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Mercedes-benz E-class: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2026 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2021 (93/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2021 93 · 2022 89 · 2020 87 · 2023 85

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202664/100
Too New

4 complaints · 0 recalls

202482/100
Buy

24 complaints · 0 recalls

202385/100
Buy

23 complaints · 0 recalls

202289/100
Buy

20 complaints · 0 recalls

202193/100
Buybest year

19 complaints · 0 recalls

202087/100
Buy

20 complaints · 0 recalls

201980/100
Buy

54 complaints · 0 recalls

201881/100
Buy

66 complaints · 0 recalls

201774/100
Buy

165 complaints · 0 recalls

201683/100
Buy

88 complaints · 0 recalls

201585/100
Buy

57 complaints · 0 recalls

201468/100
Buy

300 complaints · 0 recalls

201374/100
Buy

185 complaints · 0 recalls

201277/100
Buy

233 complaints · 0 recalls

201175/100
Buy

295 complaints · 0 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2021?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2021 Mercedes-benz E-class’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2026 Mercedes-benz E-class head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Mercedes-benz E-class as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.