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2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 9 of 15 Mercedes-Benz E-Class years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, cited in 13 of 66 filed complaints (20%).
Engine is next (13 complaints, 20%), followed by Wheels (8), Steering (7), Power Train (6).
Across all complaints, 2 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 3 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 1 fire, 1 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 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 66.
Electrical System 13
“The digital dash, which shows my speed, mileage, engine temperature, rims and fuel level goes blank. Then comes on for a few seconds and goes dark again. Vehicle only has 43k miles. MB dealer said this is not uncommon condition with the 2018 mb e400. Car is not safe to drive. MB dealer wants $6,100.00 to replace the unit. A software reboot will not work.”
NHTSA complaint #11688398, 2025
“The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn’t not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is…”
NHTSA complaint #11665796, 2025
“The back-up camera failed while in the middle of reversing. Screen went completely black and unresponsive. Putting the car in Park then back to Reverse didn't work, screen still black. Tried turning off the car and turning it back on, screen still black and no back-up camera when I put the car in Reverse. I tried turning on / off the infotainment system and no change, screen still black. Later in the day when I got back in the car, the screen came up MUCH slower than usual, but did eventually come back up. This has happened multiple times and I've taken it to the dealer multiple times…”
NHTSA complaint #11559062, 2023
Engine 13 3 fire
“On August 12, 2023, my husband pulled into the E43 into the garage with my two kids. When my son got out of the car, he noticed smoke coming out of the front of the car and notified my husband. He popped the hood and tried to put it out with the fire extinguisher but the smoke got overwhelming and he called 911. Fire department came and put out the fire. After the incident we did a search to see if there was a recall we missed but we only found an article published by Mercedes in December 2021 acknowledging their cars may catch on fire but no recall was done.”
NHTSA complaint #11548118, 2023 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE SMELLING A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DRIVING WAS ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO HIGHER SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PRESS THE VEHICLES BRAKES OBSESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE'S SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ALSO FAILED TO ROTATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER WAS OBSERVING THE VEHICLE THEY FOUND THE ENGINE TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK 4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 3…”
NHTSA complaint #11407108, 2020 · fire
“I WAS DRIVING IN THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE TRAVELING FROM MIAMI I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO GO TO THE RESTROOM AND WHEN I CAME BACK MY CAR HAD A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD TO GET THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE GAS STATION, OPENED THE HOOD AND PUT DOWN THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. MY CONCERN WAS NOT JUST MY SAFETY BUT THE FACT THAT I WAS SO CLOSE TO THE GAS STATION. THERE WAS 0 WARNING AND NO ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR FROM THE CAR BEFORE THIS.”
NHTSA complaint #11164363, 2018 · fire
Unknown Or Other 12 1 fire 1 injury
“While the vehicle was parked, at approximately 6:15 pm on June 11, 2022 while I was retrieving my iPod that was on the cupholder of my wife’s car, I got cut on the back of my right hand by the chrome plating lining the top part of the cupholder. The cut was painful and was one centimeter long. After I got cut I noticed that the chrome plating around the cupholder was peeling off and was sharp to the touch. The peeling off was mainly on the middle to the left-hand side of the center console cupholder, it is razor sharp and very dangerous. Please warn other drivers about this danger. It would b…”
NHTSA complaint #11468820, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)
“On August 12, 2023, my husband pulled into the E43 into the garage with my two kids. When my son got out of the car, he noticed smoke coming out of the front of the car and notified my husband. He popped the hood and tried to put it out with the fire extinguisher but the smoke got overwhelming and he called 911. Fire department came and put out the fire. After the incident we did a search to see if there was a recall we missed but we only found an article published by Mercedes in December 2021 acknowledging their cars may catch on fire but no recall was done.”
NHTSA complaint #11548118, 2023 · fire
“I am filing a complaint regarding the loss of safety-related and remote vehicle features on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 due to discontinued cellular connectivity between Mercedes-Benz and T-Mobile, effective 12/31/2025. This vehicle is paid for, has low mileage, and is otherwise in excellent condition. However, Mercedes-Benz has notified owners that key features will stop working, including remote start and safety-related services accessed through the Mercedes-Me app. As a consumer, I pay a monthly subscription for these services. This is the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle I have owned where f…”
NHTSA complaint #11705220, 2025
Wheels 8
“Mercedes AMG wheels crack under normal driving conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11566148, 2024
“Two problems: 1. Axel grease found on carport cement multiple times. Mercedes refuses to look at the wheel bearings or axel. 2. Automatic steering wheel adjustment makes clunking noise. Mercedes refuses to replace until it fails. Both of those items should be covered under warranty which I think is why they refuse to fix them.”
NHTSA complaint #11540551, 2023
“In April 2022, I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC from CarMax in Tinley Park, Illinois. After the purchase, I discovered several unresolved issues that compromised the vehicle's safety and reliability. Key components, including the battery and alternator, were defective. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the battery had not been replaced since 2018, despite CarMax’s assurance that it was new. This defect contributed to electrical system malfunctions, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, CarMax conducted substandard repainting on the backseat. The peeling paint transferred to my…”
NHTSA complaint #11635362, 2022
Steering 7
“When taking curves the vehicle is making a cracking noise but, mechanic said they don’t see anything. My W213 Mercedes Benz E300 just like all other Mercedes is have a “Crankcase” issue, it failed the engine keep revving but, not catching speed. I’ve seen multiple Mercedes is having that issues and it’s very common. My vehicle computer communication system failed to communicate with the key sometimes won’t start and will run out of power overnight mainly happen during winter times and when it rains.”
NHTSA complaint #11547889, 2023
“Two problems: 1. Axel grease found on carport cement multiple times. Mercedes refuses to look at the wheel bearings or axel. 2. Automatic steering wheel adjustment makes clunking noise. Mercedes refuses to replace until it fails. Both of those items should be covered under warranty which I think is why they refuse to fix them.”
NHTSA complaint #11540551, 2023
“I bought this 2018 e43 amg at 24k miles ,still under warranty ,and when I first told by dealer that there's a crack on my wheel I have to replace it ,I thought it was my driving even though I can't think of getting in a pothole whatsoever,so I shop around and found a random shop ,they showed me a picture of the exact same car of same year with the same problem on the same size 20in wheel ,crack on the oem wheels , I was thinking this is strange ,but I choose to trust the mb quality. Later on there's a noise coming from back seat ,I went to dealer and try to find out ,they did a good job found…”
NHTSA complaint #11436103, 2021
Power Train 6
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz E Class. The contact stated that while driving stopped at a residential gate, the gear was shifted and skipped from g1 to g3., shifting itself to neutral. In another incident, when at a stop light or stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair for software update however the issue that was experienced with the vehicle stalling was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he thought the recall had to do with the issue he was experiencing but was informed by the dealer that it was a separate issue. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11738071, 2026
“The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn’t not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is…”
NHTSA complaint #11665796, 2025
“Vehicle went into limp mode at 83,000 miles and it was due to the electronic valve body failing within the transmission. Dealership mentioned it shouldn’t happen in a vehicles lifetime, this includes maintenance at the right interval (60,000 miles), which mine was. I was quoted roughly $3,800 by the dealership but after speaking with corporate it was brought down to $2,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11624425, 2024
Forward Collision Avoidance 5 1 crash
“1) Car pushed forward while parking @ 3-4 miles/per hour Car was totaled 2) Air bags did not deploy 3) Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer 4) Component was not confirmed by manufacturer. Police was present, reported to Insurance 5) While crashing through a store front, the Lane changing warning was displayed”
NHTSA complaint #11556284, 2023 · crash
“The emergency applied braking system was applied while driving the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG on a city street, with no other car or obstacle in the way of the car. Fortunately, there was no other vehicle behind us when this happened. I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic who found no fault codes in the OBD system. He did update the system software of the car at that time.”
NHTSA complaint #11625193, 2024
“WHEN DRIVING ON AN OPEN 2 LANE COUNTY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ENGAGED AND FULLY STOPPED THE CAR FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD, I DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL ON. THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED AND BEEPED. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND, SO THANKFULLY I WAS NOT REAR ENDED, BUT THERE WERE NO IMPEDIMENTS IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE A BRAKING EVENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11413451, 2021
Seat Belts 4
“The driver-side seat belt retractor on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 (W213) has failed to fully retract, leaving significant slack across the driver's chest and lap. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed seat belt motor. This component is part of the vehicle's electronic PRE-SAFE system. Because the belt no longer retracts into its stowed position or maintains tension, the vehicle is in a state of non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209 (Seat Belt Assemblies). Specifically, it fails to meet the retraction requirements necessary t…”
NHTSA complaint #11715242, 2026
“The seat belts do not retract when taking them off.”
NHTSA complaint #11569129, 2024
“Passenger seatbelt does not latch to the buckle. Therefore I am unable to have passengers in my vehicle. And when I do it becomes a huge safety issue. No mechanic can seem to figure out what is wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11635486, 2022
Service Brakes 4
“THIS NOTE REGARDS COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11301860, WHICH I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. PLEASE REFER TO IT FOR INFORMATION. MERCEDES-BENZ TOOK THE VEHICLE TO M-B FAYETTEVILLE, NC ON 1-31-20 AND RETURNED IT ON 2-3-20. AFTER ONLY 54 MILES, THE VEHICLE IS PERFORMING EXACTLY AS IT DID WHEN I FIRST REPORTED THIS ISSUE. IN MY VIEW, THE DEFICIENCIES CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT'S ELECTRONIC "SAFETY" ASSIST FACILITIES LULLS ONE INTO A DEPENDENCY AND FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. THEN, THEY STOP WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN ON BUSY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.”
NHTSA complaint #11307931, 2020
“MY VEHICLE IS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E63S. ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN, IT REPORTS "BRAKE-ASSIST INOPERABLE; BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERABLE; DISTANCE ASSIST INOPERABLE"; PLUS, THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE TROUBLE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THEY ARE NOT FALSE MESSAGES. THE ITEMS REPORTED DO STOP WORKING. THAT'S EXCEEDINGLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE ESTABLISHES A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. BEYOND THAT, THE ENGINE IN THE CAR HAS LOST POWER NUMEROUS TIMES. THAT COULD BE CALAMITOUS IF YOU WERE PASSING AND A CAR SUDDENLY CAME AT YOU HEAD-ON. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MERCEDES BENZ BUT T…”
NHTSA complaint #11301860, 2020
“GOING THRU INTERSECTION AT FLANDERS RD AND MONTAUK HIGHWAY IN HAMPTON BAYS NY AT 15-20 MPH THE CAR WITHOUT ANY WARNING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP”
NHTSA complaint #11296816, 2019
Structure 4 1 injury
“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND EITHER OF THE FRONT DOORS ARE OPENED, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE DOOR FROM SLAMMING ONTO SOMEONE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS UNLESS THE VEHICLE ON A SLOPE DOWNHILL OR TOWARDS THE SIDE OF THE DOOR THAT IS OPENED. THIS HAS BRUISED MY LEGS AND MY TEEN-AGED DAUGHTER'S LEGS. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY 85 YEAR OLD FATHER TO EXIT WITHOUT SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD HIS DOOR OPEN. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS REPLACED THE HINGES ONCE UNDER WARRANTY BUT SAYS NOW THAT THEY ARE "OPERATING AS DESIGNED." I GUESS THE DESIGN IS THE PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11114582, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)
“ON MY CABRIOLET, THE CORDS THAT ATTACH THE HEADLINER TO THE ROOF FRAY, CAUSING THE TOP TO NOT BE ABLE TO CLOSE OR OPEN. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE FOR THE SAME ISSUE, AND CORDS ARE FRAYED AGAIN, SO THIS WILL BE THIRD TRIP. MERCEDES HAS A "FIX" FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT THE FIX DOES NOT WORK.”
NHTSA complaint #11405487, 2019
“ROOF SPOILER WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL OF: 17V246, BUT HAD FLOWN OFF NUMEROUS TIMES. ROOF SPOILER WAS REATTACHED BUT HAD FLOWN OFF AFTER 500 MILES OF DRIVING. THE ROOF SPOILER STARTED TO BANGING AGAINST THE REAR WINDSHIELD UNTIL IT FLEW OFF DRIVING AT ABOUT 60 MPH ON A THE HIGHWAY. THE SPOILER FLEW OFF HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN STRIKE AND KILL.”
NHTSA complaint #11101948, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control 4
“THIS NOTE REGARDS COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11301860, WHICH I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. PLEASE REFER TO IT FOR INFORMATION. MERCEDES-BENZ TOOK THE VEHICLE TO M-B FAYETTEVILLE, NC ON 1-31-20 AND RETURNED IT ON 2-3-20. AFTER ONLY 54 MILES, THE VEHICLE IS PERFORMING EXACTLY AS IT DID WHEN I FIRST REPORTED THIS ISSUE. IN MY VIEW, THE DEFICIENCIES CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT'S ELECTRONIC "SAFETY" ASSIST FACILITIES LULLS ONE INTO A DEPENDENCY AND FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. THEN, THEY STOP WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN ON BUSY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.”
NHTSA complaint #11307931, 2020
“MY VEHICLE IS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E63S. ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN, IT REPORTS "BRAKE-ASSIST INOPERABLE; BLIND SPOT ASSIST INOPERABLE; DISTANCE ASSIST INOPERABLE"; PLUS, THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE TROUBLE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THEY ARE NOT FALSE MESSAGES. THE ITEMS REPORTED DO STOP WORKING. THAT'S EXCEEDINGLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE ESTABLISHES A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. BEYOND THAT, THE ENGINE IN THE CAR HAS LOST POWER NUMEROUS TIMES. THAT COULD BE CALAMITOUS IF YOU WERE PASSING AND A CAR SUDDENLY CAME AT YOU HEAD-ON. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MERCEDES BENZ BUT T…”
NHTSA complaint #11301860, 2020
“THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING AT 35 MPH AND CONTROLLED BY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 35 MPH. THE TIME WAS 12:40 PM ET ON 29 MARCH 2019. SEEMINGLY THE CAR WENT INTO CRASH PREVENTION MODE BY TIGHTENING THE SEAT BELT AND EXECUTING A MAXIMUM FORCE BRAKING STOP. THE TIRES SQUEALED. MY CHEST WAS SORE WHERE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED WITH FORCE. APPROXIMATE LOCATION: SOUTHBOUND ON LANDMARK DR. NEAR ASHCROFT CT. CLEARWATER, FL 33761. LANDMARK DR. IS A RESIDENTIAL TWO LANE ROAD RUNNING NORTH-SOUTH WITH DUAL YELLOW PAINTED CENTER MARKING. ROAD IS STRAIGHT AND FLAT FOR APPROXIMATELY…”
NHTSA complaint #11192423, 2019
Air Bags 2 2 crash 1 injury
“The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle leaving the parking lot pulled in front of the contact's vehicle, and the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's face and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained soreness on the face, and from the shoulders down to the lower back and legs. The contact was currently dragging one leg while walking. The contact had received dental and medical assistance. Additionally, the contact underwent an MRI. The contact was…”
NHTSA complaint #11689774, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“1) Car pushed forward while parking @ 3-4 miles/per hour Car was totaled 2) Air bags did not deploy 3) Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer 4) Component was not confirmed by manufacturer. Police was present, reported to Insurance 5) While crashing through a store front, the Lane changing warning was displayed”
NHTSA complaint #11556284, 2023 · crash
Exterior Lighting 2
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side headlights intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11720741, 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the message "Inoperable Headlight" was displayed, and the passenger's side headlight became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to dealer who added an unknown gas inside the headlight. However, the failure reoccurred with the driver's side headlight six months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who added the unknown gas inside the headlight, however, the failure reoccurred months later with the passenger's side. The contact stated that the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11495188, 2020
Back Over Prevention 1
“The rear backup camera intermittently will open for a second, display the rear view (when in reverse), then immediately closes. This often happens after the trunk has been opened / closed, as when we go shopping and put items in the trunk. Sometimes it resets when you turn off the ignition and restart the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11710180, 2026
