Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 reliable?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TIRES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): COMMUNICATION, SEATS, COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, SEATS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is engine problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: while driving on the highway the engine shut down and i needed to pull over and restart the car. the engine would restart but then stalled several more times while driving. no check engine lights were on before the vehicle stalled and upon restarting the car no check engine lights turned on. i ha. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

2 complaints

40%

• While driving on the highway the engine shut down and I needed to pull over and restart the car. The engine would restart but then stalled several more times while driving. No check engine lights were on before the vehicle stalled and upon restarting the car no check engine lights turned on. I ha
• The Engine Electrical harness is completely corroded after only 50,000 miles requiring a 4k+ repair. Oil leaking from the camshaft sensor pushed it way all throughout harness. There are no warnings as it will only be noticeable after doing routine maintenance OUTSIDE of the manufactures warranty. Wh

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“While driving on the highway the engine shut down and I needed to pull over and restart the car. The engine would restart but then stalled several more times while driving. No check engine lights were on before the vehicle stalled and upon restarting the car no check engine lights turned on. I ha”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (10)

COMMUNICATION07/02/2020

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2020 AMG E53, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: While driving on the highway the engine shut down and I needed to pull over and restart the car. The engine would restart but then stalled several more times while driving. No check engine lights were on before the vehicle stalled and upon restarting the car no check engine lights turned on. I ha
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: The driver front tire was found to have failed at the time of an oil change at approximately 15,000 miles. The tire was torn at the junction of the sidewall and tread in several areas. This tire is no longer available. No incident occurred. The passenger front tire was found to have the same defec
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The Engine Electrical harness is completely corroded after only 50,000 miles requiring a 4k+ repair. Oil leaking from the camshaft sensor pushed it way all throughout harness. There are no warnings as it will only be noticeable after doing routine maintenance OUTSIDE of the manufactures warranty. Wh
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: The Engine Electrical harness is completely corroded after only 50,000 miles requiring a 4k+ repair. Oil leaking from the camshaft sensor pushed it way all throughout harness. There are no warnings as it will only be noticeable after doing routine maintenance OUTSIDE of the manufactures warranty. Wh
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 — Year Comparison

How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2021

10Below Average

2020

5Excellent Reliability

2019

7Average

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 5
Recalls: 10
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 7

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

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