Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Faults in the UK
W213, 2016–2023 — premium executive saloon. Updated 2026-05-04.
The W213 Mercedes E-Class (2016–2023) is the most refined of the German big three but suffers from OM654 diesel injector recalls (2017–2019), 9G-Tronic harsh shifts requiring software update, and rear air suspension leaks on Estate variants. Post-2020 examples are most reliable. Best-buy: 2020–2022. Worst: early 2017 OM654.
Quick-stats values are indicative editorial estimates aggregated from owner-forum sentiment, recall portals, and reliability surveys. For Autoza-derived median asking prices per cohort with sample size and confidence tier, see the open dataset at huggingface.co/datasets/Autoza/irish-used-car-price-index.
Best and worst years to buy
Post-2020 examples have the OM654 injector recall fully completed, the 9G-Tronic gearbox software is matured, and MBUX 2 voice control is far more stable than initial release.
The OM654 injector recall affected 2017–2019 diesels — many were left to the second owner to discover. Software-related gearbox harshness was common before the 2019 update.
Known faults — Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, 2016–2023
Documented from HonestJohn, owner forum sentiment (PistonHeads, Reddit), DVSA recall portal, and Autoza dealer-feedback aggregation. Severity is colour-coded.
OM654 diesel injector recall
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- Rough idle, smoke under acceleration, rare cases of fuel-air mixture issues
- Years affected
- 2017–2019 (E220d, E300d, E350d)
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall; £1,800+ if not completed and fault has developed
- What to check before buying
- Verify recall completion via VIN at Mercedes Ireland or RSA recall portal. Recall reference: campaign 5499006.
9G-Tronic harsh shifts
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Notchy 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts; flare on downshifts
- Years affected
- 2016–2018
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under software update at MB dealer; £600+ if mechatronic affected
- What to check before buying
- During test drive, hold gears manually and observe shift quality. Service history should show software update applied.
Rear air suspension leak (Estate)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Tail end sits low overnight; pump cycles excessively; "AIRMATIC fault" warning
- Years affected
- All Estate variants with rear air suspension — 120,000+ km
- Indicative repair (UK)
- £500–£900 per side air bellow + valve service
- What to check before buying
- Park overnight on level ground. Check rear ride height next day. Listen for compressor at idle (pump should rest).
MBUX voice control glitches
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- "Hey Mercedes" not responding; wake-word recognition errors; UI freeze
- Years affected
- 2018–2020
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under software update
- What to check before buying
- Test "Hey Mercedes" wake-word during inspection. Three failed attempts in a row signals software not updated.
EQ Boost 48V mild hybrid
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Stop-start unavailable; "EQ Boost" warning; reduced fuel economy
- Years affected
- 2018+ on E300, E450
- Indicative repair (UK)
- £900–£1,300 battery / starter-generator
- What to check before buying
- Stop-start should engage reliably at every junction once warm.
COMAND headunit failure (pre-MBUX)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Screen blank on startup; navigation unavailable; CD player won't recognise discs
- Years affected
- 2016–2017
- Indicative repair (UK)
- £600–£1,400 used unit + coding
- What to check before buying
- Use COMAND through full warm-up. Try every menu including SD card and Bluetooth pairing.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Long-distance comfort buyers; motorway commuters; buyers prioritising interior refinement above sportiness.
Short-trip city users (DPF on diesel), drivers who don't budget for MB-specialist servicing (£500+ per service).
Alternatives to consider
If the Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the UK market:
- →BMW 5 Series G30
- →Audi A6 C8
- →Volvo S90
Looking to buy a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the UK?
Search verified Autoza listings filtered by year, mileage, and region. Every dealer carries a public Trust Score; every listing is verified before publication.