Mercedes-Benz E-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 35,480 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1985 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 53.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (15.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 17.2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 15.6% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 4.5% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 4.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 3.5% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 3.5% |
| Headlight with different beam pattern incorrectly aimed | 2% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 1.8% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 16.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 11.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
| Rust damage, thickness reduced by more than 15% | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 35,480 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 17.2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3% |
| Used as a taxi | 6.7% |
| First registered | 1985 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz E-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2026-04-02 | electrical system | serious | 3 |
| 2025-08-08 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2025-07-11 | electrical system | serious | 98 |
| 2025-03-27 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2025-03-20 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2024-12-16 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2024-12-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 473 |
| 2024-12-06 | electrical system | serious | 16 |
| 2024-11-19 | brakes | serious | 5 |
| 2024-07-24 | electrical system | – | 24 |
| 2024-07-18 | electrical system | serious | 263 |
| 2024-05-06 | electrical system | serious | 8 |
| 2024-04-04 | electrical system | serious | 933 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 53.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (15.6%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.6%), tyre pressure incorrect (12.3%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 17.2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.