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2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

89 NHTSA owner complaints
6 crash 1 fire 4 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 8 of 15 Mercedes-Benz E-Class years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, cited in 30 of 89 filed complaints (34%).

Electrical System is next (10 complaints, 11%), followed by Steering (9), Structure (8), Engine (7).

Across all complaints, 6 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 4 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 2 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 89.

Air Bags 30 3 crash 2 injury

“Someone ran a stop sign traveling at at least 30 mph and hit my car twice; once in the front, once in the rear. I hit my face on the steering wheel, was knocked unconscious, and received a concussion. The airbags never deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11464578, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING THRU INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT STILL CRASHED INTO SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. MY VEHICLE HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT IT DID NOT HOLD ME TO THE SEAT. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST AND HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER SAID I WAS NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH TO DEPLOY AIR BAG. THAT IS NOT TRUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10947642, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11405089, 2021 · crash

Electrical System 10

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11644475, 2024

“Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed…”
NHTSA complaint #11619351, 2024

“I believe there is faulty wiring in the door speaker front passenger side. It causes crackling and humming. It lessens some when you turn ECO off. Concerned it could ignite a fire. Once told by dealer it’s caused by rain going into the door. Next time told that just to look at the problem would be around $600 because it has steel doors??”
NHTSA complaint #11600873, 2024

Steering 9 3 crash 2 injury

“I was driving my husband's 2016 E350 at 45 mph when the car accelerated. I attempted to control the speed by braking but the brake did not respond well. The steering wheel was also loose. The car sped up and turned left to the opposite side of the road, crossed the two lanes and hit the fence followed by a tree. The car was totaled, and the tree broke down at its branches. I survived the crush with two fractures on my back and on my left thumb.”
NHTSA complaint #11540330, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE MESSAGE "MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO BOTH HANDS DURING THE CRASH, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10820475, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was waiting at a light when the message “steering wheel malfunction” can up. I was forced to turn left, which I did with great difficulty as the power assist stop working. I managed to go straight 3 blocks despite the hard steering with my emergency lights on at 5 mph and turn left two short blocks to get home. I was in my car with my two children. If this would have happened in the highway, I am certain that it would have resulted in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11462520, 2022

Unknown Or Other 9

“Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed…”
NHTSA complaint #11619351, 2024

“The car was in for (Aug 2022) annual safety and emissions state (PA) inspection and normal maintenance. Last performed Aug 2021. I was told that the car failed safety inspection because the Rear SubFrame had rusted through. A hole was present not just surface rust. The car has 58,000 miles and garage kept. The car was just (June 2022) in for all 4 wheel brakes replaced along with 4 tires. There hasn’t been any recall on this and they quoted Repair price of$5,400 and expect me to pay $1,000 towards that replace and repair. My question is clearly this is an inferior part. I’ve since investiga…”
NHTSA complaint #11482740, 2022

“I have the similar issue with my sun roof as described by this entry found on your website below: Started developing (April 2021) a rattle in car's roof along with occasional metal popping sound coming from rear of car. Continued to get worse. Then rattle stopped for a while and so did the metal popping sound. Now ( August, 2021)it sounds like there is a bolt loose in the sunroof area and the metal popping sound is really loud and I think coming from roof. Most of the time when car body twist, like going up a slight incline at an angle when entering a parking lot this incredible loud popping…”
NHTSA complaint #11473947, 2022

Structure 8

“The rear subframe is defective and subject to premature corrosion and failure of parts that connect to the rear suspension. Due to the fracturing of the joints connecting to the suspension, my car was at risk of going out of control when needing to brake at higher speeds. The way the suspension component broke also risked damage to the gas tank if the car was driven over a large bump or pot hole. The problem was diagnosed by an independent repair service. The corrosion is not visible to an owner. It does not impact any body panels - only structural parts visible when the vehicle is on…”
NHTSA complaint #11750938, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred…”
NHTSA complaint #11703257, 2025

“Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not wor…”
NHTSA complaint #11592509, 2024

Engine 7 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. DIRECTLY AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT HEARD THREE EXPLOSIVE NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. MERCEDES-BENZ NATIONWIDE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,…”
NHTSA complaint #11064455, 2018 · fire

“Mercedes Benz has a recall on several models including E-Class (E 200, E 220, E 280, E 350) experiencing timing chain problems. The timing chain is an important component of the engine, as it helps to coordinate the timing of the engine’s various parts. I am currently having the same issue, but my model is an (E400) which has not been included in the recall. It appears that my timing chain failing, which is causing a number of problems with the engine, including reduced performance and fuel efficiency, and if MB does not recall this model, I am facing complete engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11624470, 2024

“Since May 2024, I had taken my car in for repairs at 3 different shops for same exact issue diagnosed as leak from air intake system. It has been repaired 7 times since it first occurred in May 2024, and unfortunately it is still not resolved. This is a potential danger to the driver because all of a sudden there will be loud noise from the engine, car will start misfiring and slow down the speed. The previous 3 attempts of repair were made at Mercedes Benz of West Covina. The car is non drivable at the moment.”
NHTSA complaint #11620163, 2024

