Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
- Remedy
- Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
44
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11675838 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
4
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
CAR WOULDN'T START. LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T COME ON. DIAGNOSIS FOUND THAT IT'S DUE TO A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS CARS-A FAILED ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS). IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY MUST BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COST WILL BE $2,103 AND IT WILL TAKE UP TO 10 DAYS TO REPAIR (CAR WAS TOWED 3 DAYS AGO). THIS COST DOES NOT INCLUDE COSTS FOR A RENTAL CAR.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11405032 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
12
Most reports here involve corrosion. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11707695 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
16
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11652830 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
109
Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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....
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753259 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
29
Most reports here involve corrosion.
Read full complaint
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 vehicles and part of the Mercedes-Benz family. However, I am now deeply concerned about the safety of myself, my family, and others on the road due to this severe corrosion issue, which I believe may be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue and provide assistance, as the failure of these critical components poses a serious safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [Phone: [XXX] ] [Email: [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11689944 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
9
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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 Mercedes but was just sent on a wild goose chase.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11508406 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 223 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (183) and more than the 2012 (217). Of the 7 model years of the Mercedes-Benz E350 we cover, the 2014 has the most (278). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.