YearToAvoid

2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#2 most-complained of 4 E300 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 2nd worst out of 4 model years, with 29 complaints and 8 recalls. Its top problem area is Seat Belts, with a Caution verdict relative to other E300 years.

Complaints
29
Recalls
8
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
24.5
21 city / 29.5 hwy

Top 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other10 (34%)
  2. Seat Belts7 (24%)
  3. Engine4 (14%)
  4. Electrical System3 (10%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (10%)
  6. Airbags2 (7%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (7%)
  8. Fuel System2 (7%)
  9. Lane Departure2 (7%)
  10. Steering1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Seat belts sometimes fail to detect that they are properly fastened, and the system does not adjust automatically even when buckled correctly.
  • One owner reported the seatbelt issue persisted after two dealership visits, with the malfunction continuing to recur.
  • A fuel system problem caused a vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly while parked, crashing through a fence at 1,500 miles.
  • Run-flat tires blew out and separated from the rim during highway driving, leaving the vehicle without a spare tire option.
  • Power steering became disabled while driving on the freeway, triggering multiple warning lights and requiring much greater steering effort.
  • An automatic power trunk lid closed forcefully on a person's head while loading the trunk.
2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2019Jan 2020Jul 2021Aug 2022Sep 2023Apr 2024Jul 2025
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2019 to Apr 2026; peak Dec 2019 (4).

2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 recalls

8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix

    Electrical system:software

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

    Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

  2. NHTSA 22V232000Apr 8, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras126,443 vehicles

    Back over prevention:display function

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

  3. NHTSA 21V961000Dec 13, 2021Fuel System139 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

See all 8 recalls for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 →

2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
29.5 MPG
Combined
24.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,250
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other E300 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Avoid1001321624.5
2018Good3332724.5
2019Caution6729824.5

All Mercedes-Benz E300 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2019 E300 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst of the 4 model years with data, earning a Caution verdict relative to other E300 years.
What is the top problem area for the 2019 E300?
Seat Belts is the top problem area, accounting for 24% of complaints (7 of 29), with a median mileage at failure of 3,800 miles.
Does the 2019 E300 have a seat belt recall?
Yes, recall 19V788000 covers front seat belt buckle inspection and replacement on certain 2018-2019 E300 and related models.
How does the 2019 E300 compare to the 2018 model?
The 2018 E300 has a lower Complaint Index of 33 and a Good verdict, while the 2019 model has a higher index of 67 and a Caution verdict.
How many recalls affect the 2019 E300?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2019 E300, covering areas including Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Fuel System, and Seat Belts.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.