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Power Train 6

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while shifting between the lower gears, the vehicle would shift roughly resulting in the vehicle jerking while driving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11448342, 2021

“WHEN I TRY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK THE CAR IS STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IF THE CAR IS IN REVERSE OR IF THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND YOU USE THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR CHANGE AND GEAR THE VEHICLE DOES NOT CHANGE THE GEAR. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE CERTIFIED PREOWNED FROM MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP IN JULY 2019 THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT CERTIFIED AND THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD HAVE INJURY AND OR DEATH. THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER IS STATING THERE WAS A FAULT CODE WITH THE SHIFTER ATTACHED TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11394574, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES BENZ OF HUNT VALLEY 9800 YORK ROAD COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, (410)-666-7777 TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V241000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FREE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND DISAPPEARED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11319853, 2020

Service Brakes 5 3 crash 2 injury

“I was driving my husband's 2016 E350 at 45 mph when the car accelerated. I attempted to control the speed by braking but the brake did not respond well. The steering wheel was also loose. The car sped up and turned left to the opposite side of the road, crossed the two lanes and hit the fence followed by a tree. The car was totaled, and the tree broke down at its branches. I survived the crush with two fractures on my back and on my left thumb.”
NHTSA complaint #11540330, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING THRU INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT STILL CRASHED INTO SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. MY VEHICLE HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT IT DID NOT HOLD ME TO THE SEAT. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST AND HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER SAID I WAS NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH TO DEPLOY AIR BAG. THAT IS NOT TRUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10947642, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11405089, 2021 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 5 1 crash 1 injury

“I was driving my husband's 2016 E350 at 45 mph when the car accelerated. I attempted to control the speed by braking but the brake did not respond well. The steering wheel was also loose. The car sped up and turned left to the opposite side of the road, crossed the two lanes and hit the fence followed by a tree. The car was totaled, and the tree broke down at its branches. I survived the crush with two fractures on my back and on my left thumb.”
NHTSA complaint #11540330, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving on North Shepherd Drive in Houston, TX, at a speed of approximately 35 MPH. While I was lightly braking to slow down for an upcoming intersection where I wished to turn, the car flashed 2 error lights--Frontal Collision Avoidance System Inoperable, and Traction Control System Inoperable. At that moment, the car began to accelerate out of my control. It began to accelerate at a pace comparable to a full-throttle acceleration. At that moment, I turned off the vehicle and coasted to the side of the road. After a moment, I turned the car back on, electrical components responded…”
NHTSA complaint #11491143, 2022

“CAR SHOWN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF NOT ACCELERATING WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED. IT WILL GIVE MANY JERKY MOVEMENTS BUT THEN AFTER FEW MINUTES DRIVING LIKE THIS IT WILL NORMALIZE. I TOOK IT TWICE TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY OR REPLICATE PROBLEMS. THEN MY WIFE TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM SO I GOT SCARED FOR SAFETY OF KIDS AND WROTE TO THEIR HEAD QUARTER. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND LEAVE IT FOR 5-6 DAYS SO THEY CAN TRY TO FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER FEW DAYS THEY GAVE ME "GREAT NEWS" THAT THEY CONFIRM THE PROBLEM AND IDENTIFY THE SOURCE IT IS"WATER IN THE G…”
NHTSA complaint #10937370, 2016

Visibility 4

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred…”
NHTSA complaint #11703257, 2025

“We have been getting water in the front passenger compartment below the door area, after rain. We took it to our mechanic, who determined that the windshield integrity has been compromised along the top area in front of the passenger dash. Apparently the seal has separated, allowing water to enter the vehicle. Our mechanic stated that the safety of the vehicle has been compromised and the windshield needs to be removed and re-glued. We are currently waiting for an appointment with a glass specialist to have this repaired, as there does not seem to be a recall listed. Several months ago we had…”
NHTSA complaint #11574053, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver’s side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was then taken to a collision center where it was diagnosed that the windshield bonding had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The man…”
NHTSA complaint #11532092, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Recently (April 2024) we've noticed water drops forming on the inside of the vehicle along the top of the front windshield after a rain. Pushing outward along the top inside of the windshield glass indicates some movement of the glass. This applies all along the top inside of the windshield and not just one spot or area. So far, we have only observed water drops and have not observed any water pooling or puddling yet. We have not yet contacted a dealer; however we have conducted online research that strongly suggests that the windshield urethane adhesive seal is failing. Additional online…”
NHTSA complaint #11587218, 2024

“My car's windshield at first started to leak. I took the car to the dealer and was informed that leaky windshields are not covered by the warranty. I took no further action as we were still in a COVID restricted environment and the need for the car was low. As my company started to return to the office I have begun using the car more and have now observed that windshield adhesion to the frame has now deteriorated. The car has approximately 41K miles at which I would not expect the windshield to be unglued. I was also recently made aware that there is a similar problem affecting other MB 2020 v…”
NHTSA complaint #11442224, 2021

