2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 141 8 crash 7 injury

“The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection preparing to make a left turn, the vehicle crashed into the front driver's side and part of the driver's side front fender by another vehicle that had run a red light. The vehicle had severe crumpling of the hood and the driver's side fender. The contact stated that the front end was damaged and spread debris all over the roadway. Law Enforcement was on the scene and filed a Police report. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact was transported by ambulance to…”
NHTSA complaint #11513005, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side front door. The contact stated that the steering wheel and knee air bags deployed upon impact. The contact was unaware of the side curtain air bags had deployed; and if so, did the Emergency Response Unit cut away the curtain air bags to remove his daughter from the vehicle prior to his arrival. The contact stated that the driver’s side door was totally smashed but he did not see where the side curtain air bags might have…”
NHTSA complaint #11446291, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On 3-22-2021, my car was rear ended. The car that that rear ended my car was going at a high speed: the neck rests opened due to the accident. The air bags did not open. I noticed that there was a recall on airbags for 2011 Mercedes but no recall for my VIN. How can I know that my air bags function?”
NHTSA complaint #11422670, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 37 1 crash

“AIRMATIC FRONT AIR STRUT/SHOCK FAILURE. THE FRONT LEFT HAS FAILED ON MY CAR. IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND A SHORT WHILE AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND THE TWO MAY BE RELATED DUE TO THE BRAKING FORCES PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE FRONT STRUTS. THE FAILURE DID NOT HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH. HOWEVER, ABOUT A MONTH LATER, OR SO, THE CAR LOWERED AND RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH A WARNING TO TO "PULL OVER AND STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY". I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY, BUT I HAD THE ACCIDENT IN LATE JUNE. ALSO, IN ADDITION THE THE TEMPORAL OCCURRENCE OF MY ACCIDENT, THE STRUTS APPEAR DEFECTIVE JUDGING BY…”
NHTSA complaint #11021398, 2017 · crash

“Rear crossmember or ( rear subframe frame ) rust and It broke due to corrosion”
NHTSA complaint #11688969, 2025

“This vehicle, with 115,000 miles has been discovered to have had the brackets in the subframe for BOTH rear lateral arms rust through and are broken causing a $5,000 repair estimate. The mechanic who found this (42 years as a mechanic) said he has never seen anything like it. This is a car where I had to replace the transmission at 49,000 miles and the control unit at 62,000 miles (over $13,000 in repairs). I saw through AI search that this problem has been reported many times but has not prompted an investigation. This issue should NEVER happen and is a MAJOR SAFETY threat.”
NHTSA complaint #11652830, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 32

“A gasoline smells fills the cabin and the outside surrounding area the vehicle continually to the point making anyone surrounding the vehicle and or sitting in the front and back seats physically sick. The gasoline smells omits continually from the backseat and or trunk area no matter the amount of fuel that is in the tank. It is a fire hazard and also health hazard as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11675838, 2025

“With less than 40,000 miles on the odometer, I noticed a gas smell both inside the car and outside. I was able to access the fuel filter assembly on the top of the gas tank and found it had a substantial leak resulting in a puddle of fuel on the assembly. The car has never been in a wreck on had any damage that would cause this problem. I researched and found earlier years of the same model had this problem resulting in Mercedes Benz extending the warranty to 150,000 miles for this part. They have refused to warranty my car. This is a major safety issue and by releasing gas fumes into the a…”
NHTSA complaint #11566557, 2024

“There is a strong odor of gasoline inside the passenger compartment and around the outside of the vehicle when the gas tank is filled. A previous maintenance code of 0456 was triggered. Several repairs have been done to try and solve this problem, but the issue still remains. There is currently no recall for this specific VIN model but Mercedes Benz have issued the recall for other models with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11549023, 2023

Unknown Or Other 21 1 fire

“The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11493623, 2022 · fire

“Wood trim throughout the car is cracking and falling off the car on the dash board as well as the doors and the rear side panels. The trim pieces that remain on the car are very sharp and jagged and are a significant risk for cuts in day to day use. In the event of an accident a passenger could be seriously injured from this jagged wood . My car is a 2011 E550 convertible, the W207 platform, the very same car in 4 door form the W212 platform, from model year 2010-2016 is fully covered for wood replacement as NHTSA has deemed it a safety issue. I have been told by Mercedes Benz corporate there…”
NHTSA complaint #11586212, 2024

