1999 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,420miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320, 13% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,420 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“I bought a mercedes ml320 in 2003 as certified car with only 45628 miles. I drove on my way from mariposa on 8/23/05 the car suddenly locked the transmission to low gear and refused shift to high gear automatically. I stopped the car and restarted the engine maintaining a low speed back home. On 8/24/05 I brought the ml320 to fresno mercedes for repair. Finally I found that they sold me ml320 without proper disclosure about the car previous history of transmission malfunction and services in 2003. I would not buy that car if I was told ml320 having had transmission services. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134354, filed 2005-08, 76,249 miles“Engine just stops running/stalling after from 15 - 30 minutes of driving. Has happened twice midway through left turns. (scary!) can happen anytime and any speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10358245, filed 2010-09, 134,000 miles“The regulator on the windows have failed at least every 6 months the check egine light has been on since the purchase of the vehicle even after repairs where done. The transmission has been losing power and now will not shift since the purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10088199, filed 2004-08, 12 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact felt a vibration coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger side curtain air bags and front driver side door air bag erroneously deployed. The driver sustained a concussion and injuries to the face, neck, and shoulders, which required hospitalization. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed from the scene. There was no crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11173568, filed 2019-02, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10032709Aug 13, 2009Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering wheel is turned. This is mainly heard when the vehicle is stationary or…
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 6 | 16% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E320
18 complaintsAir bags
17 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 Oct 31, 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