“Windshield separation from body of car causing water intrusion and water damage on headliner and electrical components.”
NHTSA complaint #11460939, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11644475, 2024

“Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed…”
NHTSA complaint #11619351, 2024

“I was driving on North Shepherd Drive in Houston, TX, at a speed of approximately 35 MPH. While I was lightly braking to slow down for an upcoming intersection where I wished to turn, the car flashed 2 error lights--Frontal Collision Avoidance System Inoperable, and Traction Control System Inoperable. At that moment, the car began to accelerate out of my control. It began to accelerate at a pace comparable to a full-throttle acceleration. At that moment, I turned off the vehicle and coasted to the side of the road. After a moment, I turned the car back on, electrical components responded…”
NHTSA complaint #11491143, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“Fuel odor is very apparent (while idle) but difficult to identify location. Same models seem to have recalls for fuel injectors/rails but not this specific VIN. I believe the issue might be of similar recall. I will have the car diagnosed soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11713777, 2025

“The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car”
NHTSA complaint #11603751, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PUMP FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE ASSISTED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10917624, 2016

Wheels 3

“REAR WHEEL CRACKED AT THE BEAD. PARALLEL TO THE AXLE. RIGHT TO LEFT. THIS IS A RESULT OF FATIGUE. AFTER BEING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS THE MOST OF MY LIFE THIS IS NOT ABBUSE.”
NHTSA complaint #11366897, 2020

“CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329692, 2020

“VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACTS 245/40R18 TIRES THAT CREATES A SIDEWALL BUBBLE/BLISTERS. I REPLACED 2 FRONT TIRES ALREADY WITH VEHICLE MILEAGE LESS THAN 7,500 MILES. NOW BOTH REAR TIRES THAT HAVE LESS THAN 11,000 HAVE BOTH ESTABLISHED SIDEWALL BUBBLES/BLISTERS. ALL TIRES ARE CURRENTLY CONTINENTAL TIRES.”
NHTSA complaint #11014001, 2017

Exterior Lighting 2

“Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not wor…”
NHTSA complaint #11592509, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 WAGON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AND WERE VERY DIM. AUTOHAUS PEORIA (2322 VAN WINKLE WAY, PEORIA, IL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20.”
NHTSA complaint #11186216, 2016

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off inside the garage, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked fuel filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel filter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11541935, 2023

“CAR SHOWN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF NOT ACCELERATING WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED. IT WILL GIVE MANY JERKY MOVEMENTS BUT THEN AFTER FEW MINUTES DRIVING LIKE THIS IT WILL NORMALIZE. I TOOK IT TWICE TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY OR REPLICATE PROBLEMS. THEN MY WIFE TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM SO I GOT SCARED FOR SAFETY OF KIDS AND WROTE TO THEIR HEAD QUARTER. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND LEAVE IT FOR 5-6 DAYS SO THEY CAN TRY TO FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER FEW DAYS THEY GAVE ME "GREAT NEWS" THAT THEY CONFIRM THE PROBLEM AND IDENTIFY THE SOURCE IT IS"WATER IN THE G…”
NHTSA complaint #10937370, 2016

Suspension 2

“The rear subframe is defective and subject to premature corrosion and failure of parts that connect to the rear suspension. Due to the fracturing of the joints connecting to the suspension, my car was at risk of going out of control when needing to brake at higher speeds. The way the suspension component broke also risked damage to the gas tank if the car was driven over a large bump or pot hole. The problem was diagnosed by an independent repair service. The corrosion is not visible to an owner. It does not impact any body panels - only structural parts visible when the vehicle is on…”
NHTSA complaint #11750938, 2026

“CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329692, 2020

Back Over Prevention 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while reversing the Back Over Prevention camera screen was blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11513474, 2023

Communication 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY FLASHED. THE ON STAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM GENERATED REPORTS AND CALLED TO INQUIRE IF THERE WAS A CRASH. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEVERLY HILLS, 9250 BEVERLY BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210, (310) 659-2980) WAS UNABLE TO DISCONNECT THE ON STAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND STATED THAT THE CONTROL UNIT PREMATURELY FAILED BECAUSE OF COFFEE THAT MAY HAVE SPILLED IN THAT AREA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11012650, 2017

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING THRU INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT STILL CRASHED INTO SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. MY VEHICLE HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT IT DID NOT HOLD ME TO THE SEAT. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST AND HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER SAID I WAS NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH TO DEPLOY AIR BAG. THAT IS NOT TRUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10947642, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Seats 1

“Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner”
NHTSA complaint #11724811, 2025

Tires 1

“Tires have under 7000 miles. Traveling on I75 in Florida the car started to vibrate. I slowed down and was able to make it to a Mercedes dealership. The mechanic informed me that the cords in both rear tires had separated. I had the tires replaced which were not under any warrantee. I have the same tires on the front of the vehicle which I am very concerned about as the mechanic told me I was lucky the tires didn't explode. 245/40r18.”
NHTSA complaint #11427733, 2021

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class draws about 8.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 8 of 15 among the Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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