“Both headrests have now exploded in this car. I see there have been class actions lawsuits filed but Mercedes got these dismissed. There is a cheap plastic piece that holds the headrest in place which just explodes without any impact or accident. "The Mercedes class action lawsuit was filed by four plaintiffs who claim the NECK-PRO active headrests are defective because the activate head restraints allegedly deploy without crash impacts." The car was parked in each of the incidents. One hit my passenger in the head. The driver side headrest exploded today when I moved the seat. I called Merc…”
NHTSA complaint #11508406, 2023

Service Brakes 16 2 crash 2 injury

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM ON A CLEAR, SUNNY DAY, ABOUT A MINUTE AWAY FROM MY HOME. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD, AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. I STOPPED AT THE CORNER TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AS I PROCEEDED TO TURN, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT JUMPED THE CURB ( CAUGHT ON PROPERTY OWNER'S CAMERA, GOING AIR BORN) , AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD WITH THE CAR INCREASINGLY ACCELERATING.I CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT A POLE WHICH STOPPED THE CAR DEPLOYING BOTH DRIVER SIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #11301964, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS COMING OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE. I PROCEEDED TO THE ENTRANCE TO GARAGE. THE STREET WAS NARROW FOR TWO CARS TO PASS BY. I MADE A RIGHT TURN FROM THE GARAGE EXIT TO THE NARROW STREET WITH 5 MPH SPEED. THERE WERE TWO CARS ABOUT 25 FEET AWAY ALREADY ON THAT STREET. THOSE TWO CARS WERE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN ON MAIN STREET AT THE T JUNCTION. SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED TO 45 MPH APPROXIMATELY. I APPLIED THE BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN THE CAR. WITH THE BRAKE NOT WORKING AND THE CAR ACCELERATING VERY FAST, THE CAR BECAME OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS APPROACHING T…”
NHTSA complaint #10522362, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Dealer notes: Replace rear brake lines, found to be rusty recommend replacement with rear subframe replacement. This is a very well known issue and is not covered under recall from manufacturer. It will cost $3200 for brake line repair alone, not including the subframe. This is an extreme safety hazard and a common problem that has been acknowledged by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11707695, 2025

Structure 16 3 crash 2 injury

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM ON A CLEAR, SUNNY DAY, ABOUT A MINUTE AWAY FROM MY HOME. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD, AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. I STOPPED AT THE CORNER TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AS I PROCEEDED TO TURN, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT JUMPED THE CURB ( CAUGHT ON PROPERTY OWNER'S CAMERA, GOING AIR BORN) , AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD WITH THE CAR INCREASINGLY ACCELERATING.I CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT A POLE WHICH STOPPED THE CAR DEPLOYING BOTH DRIVER SIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #11301964, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VERY FAST, JUMPED THE CURB AND RAN INTO THE WALL OF ONE OF THE EXAMINING ROOMS, INJURING A PATIENT.NO ONE IN THE CAR WAS INJURED BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALED. AIR BGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS BUT I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE HITTING ANOTHER CAR ON OUR CHURCH PARKING LOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11013421, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Power steering is makes winding noise and very wobbly Wood grain interior is turning white Emissions problems”
NHTSA complaint #11507901, 2023

Engine 15 2 fire

“The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11493623, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT DETECTED A STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND THE FOUR PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND CONTINUED TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AS WELL AS AN INCIDENT REPORT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #10610482, 2014 · fire

“Brake lines rust and corrode at the plastic support clips. Brake lines are not made from quality materials. Suffrage also corroded. Suffrage was changed by dealer though when vehicle was returned the Brake lines were broken. Car entered Suffrage service with brake lines intact, rusted i wouldn't doubt but intact. When returned after changing Suffrage, brake line was broken and leaking brake fluid. Extremely dangerous to return vehicle with broken brake lines and expected Owner to drive away with no brakes. Changing brake lines was offered at a cost of $4000 but the lines were not broken upon d…”
NHTSA complaint #11683488, 2025

Steering 12

“Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are extremely rusted, and I was advised that I could lose braking control if they are not replaced immediately. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,000. I have been a long-time owner of Mercedes-Benz vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11689944, 2025

“While driving at approximately 55mph on the highway, I was required to brake for a merging vehicle who decided to make a lane change at the last second. I used my breaks, and my car did not break correctly. Instead, the car pulled the the right and locked up, it felt as though I had lost control of the car. When I went to my mechanic, I thought it was a break issue. Instead, it turns out the whole rear sub frame had rusted. When researching this issue, I found many other similar experiences. The harm that this part failure lead to was extreme. This could have been deadly. This is a safe…”
NHTSA complaint #11559920, 2023

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn from a traffic light the power steering failed to perform as needed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact drove the vehicle to a parking lot, stopped, placed the vehicle in park(P) and turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been inform…”
NHTSA complaint #11516754, 2023

