2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 85 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 85 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is fuel system at 11 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,784 miles (~$1,200 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 E-Class | 536 | 0 |
| 2007 E-Class | 435 | 0 |
| 2008 E-Class | 226 | 0 |
| 2009 E-Class (this page) | 85 | 0 |
| 2010 E-Class | 256 | 0 |
| 2011 E-Class | 296 | 0 |
| 2012 E-Class | 233 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- fuel system — 11 owner reports · tends to show around 59,784 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
- airbags — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 43,185 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- electrical — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 70,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 81,287 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 43,185 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The wiring in the trunk that goes to the rear brake and license plate lights failed and opens the trunk failed. It was not possible to open the trunk with the remote or the button in the car. The only way was to use the valet key. There was also a warning in the dash about all…
2 highway stallings: 1) dec.1. 2009 traveling on I-95 south at 70mph, check engine light on, car suddenly stalled, managed to pull to shoulder. Car towed to benz dealer 90 miles away. They changed a new fuel pump in charleston, sc. Continued driving on 2) dec.3,2009, after 400+…
Called Mercedes corporate re this problem and they deined there is a recal. Not true Mercedes-benz usa is recalling 2007-2009 e350 4matic wagons warns the u.s. National highway traffic safety administration. About 3,600 of the e350 wagons have a load leveling rear…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-benz e350. The contact was driving 1 MPH and attempting to park the vehicle when the bumper became caught onto the cement barrier. The contact attempted to reverse but to no avail. She then lifted the bumper to release the vehicle from the…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Inspect the fuel system first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 11 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,784 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 85 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is fuel system. Typical failure occurs around 59,784 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is fuel system, with 11 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,784 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The fuel system is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,200 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,784 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz E-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 85 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,200, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.