Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ E Class and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Toyota Camry: The E-Class averages 40.7 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The E-Class has 14 crash-related complaints and 27 injuries; the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ E Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury sedan that averages about 41 complaints per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. Owner complaints cluster around electrical glitches, engine problems, and power train issues, often involving sudden loss of power or warning lights. While the overall complaint count is lower than the Camry's, the nature of the issues—such as a trunk lid that can slam shut or an engine that shakes and loses power—can be both dangerous and expensive to fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan that averages about 206 complaints per year and has 31 recalls over the same period. Complaints frequently mention power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple electronic system malfunctions. The higher volume of complaints and recalls suggests that while the Camry is common, owners report a wide range of recurring problems that can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ E Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 407 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM86
- 02ENGINE85
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER69
- 04POWER TRAIN43
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
Owners report issues like the car stalling or losing power when stopped at a light, and diagnostic codes for the evaporative emission system. These glitches can leave you stranded or cause unexpected shutdowns, which is a serious concern in traffic.
Complaints include the car shaking uncontrollably, losing power, and illuminating engine and oil lights, often requiring a tow. Some owners also note premature wear in cylinder heads of 2.0L turbo engines, leading to misfires and sudden power loss.
Reports describe the same sudden loss of power and shaking as in engine complaints, sometimes linked to cylinder head issues. This can make the car unsafe to drive and lead to costly repairs.
Several owners report the trunk lid closing unexpectedly and causing injuries, with one describing a deep wound. This is a physical safety hazard that could happen when loading or unloading the trunk.
“My 2023 Mercedes 450E car was purchased on June 11, 2023 and has 1,750 miles. On 2 to 3 different occasions, I was stopped at a light waiting to make a left turn, fortunately my light was red and not a green permitting turning, which would have meant I would…”
“Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on, which can affect acceleration and safety.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may be accompanied by hesitation and shuddering.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate problems with the ABS system.
Multiple electronic systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This loss of driver aids can happen without warning and reduce vehicle control.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ E Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 41 vs. 206 for the Camry) and no recalls, but its issues often involve sudden power loss and safety hazards like a slamming trunk. The Camry's higher complaint and recall numbers mean more frequent visits to the dealer, though many issues are drivability annoyances rather than immediate dangers. In practice, the E-Class may spend less time in the shop, but when problems occur they can be severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has no recalls on record, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls, including issues with wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Mercedes owners report sudden engine power loss and a trunk lid that can slam shut, whereas Camry owners report key stuck in ignition, brake noise, and multiple electronic system failures.
- The Camry has about five times as many complaints per year as the E-Class, but the E-Class complaints often involve more severe safety risks like uncontrolled acceleration or injury.
- Both vehicles have electrical and power train complaints, but the Camry's are more numerous and include brake and throttle response issues, while the E-Class's include cylinder head wear and EVAP system faults.
- Check for any history of engine shaking, loss of power, or illuminated oil/engine lights, especially in 2.0L turbo models with cylinder head wear.
- Test the trunk lid to ensure it does not close unexpectedly or with excessive force, as owners have reported injuries from a slamming trunk.
- Verify that the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park, and that the electronic parking brake disengages properly without noise or delay.
- Test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, or delayed throttle response, and ensure all electronic driver aids (stability control, blind spot monitoring, etc.) function correctly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Camry's air bag and seat issues.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of premature wear, misfires, or hesitation.
- Test all electrical components, including infotainment, lights, driver aids, and the trunk lid mechanism.
- For the Camry, specifically test the electronic parking brake and ignition key removal, and listen for brake pedal noises.
- For the E-Class, ask about any prior engine or power train repairs and check for diagnostic trouble codes related to the EVAP system or cylinder head.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ E Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 25 | 50 |
| 2023 | 24 | 64 |
| 2022 | 22 | 61 |
| 2021 | 20 | 157 |
| 2020 | 21 | 274 |
| 2019 | 54 | 395 |
| 2018 | 68 | 744 |
| 2017 | 167 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ E Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total complaints
- 407
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ E Class avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ E Class
- Mercedes BENZ E Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN