AI Damage2008 Mercedes-Benz E320: common problems
Owners of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 30% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 3 Steering 20% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel system 10% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 10% of all complaints
- Engine: 3 complaints (30% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle previously underwent a sunroof recall repair; however, the repair appears to have been performed improperly. The sunroof seal was never replaced as required, which has resulted in ongoing water intrusion.
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed turbo valve and a failed exhaust system.
The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed engine failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V006000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired.
The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. On another occasion while driving 30 MPH, the contact stated that he noticed smoking coming from the front of the vehicle with an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle.
The contact noticed the rear suspension on the driver's side was deflated sitting very low to the ground. The contact stated when they entered the vehicle to turn it on they received an error message on the display console stating the vehicle too low to drive.
Lower front control arm replacement parts manufactured by feq and supplied thru worldpac are suspected to be defective. Parts have 18k miles on them and are at a failure point. Although we are unusble to determine if a part failure from design and manufacturer or from impact damage to supporting frame work ...
Engine developed catastrophic oil leak. Oil leaked from oil cooler seals. I was informed by mercedes benz service department that the seals were redesigned. The original seals were made of an orange rubber material and the replacement seals are made of a purple viton material.
Fuel smell outside of vehicle after filling the tank. Took to dealer in valencia ca. They tightened the fuel filler neck. The following week when we filled up, same issue. Responded via email to service manager that the problem was not corrected. Brought car back for service in nov 2014.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,921 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 30% most complained about).
On average one model year of the E320 has 73 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 10, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, engine and cooling, steering. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (20%), engine failure or replacement (10%), fuel system, fuel smell (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2008 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.