Power Train 10 1 crash 2 injury

“2011 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS-THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRONIC SHIFTER JUST BEHIND STEERING WHEEL. IT IS DIFFICULT TO TELL IF IT GOES INTO PARK OR NOT. MY WIFE HAD ENGINE RUNNING, GOT OUT OF CAR TO CHECK THE TRUNK AND THOUGHT SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IT STARTED TO MOVE AND SHE WAS ABLE TO JUMP INSIDE AND HIT THE BRAKE. LATER THAT MORNING I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THOUGHT I HIT THE PARK. I GOT OUT LEAVING THE ENGINE RUNNING WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ON THE PHONE. WHEN FINISHED SHE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. SHE COULDN'T REACH OVER THE CONSOL…”
NHTSA complaint #10356174, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION : OCT. 29, 2015. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I OPENED THE TAILGATE, PUT SOMETHING INTO THE TRUNK, PUSHED THE ELECTRIC BUTTON AND THE TAILGATE CLOSED. I GOT INTO THE CAR, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE TAILGATE POPPED OPEN. I BACKED UP TO CLEAR THE GARAGE, STOPPED THE CAR ON MY FLAT DRIVEWAY, AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK. I OPENED THE DOOR, WALKED AROUND TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, PUSHED THE BUTTON AGAIN, AND STOOD THERE WATCHING THE TAILGATE CLOSE, FOR GOOD MEASURE. WHEN IT LOCKED, THE CAR POPPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE (NOT NEUTRAL); DROVE INTO ME AND PINNED M…”
NHTSA complaint #10930095, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would occasionally become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the power steering fluid was previously refilled. The air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an unusual amount of smoke coming from under the hood occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid might have leaked. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. An unknown…”
NHTSA complaint #11606731, 2024

Seats 8 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The back of the driver seat failed due to my car being rear ended. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Unable to sit looking straight forward when driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. By Mercedes Benz dealer Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach, CA. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have reported the problem to my auto insurance co.: AAA…”
NHTSA complaint #11433714, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME OVERHEATED AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT CUSHION AND THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,890. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10888754, 2016 · fire

“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....”
NHTSA complaint #11753259, 2026

Electrical System 7 1 fire

“The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11493623, 2022 · fire

“I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Me…”
NHTSA complaint #11502501, 2023

“The passenger front air bag malfunction,the passenger seat head rest deployed and And malfunction with any incident,the driver air bag is light on malfunction.after I took it to the dealership radio stop working no audio”
NHTSA complaint #11561802, 2022

Tires 6

“the vendor is supplying tires that guaranteed fit for vehicles that are lower than the load specified for the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11433667, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACK FLANGE IN THE WHEEL CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE WHEELS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEELS WERE ALSO CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…”
NHTSA complaint #10673094, 2014

“TIRE TREAD IS SEPARATING FROM TIRE ON BACK OF TIRE. ALL FOUR TIRES ON VEHICLE DISPLAY TREAD SEPARATION APPROXIMATELY HALF CIRCUMFERENCE OF TIRE IS AFFECTED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10543982, 2013

Wheels 6

“I OWN THE CAR FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS. SO FAR I HAD TO REPLACE 7 TIRES, MERCEDES IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM ARE THE ROADS IN MICHIGAN. THESE TIRES ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES, I DO NOT FILL SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY TO BUY TIRE AND WHEEE INSURANCE. I AM 66 YEARS OLD AND HAD MANY CARS BUT I HAVE NOT HAVE THESE KINDE OF TIRE PROBLEMS.”
NHTSA complaint #10935446, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACK FLANGE IN THE WHEEL CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE WHEELS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEELS WERE ALSO CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…”
NHTSA complaint #10673094, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DRIVER'S SIDE RIM BECAME BENT, CREATING A SHARP EDGE WHICH SLICED INTO THE TIRES. THE RIMS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10549383, 2012

Fuel System 4

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong fuel odor was detected. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11531663, 2023

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when fuel was administered into the vehicle, he observed a strong fuel odor in the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that as he came out to inspect the vehicle he observed a leak under the vehicle near the fuel spout. The vehicle was inspected and the rear seat and the access panel were removed and a large amount of condensation was present near the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11625265, 2022

