2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 electrical system problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 — 34% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Engine caught on fire while vehicle was idling in park in the driveway. Completely destroyed the vehicle in 10-15 minutes. Fire started under the hood. I believe that there was an electrical problem that induced the fire but unable to be sure. Photos are available if needed. The car was in good…”
filed Feb 5, 2019
“Defective insulation on the wiring for the exterior lighting. It appears this problem is catalyzed by heat. Insulation crumbles and leave bare wire exposed, causing shortage and failure/melting of light socket. Obviously, mercedes benz of north america realized issue but s not compelled to make…”
filed Aug 17, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly…
LI82.70-P-077433 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly…
LI82.70-P-077433 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 28, 2024
Electrical System problems in other E320 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 E320 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 E320 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 E320 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 E320 | 21 | 10% |
| 2002 E320 | 4 | 17% |
| 2000 E320 | 8 | 18% |
| 1999 E320 | 8 | 10% |
| 1998 E320 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 E320 | 5 | 8% |
| 1996 E320 | 12 | 27% |
| 1995 E320 | 89 | 93% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.