediately, as the mechanic had done taken car of a car that had the identical "problem" just the week before. parts replaced were l catalytic converter and air mass meter. *tr
- Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the left. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was deflated. The vehicle was towed to an…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the left. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was deflated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the recommended air pressure was added to the tire. The mechanic also informed the contact that the aluminum wheel rim was defective and caused the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 100,832. The vin was not available.
- Air bags · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes E320. The contact stated that while exiting a driveway, the front driveshaft fractured and all of the air bags inadvertently deployed. The contact did not crash into anything prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where they advised that they could not determine why the drive shaft was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 182,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320 . The contact stated that while refueling, an abnormal hissing noise was heard from the filler neck. As the contact removed the fuel pump hose from the filler neck valve, fuel spewed from the filler neck erratically. The vehicle was taken to a private…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320 . The contact stated that while refueling, an abnormal hissing noise was heard from the filler neck. As the contact removed the fuel pump hose from the filler neck valve, fuel spewed from the filler neck erratically. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic for diagnosis. The contact was advised that the fuel tank would need replacing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 161,011.
- Air bags · Power train
As I was entering the interstate on the on ramp my rear u joint on front drive shaft came apart. subsequently both my curtain airbags deployed as well as my driver front door air bag. as it was considered a mechanical failure my insurance with usaa did not cover anything. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. While the contact was attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch, the front driver's side air bag abruptly deployed without any force to the vehicle. The vehicle was was taken to an authorized dealer however, they were unable to determine…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. While the contact was attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch, the front driver's side air bag abruptly deployed without any force to the vehicle. The vehicle was was taken to an authorized dealer however, they were unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the air bag malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Suspension
Front spring perch: this component IS heavily corroded. It started to separate from the body work. Spring IS noticibly bent and touching the struts which IS causing grinding and vibration. Spring IS very close to falling off which will cause the front end of the car to drop which I believe IS very…
Front spring perch: this component IS heavily corroded. It started to separate from the body work. Spring IS noticibly bent and touching the struts which IS causing grinding and vibration. Spring IS very close to falling off which will cause the front end of the car to drop which I believe IS very dangerous if the part fails while driving especially in the highway. Please have mercedes benz issue a recall regarding this matter. I would hate for people to lose their lives if it's something that could've been prevented. *tt
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. While driving 5 mph, the body of the vehicle collapsed on the tire when the spring perch that's connected to the spring assembly failed. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated he was not sure if he could repair the vehicle and he had to…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz E320. While driving 5 mph, the body of the vehicle collapsed on the tire when the spring perch that's connected to the spring assembly failed. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated he was not sure if he could repair the vehicle and he had to order the repair parts. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000. updated 8/29/11 *cn updated 09/21/11
- Suspension › Front
The suspension spring perch broken and spring coil fell out. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes-benz E320. The contact stated that the vehicle was being serviced for the brakes when he was informed by the independent mechanic that the spring perch on the frame of the vehicle was rusted. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired for the rust. The current and failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
1999 mercedes benz E320, traveling eastbound in the center lane. unit 1 hit her brakes and a small drive shaft broke and tore a wire loose under the vehicle. the curtain side airbags deployed. *bf according to the police report, the broken wire may have been the cause of the air bags deploying. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0858-90) updated 02/15/11 *bf
- Air bags › Side/window
Driver side srs airbag deployed spontaneously. not related to any collision or accident. car was stopped, in park, when driver side airbag deployed banging into the driver left side and arm. if the car had not been stopped, the driver probably would have lost control of the car and an accident would have occurred. driver sustained bruise to the left side and left arm
- Air bags · Electrical system
Tl*the contact owned a 1999 mercedes benz E-320. while driving approximately 70 mph the air bags deployed. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. Smoke was coming from the vehicle and it was towed to an insurance company lot where it was declared destroyed. the failure and current mileages…
Tl*the contact owned a 1999 mercedes benz E-320. while driving approximately 70 mph the air bags deployed. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. Smoke was coming from the vehicle and it was towed to an insurance company lot where it was declared destroyed. the failure and current mileages were 112,000. updated 02/23/11*lj the consumer stated an investigator concluded something happened within the electrical system, but was unable to say specifically what it was. Updated 02/28/11
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
Transmission would not shift out of first gear, the ABS lights on and the asr, fuse no 2 on the K40 module was blown and there were also codes indicating that no power was going to the asr hydraulic unit. There was no signal from the left rear wheel speed sensor and there was a malfunction in the…
