NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved a perfect five-star sweep in its NHTSA crash tests, contributing to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, which places it in the Strong band. This robust performance is further supported by a clean recall record. However, its notably low rating for crash-avoidance technology is a significant factor preventing it from reaching the Exceptional tier that its 2019 predecessor attained.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4DR 4WD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranks 48 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a specific safety profile that separates it from its predecessor in one measurable way: the NHTSA Safety Index fell from 94/100 (Exceptional) in 2019 to 89/100 (Strong) in 2020, a five-point drop that reflects the index breakdown rather than any crash-test regression. The crash protection sub-score is a perfect 70/70, supported by a five-star sweep across all NHTSA NCAP categories. The deficit sits entirely in crash-avoidance technology, which scores only 2/10 because neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning are present as standard equipment, while electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score of 17/20 is supported by the cleanest possible recall outcome: zero campaigns on file for this year. The 20 owner complaints on file are unverified allegations; Engine and Unknown Or Other components account for the largest share. The overall picture for 2020 is a vehicle that performs at the top of federal crash testing but carries a structural scoring penalty for the absence of active warning systems that were becoming increasingly common in this segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4DR 4WD achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This included five stars across all evaluated categories: frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. The vehicle registered a 10 percent rollover risk, with no dynamic tip observed during testing. No individual safety category received a rating below five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15082
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA records show zero recall campaigns on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. There are no active park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database, as recall status can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
NHTSA has received 20 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (6 reports), Unknown Or Other (5), Structure (3), Back Over Prevention (3), Electrical System (3), and Power Train (2). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
For a six-year-old vehicle in the used market, buyers should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase. While no campaigns are currently on file, recall status can be updated at any time, and verifying that any future remedy has been completed is essential.
- The 2020 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, the strongest possible outcome in the defect-record component of the Safety Index.
- The five-point Safety Index decline from the 2019 model year (94/100 Exceptional) to this year (89/100 Strong) is driven entirely by a 2/10 crash-avoidance tech score, not by any drop in crash-test performance.
- All four NHTSA NCAP categories, overall, frontal, side, and rollover, scored five stars for this specific 4DR 4WD configuration, with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip recorded.
- Twenty unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA, with Engine components generating the highest allegation count at six reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at five.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class places
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safety questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other E-Class years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15082), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 48 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.