Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MaticRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic. Most complaints involve power train (1) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
3
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: universal joint

Remedy pending

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Power trainReported Apr 3, 2026NHTSA 26V216000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2026 – Jul 2026
  1. Power train1
  2. Engine1
  3. Fuel/propulsion system1
  4. Back over prevention1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each E 450 4Matic model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20195
20203
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

1 report
“The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down and failed to properly accelerate. The contact's son attempted to shift into reverse; however, the transmission was making an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with drivetrain and engine damage, catalytic converter failure, and a bolt had snapped or was loose. The contact stated that the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026Power trainODI 11752406

Engine

1 report
“My 2020 E450 has not been serviced on schedule due to Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis and its service manger banning and blacklisting me for months. This service department would not allow my vehicle to be serviced under a prepaid maintenance and wheel and tire plan, and most importantly my vehicle's warranty. When I went there for an appointment, a flat tire, or help with my vehicle, they kicked me out, verbally harassed and threatened me because I did not pay the deductible on a loaner vehicle because my signature was forged to submit a false claim. I have had problems with my vehicle, but most recently, as I was driving on a roundabout in rush hour traffic, when my vehicle suddeny stopped and experienced lack of compulsion and would not drive. It had already had a check light engine, tires, batteries, and brakes. It was surprising because my 2020 E450 Mercedes-Benz had only 39,000 miles. I did not have anywhere to take it to. Mercedes-Benz Customer Care authorized it to be towed to the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne because the service manager black listed me from surrounding MercedesBenz service departments. When my vehicle was towed to Fort Wayne, the service…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11749901

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons, Subcompact Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
E450 4matic
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202823$3,250392
E450 4matic (station wagon)
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192622$3,400408
E450 4matic Convertible
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192622$3,400408
E450 4matic Coupe
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192622$3,400409
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 E 450 4Matic questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1), engine (1), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026