2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 13%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320, 13% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles.
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.
“While decelerating onto highway from on ramp, the transmission seems to slip out of gear. This has happened several times. It's is a scary situation to lose power as you merge into highway. I coasted to brake down lane. I shifted back into park gear to reset, then back into drive gear to resume travel. This has happened two more times since. Can be a dangerous in heavy traffic roadways.”
NHTSA complaint #10717564, filed 2015-05, 118,000 miles“My 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 se has 29000 miles on it and out of warranty. On the dash in the lower right hand corner is the gear selection position indicator and clock module. In december the unit malfunctioned and is unreadable. I have tried to get someone to fix it but no one will do it because it's out of warranty. Is there any recourse for me at this time? Is this a first for mb? I am filing this report to alert others of this problem. Thank you in advance.”
NHTSA complaint #10179334, filed 2007-01, 29,400 miles“The contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle began to vibrate followed by an abnormally loud clunking noise. Immediately after, the vehicle came to a halt and she was unable to continue driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the power train dropped due to four loose screws. As a result, the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 109,000 and current mileage was 109,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10426882, filed 2011-09, 109,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 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
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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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