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Mercedes-Benz E300Model year report

1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 Problems

Complaints
13filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
115,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
26 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel RWD · 23 city / 32 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300. The part named most often is suspension, with 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and transmission and drivetrain (2). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 115,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 21 technical service bulletins for this model year. Suspension complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Suspension: “The front right coil spring perch failed due to rust which caused the suspension to drop to the ground on that side. The coil spring fell out and rolled down the street. I had the car towed to a welder and fixed the perch. This luckily happened on a low speed road, where I could safely pull over with a bottomed out suspension. The car was travelling strait during the incident.”

NHTSA complaint #10874486, filed 2016-06, 135,000 miles

Brakes: “The brake light came on that said brake fluid is below minimal check . I checked and added brake fluid. The next day while driving the light came on again. I contacted atlanta classic cars, had the vehicle towed. I was told that the ABS/asr hydraulic unit was leaking. Upon researching I came upon some information that is related to my situation. The cost to replace the system was 2048.30, there was a recall of the e-class in foreign countries where the vehicle is used as a taxi cab. The service advisor told me that this situation had never occurred. …”

NHTSA complaint #10232957, filed 2008-07, 167,755 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz 300e. While attempting to put the vehicle into gear, she heard a grinding noise. She pulled over and tried to shift into reverse and was unsuccessful. After turning the vehicle off she was able to shift into reverse; however, the grinding noise continued and the vehicle was towed to an authorized service mechanic and then to dealer. The dealer stated that the transmission was full of shavings and to install a rebuilt transmission. The owner's manual indicated that fluid checks and changes for transmission were not required as the dipstick was omitted. …”

NHTSA complaint #10232188, filed 2008-06, 115,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “While driving with the cruise control set to 72 MPH consumer attempted to disengage the cruise control and vehicle took off like a jet. As a result, vehicle jumped the median on the highway, damaging the under carriage of the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10044990, filed 2003-10, 23,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

33% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 135,000 miles.

0%0–1011%10–2522%25–500%50–750%75–10044%100–15022%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (9 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 115,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

20012200520082201420162
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
E300 Turbodiesel RWD3.0L 6-cyl · diesel5-speed automatic233226$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 21 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 21 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E300

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2019296,500852550 · TypicalStable
20183215,567752539 · TypicalRising
201713232,0001652584 · MoreRising
199913115,0000—26—Not enough data
19989106,2230—26—Not enough data
1997893,0000—26—Not enough data
19956171,8720—25—Not enough data

All Mercedes-Benz E300 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 have?

NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 is reported most often?

Suspension is named most often, in 4 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.

Has the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 (E300 Turbodiesel, 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 reported?

Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 115,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 135,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.