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 4MATIC WAGON WITH PREMIUM PACKAGE 3 THAT INCLUDES ALL OF THE AVAILABLE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (SEMI AUTONOMOUS STEERING, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE KEEP ASSISTANCE, BLINDSPOT DETECTION, AUTOMATIC PARKING ASSIST, CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT). ACCORDING TO MERCEDES, THE PROGRAM TITLED DRIVE PILOT WITH STEER ASSIST, IS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE WHEN THERE ARE LANE MARKINGS OR EVEN FOLLOW A CAR AHEAD IF THERE ARE NO LANE MARKINGS. WELL, THIS SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE. IT CAN'T STAY CENTERED IN THE LANE, INSTEAD IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE PLAYING A GAME OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11100119, 2018
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
“Mercedes Benz use low quality PCV regulator valve , it is a common failure problem, warranty will not be covered, Benz sells part replacement for around 350 USD and it require about 2000 in labor to be fixed on average”
NHTSA complaint #11558454, 2023
Lane Departure 1 1 crash
“1) Car pushed forward while parking @ 3-4 miles/per hour Car was totaled 2) Air bags did not deploy 3) Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer 4) Component was not confirmed by manufacturer. Police was present, reported to Insurance 5) While crashing through a store front, the Lane changing warning was displayed”
NHTSA complaint #11556284, 2023 · crash
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E-300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOORS FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CALSTAR MOTORS (700 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, NOTHING WAS REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO THE DOOR HINGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11405953, 2020
Seats 1
“In April 2022, I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC from CarMax in Tinley Park, Illinois. After the purchase, I discovered several unresolved issues that compromised the vehicle's safety and reliability. Key components, including the battery and alternator, were defective. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the battery had not been replaced since 2018, despite CarMax’s assurance that it was new. This defect contributed to electrical system malfunctions, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, CarMax conducted substandard repainting on the backseat. The peeling paint transferred to my…”
NHTSA complaint #11635362, 2022
Suspension 1
“MB 2018 E300 WOULD STOP WITH ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE STOP AND START SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE PROBLEM UNTIL I ALMOST GOT KILLED. CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AROUND (NOV 2020 OFF COMMERCIAL BLVD FORT LAUDERDALE FL BETWEEN 4 TO 6PM RAINY DAY RUSH HOUR ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO GET ON I95 AND CARE DIED ON ME AND I HAD TO WAIT 3 YOURS BECAUSE ONSTAR BUTTON WASN'T WORKING AND HAD TO CALL TOW USING MY PHONE ) I BEEN HAVING ISSUES STARTING BACK UP AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE PISTINES IN THE ENGINE AND CAR FINALLY BREAKS DOWN AND NEEDS NEW ENGINE FEB 2…”
NHTSA complaint #11415132, 2020
Tires 1
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Majesty Solus, Tire Size: 245/40/ZR19, DOT Number: 1Y07TYCJ9. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that tread on the front tires were blistering. The cause of the failure had not yet been determined. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front tires had failed and needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tires were replacement tires. The tire failure mileage was 4,000. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11670209, 2025
Visibility 1
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, wind was entering through the passenger’s side sunroof. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11462207, 2020
Visibility/Wiper 1
“WE LEASED A 2018 MERCEDES E300 EXACTLY ONE MONTH AGO. FOR OUR TEST DRIVE WE TOOK A SHORT TRIP TAKING ALL RIGHT TURNS. SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE CAR MY WIFE HAS HAD SERIOUS VISIBILITY PROBLEMS LOOKING TO THE LEFT, ESPECIALLY AT 4 WAY STOPS. SHE HAS HAD 2 VERY CLOSE INCIDENTS AT THESE STOPS, THE LATEST NEAR COLLISION JUST YESTERDAY. SHE IS SHORT (5 FT.) AND THE SEAT DOES NOT RAISE HIGH ENOUGH. AS A RESULT, WHEN SHE GAZES TO THE LEFT THERE IS A LARGE BLIND SPOT CREATED BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS IN THIS NEW MODEL ARE QUITE LARGE DUE TO THE INCREASED TECHNOLOGY AND THEY ARE S…”
NHTSA complaint #11065306, 2018
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class draws about 7.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 9 of 15 among the Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.