Free used car buyer guide / W213 / S213 / C238 / A238 / 2017-2023
Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: late fuel-pump shutdown recall. Score methodology.
The W213 E-Class is a strong used executive car when bought as a documented diesel or simple petrol, but the expensive traps are AIRMATIC/estate rear air suspension, 48V EQ Boost faults, fuel-pump recalls on late cars, OM654 injector/AdBlue/NOx issues, 9G-Tronic shudder and digital-cabin faults. The safest buy is usually a 2020-2022 E220d/E350 petrol with completed recalls, dry cabin, smooth gearbox and no suspension sag.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Late fuel-pump shutdown
Best years
2020-2022
Best buys
- 2020-2022 E220d/E350 with closed recalls, motorway history and clean emissions data.
- Steel-spring cars where ride comfort is acceptable and service file is strong.
- E450/E53 only with 48V history clean and dealer software current.
Inspect hard
- 2017-2018 early cars for COMAND/software, 9G shifts and diesel injector/EGR history.
- Estate/All-Terrain/AIRMATIC cars after overnight parking for sag.
- 2021-2023 cars for fuel pump and 48V ground-cable recalls.
Avoid
- AIRMATIC warning or corner sag.
- Diesel with AdBlue countdown or NOx/EGR faults.
- Any late car with open stall/fire-related recall.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
E300 M274 petrol
2017-2019
GOOD IF DRY AND SERVICED
Simpler than later 48V cars but inspect cam adjuster/oil leaks, coolant and 9G behaviour.
E350/E450 M264/M256 EQ Boost
2019-2023
GREAT WHEN 48V IS HEALTHY
Smooth and desirable, but 48V battery, starter-generator and ground-cable recall status are central.
E220d/E300d OM654
2017-2023
BEST LONG-DISTANCE BUY
Excellent economy, but only with clean AdBlue/NOx/EGR/DPF data and proper motorway usage.
E300e/E350e PHEV
2017-2023 by market
BUY ONLY AFTER HV SCAN
Taxi/company-car appeal hides battery, charger and rear suspension weight costs.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2017
W213 launch year; E300 petrol and OM654 diesel appear widely.
Buyer: Inspect early software, 9G shifts and diesel emissions hardware closely.
Owner: Keep dealer updates and diesel recall paperwork.
2018
Range expands with estate/coupe/cabriolet and more driver assistance.
Buyer: Check AIRMATIC, panoramic roof, COMAND and injector/EGR history.
Owner: Repair small air leaks before compressor damage.
2019
EQ Boost 48V petrols become more common.
Buyer: Scan 48V system and test stop/start/coasting.
Owner: Keep both 12V and 48V batteries healthy.
2020
Facelift arrives by market with MBUX and revised styling.
Buyer: Strong year if software is current and emissions data is clean.
Owner: Do not ignore AdBlue warnings; countdowns can become no-starts.
2021
Facelift supply broadens; late fuel-pump/48V recall populations begin.
Buyer: VIN recall check is mandatory despite newer age.
Owner: Complete fuel-pump and electrical recalls promptly.
2022
Mature late W213; 48V and fuel-pump recalls affect some cars.
Buyer: Prefer recall-clean, warranty-backed examples.
Owner: Keep campaign proof with service history.
2023
Final W213 year before W214 replacement.
Buyer: Pay late-car money only for a scan-clean, recall-clean car.
Owner: Resolve MBUX/driver-assist faults before warranty ends.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
AIRMATIC / rear air suspension sag
Affects
W213/S213 cars with air suspension, especially estates, All-Terrain, higher-spec and AMG-line cars.
Symptoms
One corner low after parking, compressor running, harsh ride, AIRMATIC warning.
Typical repair cost
EUR 700-1,500 per strut/bag; EUR 700-1,800 compressor/valve block; EUR 3,000+ multiple corners.
Codes / scan clues
Suspension pressure, level sensor and compressor runtime faults.
Root cause: Leaking air spring bladder, tired compressor, valve block leak or height-sensor fault.
Quick check
- View car after overnight parking before seller starts it.
- Cycle suspension heights and listen for compressor overwork.
- Inspect tyre wear for long-term ride-height fault.
- Scan suspension module for stored pressure/runtime faults.
Fault 2
Late fuel-pump shutdown recall
Affects
Some 2021-2023 E-Class/CLS and related Mercedes models under NHTSA 23V445.
Symptoms
Rough running, stall while driving, warning lights, no restart.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 700-1,800 pump repair outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
Low fuel pressure and pump-control faults.
Root cause: Fuel pump impeller deformation can stop fuel delivery.
Quick check
- Run VIN through Mercedes recall system.
- Verify pump replacement campaign completion.
- Road test at operating temperature.
- Reject active stall complaints until repaired.
Fault 3
48V EQ Boost battery / ground cable faults
Affects
E450, E53 and other EQ Boost late W213 variants.
Symptoms
48V warning, stop/start unavailable, no coasting, no-start, electrical smell.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-800 diagnosis/software; EUR 1,500-3,500 battery/ISG; EUR 0 recall for ground cable when applicable.
Codes / scan clues
48V battery, starter-generator, DC/DC and ground-fault codes.
Root cause: 48V battery/control fault or improperly secured 48V ground cable recall population.
Quick check
- Verify NHTSA 22V822 or equivalent recall status where applicable.
- Scan 48V and 12V systems separately.
- Test stop/start after a full warm drive.
- Avoid cars with recent unexplained battery replacements.
Fault 4
OM654 injector, NOx, AdBlue and DPF faults
Affects
E220d/E300d diesels, especially short-trip or early cars.
