Mercedes-Benz E-Class Complaints

3,253 consumer complaints on file.

#11761158August 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V216 involving the drive shaft universal joint. In March 2025, before the recall was announced, Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad diagnosed my vehicle with a front driveline/drive shaft problem. I later paid $2,575 to have the drive shaft replaced using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Mercedes-Benz later sent me a recall notice stating that customers who already paid to correct the recall condition may be eligible for reimbursement. On May 27, 2026, I started the reimbursement process through Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad. I submitted everything Mercedes requested, including the repair invoice, proof of payment, and documentation showing genuine Mercedes-Benz parts were used. When additional documentation was requested, I provided it. I was told I had submitted all required documents. However, Mercedes-Benz will not enter my claim into the reimbursement review process because the recall campaign is not yet “open” and the remedy is not yet available. Mercedes-Benz Star Support told the dealer: “Reimbursement can be claimed after campaign is in open status.” I escalated the issue with Mercedes-Benz USA and received the same answer. My concern is that this prevents the 60-day review process from even starting. 49 C.F.R. §573.13(g)(1) states: “The manufacturer shall act upon a claim for reimbursement within 60 days of its receipt.” If a claim is incomplete, §573.13 also requires the manufacturer to identify the missing documentation within 60 days. I was told I submitted everything required. I am not asking NHTSA to determine whether I am entitled to reimbursement or the amount. I am asking NHTSA to review whether Mercedes-Benz can accept all required claim documents but refuse to process the claim until the campaign becomes “open,” effectively postponing the 60-day process indefinitely. I do not need a future recall repair. I already paid to have my drive shaft replaced. My concern is that Mercedes-Benz has all the requested reimbursement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760829August 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN. I was vacuuming the car and it went dark. Then in the instrument cluster was a PRE-safe warning light, then a PRE-Safe functionality message. Then the car would not start or crank nothing. The car wakes up when I put the key in and after a few seconds goes dark. I saw a recall campaign number 22V-168 and 2022040003. Cannot get help. Vehicle is available for inspection but cannot drive it. I was not even driving the car it was parked. Trying to get manufacturer to check the recall same symptoms. no one has check on it. Tried to get VMI but cannot release to me since I purchased it in 2023. I get no open recalls, from manufacture. I got 6 from NHTSA and 2 from Customer Service recall and then 3 from a dealer. I have no info except I know this was a recall and want help with this please. I need transportation. I am concerned for my safety and if it was driving I wouldn't drive it to dangerous even more with the misinformation plus my safety and others. Thank you for your time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761001August 31, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760041August 27, 2026
ENGINE
Component/System: The intake camshaft positioner/adjuster on cylinder bank 2 of the M276 V6 engine has failed, along with associated timing components. The vehicle (2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, VIN [XXX]) remains unrepaired and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine produces a loud metallic rattle on cold starts, indicating loss of proper camshaft timing control. If unaddressed, camshaft timing deviation can progress to timing chain failure, which on interference engines can cause valve-to-piston contact and sudden, severe engine damage or loss of power while driving, posing a risk to vehicle control. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. Mercedes-Benz of Catonsville (RO# [XXX]) diagnosed the issue and confirmed stored fault code P002177, indicating the intake camshaft position on cylinder bank 2 deviates from its specified value. The dealer's own notes state camshaft adjusters "are prone to failure and commonly damage camshafts when they fail." Manufacturer Notified: I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA directly (Case #[XXX]) to request they address this repair, citing that this camshaft/timing failure is a known, recurring issue on M276-equipped vehicles, supported by Mercedes' own technical service bulletins (TSB LI05.10-P-056435 and TSB LI05.20-P-059966) describing this exact failure pattern. Despite multiple attempts, including a promised callback that was never received and nearly an hour on hold with no resolution, Mercedes-Benz USA has not adequately responded or taken action. Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in early August 2026, prompting a dealer visit. The cold-start rattle was identified by the dealer during diagnosis the following day. No prior symptoms were noticed beforehand. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757591August 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR
