Mercedes-Benz E420 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints across the 1 model years of the Mercedes-Benz E420 (1997–1997) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 5. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (4 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All E420 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 5 | 133,500 | 0 | 14 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system4 44%
- Transmission and drivetrain1 11%
- Seat belts1 11%
- Fuel system1 11%
- Exterior lighting1 11%
- Engine cooling1 11%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1997: “The mercedes benz e-420 electrical wiring was manufactured from biodegradable materials. After several years the insulation on the wiring harness began to deteriorate and fail. This lead to a cycle of increasingly severe electrical problems also lead to the safety on freeway where the other driver can not see my brake lights when I am braking due to this wiring issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10463407, filed 2012-06, 132,000 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,965 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
659 complaints
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. Methodology