Symptoms
AdBlue countdown, check engine, limp mode, poor regeneration, NOx/EGR codes.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-900 NOx sensor; EUR 900-2,000 AdBlue tank/pump; EUR 1,500-3,000 DPF/EGR/injector work.
Codes / scan clues
NOx, SCR efficiency, AdBlue pressure, DPF soot and EGR flow faults.
Root cause: SCR/AdBlue components, NOx sensors, DPF loading or injector faults from age and usage pattern.
Quick check
- Scan live soot load, SCR and NOx data.
- Confirm no AdBlue countdown is active.
- Prefer motorway-mile cars with hot-running history.
- Check recall/service actions for injectors and emissions updates.
Fault 5
9G-Tronic harsh shifts / torque-converter shudder
Affects
W213 petrol, diesel and hybrid automatics.
Symptoms
Harsh downshift, delayed D/R, shudder at light throttle, gearbox workshop message.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-500 adaptation/software; EUR 600-1,200 fluid service; EUR 2,000-4,500 valve body/converter.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission adaptation and clutch fill-time faults.
Root cause: Software calibration, fluid ageing, valve-body wear or converter clutch shudder.
Quick check
- Test cold reverse and drive engagement.
- Drive gently through 2-4 and 7-9 shifts.
- Test lock-up shudder at 60-90 km/h.
- Ask for gearbox fluid service, not just engine service.
Fault 6
COMAND/MBUX screen, camera and assistance glitches
Affects
2017-2023 W213, with COMAND early and MBUX facelift systems.
Symptoms
Frozen screen, camera unavailable, parking sensor errors, blind-spot/adaptive-cruise warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-300 software; EUR 700-2,500 camera/head-unit/radar repair.
Codes / scan clues
Head unit, camera, radar and telematics communication codes.
Root cause: Software instability, moisture/sensor faults or module ageing.
Quick check
- Cold boot infotainment and run navigation, radio, phone and cameras.
- Test parking sensors and 360 camera if fitted.
- Use adaptive cruise/lane assist on a safe road.
- Scan driver-assistance modules, not just engine ECU.
Fault 7
Panoramic roof and cabin water ingress
Affects
W213/S213/C238/A238 with panoramic roof or ageing seals.
Symptoms
Damp smell, wet headliner/carpet, fogging, battery drain, module faults.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-500 drain clean/seal adjustment; EUR 800-2,500 trim/module repair; EUR 4,000+ severe electronics.
Codes / scan clues
Comfort/body module communication and low-voltage faults.
Root cause: Blocked drains, poor seal fit or water tracking into wiring/control modules.
Quick check
- Smell cabin before climate control runs.
- Inspect boot wells, footwells and roof edges.
- Check all locks, windows, seat controls and tailgate.
- Avoid dried water marks near electronics.
Fault 8
PHEV high-voltage battery, charger and rear-suspension load
Affects
E300e/E350e plug-in hybrids, especially high-mileage company cars.
Symptoms
Reduced EV range, charging failure, HV warning, sagging rear, coolant warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-800 diagnosis; EUR 1,500-4,000 charger/cooling; EUR 8,000+ battery module outside warranty; EUR 1,000-2,500 rear air work.
Codes / scan clues
HV battery, onboard charger, insulation, coolant pump and suspension level faults.
Root cause: PHEV battery/charging thermal-management wear plus extra rear axle load on air-suspended cars.
Quick check
- Charge the car during inspection.
- Drive in EV mode and note real range.
- Scan HV battery and charger modules.
- Inspect rear ride height after parking.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall check for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2017-2023.
- Service invoices matching the engine/drivetrain and mileage, not only stamped history.
- Inspect tyres, leaks, accident repair and water entry before the test drive.
- Look specifically for evidence related to AIRMATIC / rear air suspension sag.
- Check every warning light, infotainment function, climate mode, camera/sensor warning and battery condition before moving.
- Cold start, full warm-up, low-speed manoeuvres and motorway-speed pull for Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
- Recheck for smells, warning lights, harsh shifts, vibration or coolant/oil leaks after the drive.
- Scan engine, transmission, ABS/body and driver-assist modules where fitted.
- Treat cleared codes or incomplete readiness monitors as negotiation or walk-away evidence.
Bottom line
Buy: 2020-2022 E220d/E350 with closed recalls, motorway history and clean emissions data. Steel-spring cars where ride comfort is acceptable and service file is strong.
Avoid: AIRMATIC warning or corner sag. Diesel with AdBlue countdown or NOx/EGR faults.
Quick answers
Mercedes-Benz E-Class buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2017-2023 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: AIRMATIC / rear air suspension sag; Late fuel-pump shutdown recall; 48V EQ Boost battery / ground cable faults. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years are the best to buy?
2020-2022 stand out in this generation. 2020-2022 E220d/E350 with closed recalls, motorway history and clean emissions data. Steel-spring cars where ride comfort is acceptable and service file is strong.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class should I avoid?
AIRMATIC warning or corner sag. Diesel with AdBlue countdown or NOx/EGR faults.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2017-2023 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 6 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: late fuel-pump shutdown recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Mercedes-Benz E-Class guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- whocanfixmycar.com: common-problems-with-the-mercedes-e-class
- go-parts.com
- go-parts.com
- consumerreports.org
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- consumerreports.org: reliability
- autoza.ie: mercedes-e-class-common-faults-ireland
- whatcar.com: reliability
- autoscore.pro: mercedes-e-class-w213
- startekinfo.com
- mercedes-benz.co.uk: manuals.html