1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 20%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320, 20% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10669889, filed 2015-01, 101,700 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10444917, filed 2012-01, 218,556 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #10380807, filed 2011-02, 92,000 miles“Consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision while driving 20 MPH. Upon impact, side air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained minor injuries. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075889, filed 2004-06, 58,000 miles“I was involved in a serious side impact accident - it was estimated that the car that hit me was going approx. 40 MPH. I was hit directly on both the front and rear door (driver's side) of my vehicle. The damage cost over $10,600 to repair. The airbags in my 1999 mercedes E320 did not deploy. Mercedes sent someone over to inspect the car 9 weeks ago and has not responded to several calls from me inquiring about the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146674, filed 2006-01Related service bulletins
- 10028649Jan 9, 2009Mercedes: 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…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 10% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 7 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 27% |
| 1999 | 17 | 20% |
| 1998 | 3 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 11% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology