2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 13%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320, 13% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 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.
“The passenger side front low beam headlamp stopped working. We changed the light bulb, but that did not correct the problem. We noted that the socket for the passenger side low beam appeared burnt. We took it to a mechanic who rewired the right front low beam light socket and wire harness. After this initial problem, the driver side high beam headlamp stopped working. We replaced the lamp bulb. We noted that the driver side high beam headlamp socket appeared burnt. We did not replace the driver side high beam headlamp socket. So it does not work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557183, filed 2013-12, 95,000 miles“2001 mercedes benz. Consumer writes in regards to complaint concerning clouding of the headlights the consumer stated the dealer wanted to charge $450 to replace two polycarbonate headlight covers. The consumer found another company to replace them for $100. The consumer also stated shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the transmission had to be replaced for a large sum of money.”
NHTSA complaint #10430929, filed 2011-10“2001 mercedes e-320. Consumer expresses discontent with headlight covers and requests money to replace them. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the consumer had to replace the transmission. Then the vehicle developed a squeal, which the local dealer insisted was the AC fan, but it was not. The headlight covers were completely opaque. The headlight covers were made out of plastic which caused the lights to become dim.”
NHTSA complaint #10319796, filed 2010-03Related service bulletins
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11007974Sep 21, 2024Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11007753Sep 10, 2024Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead…
- 11005294Jul 23, 2024Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 9% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320
13 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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