Mercedes-Benz E 450 Best and Worst Years (2019–2024)
Avoid the 2019 and 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 450, which post the highest Complaint Index scores (80 and 100) out of the 2019-2024 lineup. The 2021 model year is the strongest choice with a Complaint Index of just 20 and zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- Model years
- 6
- 2019–2024
- NHTSA complaints
- 62
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
E 450 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 problems and recalls by year
E 450 years to avoid: what went wrong
2023 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Index 100 · 17 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2023 E 450 has the worst Complaint Index in the lineup at 100, with 17 complaints against only 4 recall campaigns. Engine problems dominate at 41% of complaints with a median mileage at failure of 20,250, while Suspension, Wheels & Tires and Transmission & Powertrain each make up 24% of complaints at very low median mileage (50 and 300 miles). Owners reported the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, the engine stalling mid-drive with a malfunction warning, and delays getting fuel pump recall parts. Recalls addressed a 48-volt ground cable connection, a fuel pump replacement, and an exit warning system software error.
2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Index 80 · 17 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2019 E 450 carries a Complaint Index of 80, the second-worst in the lineup, with 17 complaints and 12 recall campaigns. Electrical System, Engine, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues each account for 29% of complaints in this year, alongside Brakes at 24%. Owners reported a vehicle catching fire while parked, adaptive cruise control failing to detect a hazard, and speed dropping suddenly during highway driving. Median mileage at failure for Electrical System and Engine problems was 20,000, while Collision Avoidance and Brakes issues showed up around 7,000-7,200 miles. Recalls covered mismarked tire pressure labels, a communication module software update, and a rearview camera software fix.
Most common Mercedes-Benz E 450 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System16 (26%)
- Engine16 (26%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (13%)
- Fuel System7 (11%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Structure & Body6 (10%)
- Other4 (6%)
- Steering4 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Mercedes-Benz E 450 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2019 and 2023 model years. The 2019 has a Complaint Index of 80 and the 2023 has the highest score in the lineup at 100.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E 450?
- The 2021 E 450 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a Complaint Index of just 20 and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 450 reliable?
- The 2023 E 450 shows the highest Complaint Index (100) among 2019-2024 model years, driven mainly by Engine complaints (41% share) and Transmission & Powertrain issues reported at very low mileage.
- Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2019 E 450, including issues with mismarked tire pressure labels, communication module software, and rearview camera software.
- How many complaints does the Mercedes-Benz E 450 have overall?
- Across the 2019-2024 model years, NHTSA lists 62 total complaints and 34 total recall campaigns for the E 450.