An Intoxalock ignition interlock device was installed in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on May 7, 2026. Following installation, the vehicle experienced repeated electrical/no-start problems and incidents in which it became immobilized and could not be moved, requiring towing. On one occasion the vehicle became disabled on a roadway/highway, leaving me in a dangerous position with traffic passing around me. When the vehicle is immobilized, I cannot simply move it to a safe location, and Intoxalock has not been able to restore vehicle operation remotely. I have had to wait for towing assistance, sometimes for extended periods. Independent diagnostic/service facilities have evaluated the vehicle. One attributed battery drain to the Intoxalock-related problem. Another attributed starter damage to it. Service documentation also reflects diagnosis of the Intoxalock system and reinstallation/reconnection of the device and wiring. Documentation is available, and the equipment/vehicle can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle now displays numerous dashboard warning lights and is not operating normally. Safety-related systems are malfunctioning, including ABS, parking assistance, camera functions, and automatic braking/collision-avoidance functions that previously operated normally. I am concerned that the Intoxalock device, its installation/wiring, or its interaction with this vehicle’s electrical/electronic systems may be contributing to these failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this aftermarket ignition-interlock equipment presents a safety or compatibility risk, particularly when a vehicle can become immobilized in traffic and safety systems may be affected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756403August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Software issue: all screens go black without warning while driving. No access to speed, car temperature, a real safety issue. It’s like driving blind complete loss of controls. It was 98 degrees in Florida and suddenly the heater was blasting heat. My son, a passenger was unable to turn it off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755689August 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Engine misfires, lower engine power, and a lit check engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Mercedes-Benz issued an Emission Service Campaign (No. 2021070006, internal code 21P1590208) to replace out-of-spec ignition coils on 657 vehicles from model year 2021, including the E-Class. My VIN was not included in the recall campaign but my vehicle is experiencing these exact symptoms as referenced in the first sentence. My vehicle has 48,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754872August 4, 2026
ENGINE
My vehicle has about 68k miles, while driving on freeway all of sudden the car engine started to shake and check engine light came on dashboard. This engine shaking would stop when vehicle was being driven at high speed. Upon returning home I checked the DTC codes and had P300, P301 engine misfire codes. My mechanic suggested to have spark plugs and Ignition coil#1 to be changed. I bought new plugs from dealer for the replacement. When my mechanic completed this repair bit noticed vehicle still had misfire. He conducted compression test and found only 20PSI pressure is cylinder 1 and suggested a tear-down or engine replacement. I talked to another shop and described the issue and was informed that this is a common issue in Mercedes E300 to develop misfire in either cylinder 1 or 2. I found similar issues described by many owners on various forums online as well. Currently Mercedes has no recall for this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754329August 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle was exhibiting erratic indications in all safety systems. Was checked out by dealer told all was OK. Two weeks later vehicle indicated warnings in various safety system, instrument cluster went dark, speedometer and tach were inop, blinkers did not work. Car taken to dealer again where it was determined that water incursion into passenger side foot well as the result of clogged sunroof drains had resulted in water damage to the signal acquisition module and other modules regulating the CAN Bus which were mounted in a location susceptible to water incursion and damage. Routine service does not include assuring that sunroof drains are open. Given the nature of computer systems in this vehicle such water damage has the potential of serious safety issues. These modules must be relocated to an area not prone to flooding. MBNA was contacted and provided no customer support whatsoever. The repair was almost $2500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753822July 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving my 2026 Mercedes-Benz E350 (rear-wheel drive) at approximately 40 mph, I began slowing for a traffic light. As I approached the intersection, the vehicle suddenly experienced what appeared to be a catastrophic electronic failure. Without warning, the vehicle became almost completely inoperable while the engine continued to run. The vehicle abruptly came to a stop and became immobilized. The rear wheels locked, preventing the vehicle from moving. I was unable to shift the transmission out of Drive or into any other gear. The gear selector became completely unresponsive. I was unable to shut the vehicle off. Numerous warning lights and system malfunction messages appeared simultaneously across the instrument cluster. The windshield wipers activated on their own without any driver input. The windows rolled down automatically and would not roll up. Nearly every electronic system appeared to malfunction at the same time. I lost the ability to control the vehicle normally because I could not shift gears, restart the vehicle, or clear any of the system failures. The engine continued running throughout the event, but the vehicle was effectively disabled and could not be driven. Emergency personnel were dispatched to guide the flow of traffic as the vehicle was obstructing traffic. This failure created an extremely dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle became immobilized in the roadway without warning during normal driving. As the driver I had no reasonable ability to anticipate or respond to this type of sudden total electronic failure. The vehicle has 1,117 miles. Unlike other reports to the NHTSA, this was not an isolated warning light or infotainment issue. The simultaneous failure of multiple independent systems suggests a significant electrical, software, communications network, or control module malfunction. The vehicle is currently with the dealership, they have been unable to diagnose the problem as the vehicle remains unresponsive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753715July 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the driveshaft felt loose, with an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753259July 28, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEATS
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....