Transmission would not shift out of first gear, the ABS lights on and the asr, fuse no 2 on the K40 module was blown and there were also codes indicating that no power was going to the asr hydraulic unit. There was no signal from the left rear wheel speed sensor and there was a malfunction in the transmission gear speed sensor. The technician discovered a wiring harness located underneath the power brake booster had shorted with the body of the vehicle and created a small fire that burned and destroyed the insulating material through approx. 7 inches of the harness. The small fire also burned the insulating material on 2 other wiring harness in the vicinity. The technician has determined the cause of the fire to be related to the location of the wiring harness. The harness was pinned down to the body of the vehicle by the air conditioning hose adjacent to where 2 parts of the body where joined together. the point where the two parts of the body were joined together created a sharp edge. Over time the vibration of the engine and other components of the vehicle causes the sharp edge to cut into the wiring harness eventually wearing it to bare wire. When the bare wire shorted with the body, the fire was created thus burning a section to the wiring harness and thus causing the malfunctions indicated above. Overall, the technician and many other reports claim that this was mercedes benz's design flaw and failure that the wiring harness was placed inconveniently underneath the refrigerant line. We can provide the pictures of the damage if necessary.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Engine just stops running/stalling after from 15 - 30 minutes of driving. has happened twice midway through left turns. (Scary!) can happen anytime and any speed. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension coil spring ejection
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture…
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture of the upper front suspension mounting bracket.time-in-service failure rates are notably higher in salt belt states since corrosion IS a primary contributor to the failure mode.since a number of incidents have occurred while the vehicle was being operated, odi IS skeptical that owners can always detect the subtle side to side difference in ride height and/or inspect or notice that the upper suspension bracket has been compromised by corrosion.(1) road hazard - although the (approx. 7 lb.) front suspension spring that may be ejected at highway speeds could pose a serious road hazard to pedestrians and other vehicles, the occurrence rate has been low (.03% based on 51 reported incidents occurring and an initial population of 172,781 vehicles after 9 - 12 years of use / exposure) and there are no known injuries, fatalities, or property damage reports due to an ejected spring.also, many of the 51 incidents occurred at low speed or while the vehicle was stopped or parked.(2) vehicle control - vehicle handling and control could be affected by the fracture of the upper suspension mount and/or the associated spring ejection.odi first identified its concern about corrosion in the upper suspension bracket of subject vehicles in 2002, at which time mercedes provided a video that showed that a vehicle could be steered, stopped, and controlled through various maneuvers at high speeds with a front coil spring completely missing from the vehicle. During pe07-021, in addition to reviewing the 2002 video-tape, odi engineers drove an exemplar vehicle with the spring removed and simulated various combinations of steering angles to assess whether there were any possible conditions / displacements in which the separated spring might interfere with the wheels. In a vehicle with the front spring removed, the top of the wheel can lightly contact the bottom area of the wheel fender during high angle turns typically associated with slower speed maneuvers such as city driving. The light tire contact generated an obvious grinding noise and would likely abrade or bend the edge of the fender with continued use.however, the extent of the interference was not sufficient to affect vehicle steering and does not occur at smaller turning angles associated with highway driving.odi has not identified a safety related defect trend at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety related defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if future circumstances warrant.
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10235972Enclosed for your information and pursuant to part 579.5, please find our latest Service and Warranty Bulletins for March, 2016
- 10186142Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10179951AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10167553Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load - Bosch) is stored in the engine control unit.
- 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
- 10167000Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10166090Possible complaints: 1. Memory function of electric seat fore/aft adjustment not functioning. 2. Seat fore/aft adjustment with easy entry/exit feature not functioning. 3. Head restraint presetting not functioning. 4. Seat fore/aft adjustment can only be adjusted for 2 sec with the seat adjustment switch (seat can only be adjusted in longitudinal direction in fits and starts). 5. Function "Collision avoidance when folding down the rear seat backrest" not functioning (seat fails to move forward when the rear seat backrest is folded down).
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10151948Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10151924Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10136031Engine noises (rattling) after engine start
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135598Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10044222Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly. Dirt deposits on the seat belt guide due to soiled seat belt. Also included models 169, f cell, 246, and 231. No model years given.
- 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10044180Xentry: 'airmatic- service required' or 'elc- service required' in display- 'fc5151- B22/3 (rear axle sensor): signal implausible' stored.
- 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
- 10033067Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10032709Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle IS subject to torsion or when steering wheel IS turned. This IS mainly heard when the vehicle IS stationary or when the vehicle IS moving slowly. Relative movement between the frame type integral support and steering plate can cause the plate to make contact with the frame type integral support of the front axle, which in turn causes noises.
- 10029105Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy, combustion noise, vehicle stalls). May be caused by malfunction at pressure regulator valve (prv) due to improper installation.
- 10028686Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, AMG (compressor) AMG, bluetec and wagon. Model years unknown. Updated 9/18/09.
- 10028649Mercedes: srs indicator lamp on. The srs light IS illuminated and diagnostic fault code(s) b9223 and/or b9243 are stored in the srs ecu. The resistance of the ignition squib circuit for the sidebag may be too high. Model 211. All model years.
- 10025663Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ML 320 and gl320); 211.022 (E320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
- 10025649Water entry at a-pillar on model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 282, 283 (E320 cdi; E320; e500;e55amg; E320 4matic; E500 4matic; E320 wagon; 320 4matic). Unknown years.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10015377Revised repair procedure and additional applicable models. Model 170, 202, 208 and 210 models. Front fog lamp(s) inoperative. Mercedes-benz. Model years: 1994-2004. Updated 09/09/08.
- 10010912Steering wheel heater not operating correctly or inoperative at cold temperatures. Mercedes benz model 211. Model year unknown. Model 211 (e series). Update 8/8/2008.
Every Mercedes Benz E320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.