What Mercedes-Benz E350 owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Mercedes-Benz E350 safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 128 |
| 2016 | 51 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 125 |
| 2015 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 127 |
| 2014 | 278 | 10 | 14 | 9 | 0 | 138 |
| 2013 | 162 | 15 | 4 | 13 | 0 | 154 |
| 2012 | 217 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 151 |
| 2011 | 223 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 145 |
| 2010 | 184 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 183 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Mercedes-Benz E350 complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
I experienced rapid, severe tire wear due to a severely corroded rear subframe. Because the structural damage posed an immediate safety hazard, I had the subframe replaced at an independent shop using a brand-new, genuine OEM Mercedes-Benz subframe ordered directly from a dealer parts department. I requested reimbursement under Service Bulletin MC-10233796-0001 (20-Year Rear Subframe Extended Warranty Program) and argued that the repair qualifies because genuine OEM parts were installed, the severe corrosion presented an emergency safety risk, and the $2,000 cost was reasonable. I provided an itemized repair invoice, proof of payment, and subframe rust/alignment failure documentation in my…
While I was driving the Issues with the steering column module (SCM) sudden loss of critical driver controls, erratic electrical behavior. It failed to communicate properly with the power steering system, alongside dashboard warnings for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) now my car is parked and I canât drive it. I had to call a tow truck to take it home.
The vehicle was parked when the steering wheel locked , and the headrest. The electrical for my headlight driver side low beam gave me a warning lamp message.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while depressed, with the "Brake System" and "Low Brake Fluid" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the brake fluid was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred in less than 24 hours, and the same warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the technician was informed that there appeared to be a brake leak. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the technician discovered that the subframe was severely corroded, which had caused the brake failure. The contact informed the dealer that there was a class action lawsuit for…
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft sensor. The contact stated that the crankshaft sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, and the crankshaft sensor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The ve…
Without an impact or collision, my car's passenger seat headrest shot out. I've been checking and others have done this as well. This morning, the driver's side headrest shot out without impact or collision. There is something wrong with the mechanism or airbags for the headrests. This can be extremely dangerous when in motion....
The failure was when I hit the brakes hard in an emergency braking situation and the car very eratically and violently veered to the left. There was no warning and thank God there was no car coming in the left lane otherwise it would have been a broad side hit. I was doing 55 mph. We had the car inspected at a local shop and the left rear tie rod link was completely severed from the suspension sub-frame because of rust. The brake lines above the sub frame were also severely rusted and leaking. I called my closest dealer and they said the rusted frame replacement is covered under extended warrenty but not the brake lines which had the same issue, severe corrosion and a potential catostro…
Rear subframe rotted / corroded. Rear brake lines rotted and rear springs broken from corrosion . Mercedes refuses to address the issues under warranty except the subframe issue . Almost crashed on i-84 with child in vehicle due to rear control arm being rotted from subframe .
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel m
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. ⢠If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. ⢠If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please
Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. ⢠If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. ⢠If the noise stops when the door trim is removed,
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 2, 2026. After July 2nd, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with
Complaint The underfloor paneling is loose or sags (picture 1). Cause Mounting clips broken or not correctly engaged. Remedy Replace all mounting clips with collar nuts with shims (picture 2): Adapter set (203 589 02 31 00) is required to perform the work. The underfloor paneling does not have to be removed. 1. Loosen all mounting clips. Use a 13 mm socket for this (picture 3). 2. Unscrew all mounting clips. ⢠During spraying, the underfloor paneling must be pressed upwards against the vehicle underfloor. 4. Install a spacer washer on each threaded pin between underbody and underbody panelin
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: ⢠HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) ⢠Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosi
Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values bet
Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing the rear axle carrier. The repair method for the respective model series can be found in the attachment. Repair packages are available in Xentry Repair Packages for the special processing of rear axle carriers Note: Please utilize flexible wand (319-SAT1058826) along with the Cavity Preservation Gun
The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, May 14, 2026. After May 14th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20
On April 10, 2020, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Surjit Singh alleging premature corrosion of the rear brake lines in his 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan. The petitioner states that he was recently informed by a Mercedes dealer service department that his car had severely rusted brake lines that need[ed] to be replaced immediately at a cost of about $3300. He further stated that the dealer service advisor informed him that he had seen the issue o
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2017, owners most often name: air bags, service brakes, unknown or other. 1,153 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.