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact took the vehicle in for an oil change and was informed of a recall for fuel system failure. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor whenever there was more than ¾ tank of fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin Number: 2013020002. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11478143, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS COMING OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE. I PROCEEDED TO THE ENTRANCE TO GARAGE. THE STREET WAS NARROW FOR TWO CARS TO PASS BY. I MADE A RIGHT TURN FROM THE GARAGE EXIT TO THE NARROW STREET WITH 5 MPH SPEED. THERE WERE TWO CARS ABOUT 25 FEET AWAY ALREADY ON THAT STREET. THOSE TWO CARS WERE WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN ON MAIN STREET AT THE T JUNCTION. SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED TO 45 MPH APPROXIMATELY. I APPLIED THE BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN THE CAR. WITH THE BRAKE NOT WORKING AND THE CAR ACCELERATING VERY FAST, THE CAR BECAME OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS APPROACHING T…”
NHTSA complaint #10522362, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON TWO OCCASIONS (ONCE FROM A STOP AND ONCE WHILE MOVING AT 30 MPH) I HAVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY AND THE CAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. BOTH TIMES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DISABLED, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOVEMENT BUT I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COULD PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT THE RPM GAUGE NEEDLE MOVING. THERE WAS A REAL DANGER OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I WAS SLOWING DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY.…”
NHTSA complaint #10807091, 2015

“SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE ACCELERATION ISSUE WITH 2011 E350 BLUE TECH MERCEDES BENZ. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR INPUT. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10690370, 2015

Seat Belts 3

“WHY WAS I CHARGED 190.00 TO DIAGNOSE A SAFETY FEATURE, THEN IN ORDER TO NOT LOSE MY MONEY, I HAD IT REPLACED BECAUSE THE MESSAGE WAS DRIVING ME CRAZY. FOR 302.61 I NOTIFIED YOUR TEAM AND I HAVE NO HEARD ANYTHING FROM ANYONE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MB USA... FOR ALL I KNOW, THE SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN RESET. THEY ARE NO HELP EITHER... I WASN'T LOOKING FOR A RECALL OR A CAMPAIGN. MY ACURA SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RETRACT WAS REPLACED FOR FREE SOME TIME A GO. AND THERE WAS NO RECALL”
NHTSA complaint #11340626, 2020

“AS I STARTED UP LAST WEEK I AM RECEIVING A PRE-SAFE SRS INOPERATIVE MESSAGE - I CALLED THE DEALER AND I FEEL WITH THIS BEING A SAFETY FEATURE I SHOULD NOT HAVE BE CHARGED FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC, BUT I DID ON JUNE 19. TURNS OUT ITS THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND ITS GOING COST ME CLOSE TO 500. IF I DON'T GET THE WORK DONE IN 30 DAYS, MY 190.00 GOES TO WASTE- YEARS AGO, IN MY ACURA MY SEAT BELT BROKE, IT WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE DUE TO IT BEING SAFETY EQUIPMENT- I DON'T WANT TO PAY UNTIL IT IS CONFIRMED IT SHOULD BE NO CHARGE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330277, 2020

“CPSC: MY 2011 MERCEDES E-CLASS SEDAN HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSES THE CLIP ON THE REAR SEATBELTS TO RUB AGAINST THE BELTS AND EVENTUALLY WEAR THEM AWAY. *DT *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11102049, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“ON TWO OCCASIONS (ONCE FROM A STOP AND ONCE WHILE MOVING AT 30 MPH) I HAVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY AND THE CAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. BOTH TIMES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DISABLED, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOVEMENT BUT I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COULD PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT THE RPM GAUGE NEEDLE MOVING. THERE WAS A REAL DANGER OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I WAS SLOWING DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY.…”
NHTSA complaint #10807091, 2015

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“ADBLUE HEATER/SENOR FOR THE EMISSION CONTROL ON THE 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 BLUETEC FAIL AFTER 80,000 MILES THE PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM IS THAT IT STARTS A COUNT DOWN WHICH IS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH TO HOW MANY STARTS ARE LEFT BEFORE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A HEATER/SENOR. SO HERE I AM HELD CAPTIVE BY THE NUMBER OF STARTS I HAVE LEFT TO GET THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM WITH THIS IS A $50,000.00 PLUS CAR SHOULDN'T BE SHUTTING DOWN FOR A EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10676831, 2015

Lane Departure 1

“The passenger door will not open from the inside. The vehicle has not been inspected by any parties yet. No warning messages are currently displayed.”
NHTSA complaint #11483014, 2022

Visibility 1 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350A. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR THAT WAS DAMAGED DURING THE CRASH CAUSED THE AIR BAG WIRING TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10644764, 2014 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 1 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550. WHEN THE DRIVER RETURNED TO HER PARKED VEHICLE, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER AND THE COSMETIC REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A LEAK ABOVE THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (TAFEL MOTOR COMPANY 4156 SHELBYVILLE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40207), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A SUN ROOF TECHNICIAN WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS D…”
NHTSA complaint #11012515, 2016 · crash