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752742July 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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 catostrophic failure! Mercedes Road Side Assistance was called to tow the car 70 miles to the closest shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752406July 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down and failed to properly accelerate. The contact's son attempted to shift into reverse; however, the transmission was making an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with drivetrain and engine damage, catalytic converter failure, and a bolt had snapped or was loose. The contact stated that the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752040July 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment and vehicle information system randomly goes black, resets itself while driving. There are no error messages or warnings. The system reboots and the screens come back after about 10-20 seconds. There was a recall issued for this back in May of 2026 and I had Mercedes Benz of Asheville, NC perform the required system update on June 17, 2026. Obviously the update did not correct the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752247July 22, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I own a 2022 Mercedes-Benz E350. The front glass roof panel located directly above the windshield developed a large crack while the vehicle was parked. The crack extends nearly the full length of the panel and includes areas where the glass has separated along the fracture. I am not aware of any collision, road debris, or object striking the vehicle before the damage was discovered. The damaged panel is available for inspection. I am concerned that if this type of failure were to occur while the vehicle is in motion, broken glass could fall into the passenger compartment or be shed onto the roadway, creating a potential safety hazard for the driver, passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle has been inspected by a Mercedes-Benz dealership, and the damage has been documented for repair. To my knowledge, there were no warning messages, alerts, or other symptoms before the crack appeared. The cause of the failure is unknown. I am aware of reports from other Mercedes-Benz owners describing similar cracking of roof glass panels. Based on those reports, I am concerned this may indicate a broader design or manufacturing issue and respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a pattern affecting similar vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751828July 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING, SUSPENSION
While braking from highway speeds or any other speed, the vehicle becomes unstable and pulls to the left, making it difficult to maintain control. During hard braking, the vehicle does not track straight and requires steering correction to remain in its lane, creating a significant safety hazard. To diagnose the problem, the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. An alignment was performed, and the suspension and braking systems were inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear subframe has severe rust and corrosion. The rusted rear subframe is available for inspection upon request. Despite the alignment and inspection of the suspension and brakes, the unsafe braking behavior remains. There were no warning lights or messages indicating this condition before it was discovered. The problem has been reproduced multiple times under similar braking conditions. This condition puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at risk because the vehicle can become difficult to control during braking, particularly at highway speeds or during an emergency stop. Based on the mechanic's inspection, the severely corroded rear subframe is the source of concern and should be investigated as a safety-related defect. I have also contacted Mercedes-Benz USA regarding this safety issue and requested assistance, but I have not yet received a response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751724July 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750938July 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
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 a lift. Mercedes Benz has provided an extended warranty for unlimited miles and 20 years to any owner of this model for a range of years and models. This was communicated to Mercedes Benz dealerships on March 10, 2023. However, since the vehicle is not subject to recall, I do not know how this was communicated to an owner. I did not receive anything alerting me to the problem. Mercedes Benz has my phone number on file.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750962July 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mercedes-Benz E350 Mild Hybrid was purchased new on XXX. Vehicle had approximately 291 miles and had been owned 25 days, when incident occurred on XXX at approximately 9:30am. Incident occurred during normal interstate driving (I-10 between [XXX] and [XXX]) at approximately the posted speed limit of 60mph. Weather was partly cloudy, not raining. A sudden loud explosive sound occurred, similar to a gunshot. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the explosive sound. Neither of 2 occupants in vehicle observed an object strike the vehicle. Sunroof was completely closed at time of incident. Passenger opened inside cover of sun roof and immediately observed shattered panoramic roof glass, with almost half of the sunroof gone. Remainder of sunroof was cracked into very small fragments. Glass appeared to largely disperse outward; interior sunshade prevented glass from entering the passenger compartment, although there were shards of glass lying within the sunshade. Vehicle was safely removed from traffic. No injuries occurred. But half of glass from sunroof was scattered toward other lanes of busy interstate traffic. Passenger safety could've been compromised had the glass torn the soft fabric sunshade. Passenger safety could've been compromised if driver had been distracted by the explosive sound. Glass could've been safety hazard for other vehicles behind mine. Mercedes-Benz denied warranty coverage and refused to provide owner a written engineering explanation of the cause of the accident. Mercedes-Benz field technical rep and dealer service department reviewed the car's damages. Vehicle has since been repaired at owner's expense. Owner has photos of damaged roof prior to repair. Owner plans to sell vehicle on or about XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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