AI Damage2009 Mercedes-Benz E320: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and fuel/propulsion system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 25% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 13% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 13% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 13% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 13% of all complaints
- Engine: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 11,896 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the E320 has 73 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 8, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (25%), A/C or heater (13%), hesitation when accelerating (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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.