Skip to main content
a red mercedes that is a perfect example of the type of car that is better to buy in a private sale

These are the Most Complained About Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz is a luxurious automobile that hails from abroad and graces us with powerful engines and plush interiors. The brand now has a broad price range to include those with pockets a bit more on the shallow side compared to some of the deep pocket models. Pricing ranges from the low $30s to well over …

Mercedes-Benz is a luxurious automobile that hails from abroad and graces us with powerful engines and plush interiors. The brand now has a broad price range to include those with pockets a bit more on the shallow side compared to some of the deep pocket models. Pricing ranges from the low $30s to well over $100,000 for intense six-figure offerings such as the sporty Mercedes AMG GT or the stately S-Class. However––even though this brand isn’t quite as common as others like Chevy or Mazda––there are complaints. According to CarComplaints.com, these are the most complained about Mercedes-Benz cars.

The Mercedes-Benz E320

The Mercedes-Benz E320 is third on the list for most complained about Mercedes-Benz cars. This model shows 48 complaints on file with CarComplaints.com. Overall, this number isn’t huge. So we aren’t saying to avoid this model at all costs.

Silver 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan driving down a road lined with palm trees
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan | Mercedes-Benz

However, there are problems that owners have dealt with that you may want to know about if you are thinking about getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz E320. Additionally, this particular model of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is no longer in production. According to Cars.com, the E350 replaced the E320 in 2006. So it is notable that this remains in the running for the highest complaints although it hasn’t been in production for about 15 years.

The worst model year is the year 2000 with electrical problems. This model year is pretty far back, so it’s not very likely that this particular model year will affect your buying options for a used Mercedes-Benz E320. The 2003 model year acquired the most complaints overall for the E320, and the most-reported problem is for the fuel smell wafting into the cabin after fueling the vehicle. The 2005 model year claims this issue.

Burgundy-red 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan driving down a curving road
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan | Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz C300

This model has 65 total complaints filed with CarComplaints.com. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz C300 is second on the list of the most complained about Mercedes-Benz cars. The C300 model is current, so this information may in turn prove more relevant if you are car shopping for a new Mercedes-Benz.

The worst model year for the Mercedes-Benz C300 is the 2011 model. This production year has issues with electrical problems as well. The most complaints for any model year are for the 2015 model.

The model year with the most-reported problem is a little older, however. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 has problems with starting. We recommend shopping the 2016 model year or newer for a used C300.

Greg Carloss [cq] of Baltimore shoots video of a Mercedes C300 coupe on Market Street
The Mercedes-Benz C300 | Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

The Mercedes-Benz E350

The Mercedes-Benz E350 replaced the E320 in 2006. However, its debut year unfortunately earned a high volume of complaints on CarComplaints.com. The total number of complaints about the E350 is 110, making it the most complained about Mercedes-Benz car.

The 2006 model year for this Mercedes-Benz model has engine problems, according to the consumer complaints. Additionally, the 2006 model year has the most complaints overall. This model year for the Mercedes-Benz E350 also has the most-reported complaint of balance shaft failure. Newer models of the E350 seem to have improved, as few complaints are filed for any year newer than 2010.

a blue Mercedes AMG wagon sits in a dark room with a backlit wall
2020 E-Class AMG Wagon | Mercedes-Benz

Most complained about Mercedes-Benz cars

Because this is a luxury brand, there are far fewer models in production. Due to the lower exposure to consumers, Mercedes-Benz cars have fewer complaints than mainstream brands. Complaints for more mass-produced vehicles typically reach up into the hundreds and thousands for each model. Only the the E350––the most complained about Mercedes-Benz car––received over 100 complaints.

Related

K-Pop Boy Band BTS Promotes the Hyundai IONIQ in This Wild Music Video