Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2021 Mercedes Benz E 350 with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E 350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 52
10% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2021 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E 350
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Mercedes Benz E 350
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
525.0%
Electrical System
420.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Engine & Cooling
420.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
315.0%
Median failure at 53,200 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
315.0%
Brakes
15.0%
Median failure at 24,001 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2023peak 3Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Orleans, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
NHTSA complaint #11629406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, MAFire
ENGINE
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
NHTSA complaint #11629406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Woodstock, GA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in the fuel vapor leak diagnosis pump control circuit. The malfunction appears to involve the EVAP diagnostic module and/or associated electrical wiring near the fuel system. The affected component may be available for inspection upon request. The issue raises safety concerns because the fault involves an electrical short circuit associated with the fuel vapor control system. Potential risks may include electrical overheating, malfunction of the fuel vapor management system, fuel vapor leakage, emissions-related failures, or unexpected vehicle operating issues. Prior to the incident, warning messages appeared on the vehicle diagnostic display. The fault code was identified using the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. No collision or fire occurred at this time. The problem has not yet been fully repaired, but preliminary assessment suggests a possible failure of the EVAP leak detection pump, control module, wiring harness, connector, or related electrical components. The condition may be reproducible because the warning message remains active. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. Dealer inspection is planned. UNKNOWN whether this condition is currently associated with an official recall or service campaign for this VIN. This vehicle was originally purchased in the United States and is currently located outside the [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in the fuel vapor leak diagnosis pump control circuit. The malfunction appears to involve the EVAP diagnostic module and/or associated electrical wiring near the fuel system. The affected component may be available for inspection upon request. The issue raises safety concerns because the fault involves an electrical short circuit associated with the fuel vapor control system. Potential risks may include electrical overheating, malfunction of the fuel vapor management system, fuel vapor leakage, emissions-related failures, or unexpected vehicle operating issues. Prior to the incident, warning messages appeared on the vehicle diagnostic display. The fault code was identified using the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. No collision or fire occurred at this time. The problem has not yet been fully repaired, but preliminary assessment suggests a possible failure of the EVAP leak detection pump, control module, wiring harness, connector, or related electrical components. The condition may be reproducible because the warning message remains active. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. Dealer inspection is planned. UNKNOWN whether this condition is currently associated with an official recall or service campaign for this VIN. This vehicle was originally purchased in the United States and is currently located outside the [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
POWER TRAIN
With the car only have about 15,000 miles the transmission has failed . I have seen there have been recalls of other models with similar complaints of transmission failure .
NHTSA complaint #11708688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmers Branch, TX
ENGINE
Engine keeps having a misfire that Mercedes put a TSB out for and once the misfire happen I cause the vehicle to go in a limp mode which causes the vehicle to loose power happened to me in the freeway. The car had 54K miles and Mercedes refused to repair the issue as the engine part failure isn’t common.
NHTSA complaint #11707258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmers Branch, TX
ENGINE
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 (VIN [XXX] ) developed a serious engine issue involving cylinder misfire and check engine light. The dealer diagnosed it as a leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 4, related to TSB LI01.30-P-072328, which documents valve seat wear in M260 engines. This is a known defect acknowledged by Mercedes in technical bulletins, and other customers in the U.S. have received warranty extensions or goodwill coverage. I was denied coverage even though this is a manufacturer defect that can lead to misfire, power loss, and potential stalling, posing a safety risk on the road. Mercedes-Benz USA refuses to cover the repair (~$7,600+), even though it relates to a factory-documented problem. I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate this engine defect, as it may qualify for a safety recall or mandatory extended warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11673376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
The Mercedes E350, with 22,000 miles suffered a catastrophic transmission failure while driving on the highway. I managed to exit the highway but the car could not be moved and left me stranded.
NHTSA complaint #11672435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Rock, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1) Rear view camera sometimes working, some times not working. (Message reads “system inoperative “ 2) Forward view camera also affected. 3) display shown “12V battery low in battery “ 4) Not long ago, just had vehicle suddenly vibrating vigorously while backing up from parking and during driving. Gas paddle not responding when stepping down, ( vehicle was then towed to dealer and they updated some kind of electrical thing)
NHTSA complaint #11649636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Rock, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
1) Rear view camera sometimes working, some times not working. (Message reads “system inoperative “ 2) Forward view camera also affected. 3) display shown “12V battery low in battery “ 4) Not long ago, just had vehicle suddenly vibrating vigorously while backing up from parking and during driving. Gas paddle not responding when stepping down, ( vehicle was then towed to dealer and they updated some kind of electrical thing)
NHTSA complaint #11649636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Rock, NJ
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
1) Rear view camera sometimes working, some times not working. (Message reads “system inoperative “ 2) Forward view camera also affected. 3) display shown “12V battery low in battery “ 4) Not long ago, just had vehicle suddenly vibrating vigorously while backing up from parking and during driving. Gas paddle not responding when stepping down, ( vehicle was then towed to dealer and they updated some kind of electrical thing)
NHTSA complaint #11649636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
NHTSA complaint #11629406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, MAFire
ENGINE
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
NHTSA complaint #11629406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miramar, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I was parking and the 360 view sensor did not come up. When I tried to back out and move forward again, I realized the back up camera would not come on. I turned the car on and off and then tried again to reverse to engage the camera but was instead given a message that says system inoperative.
NHTSA complaint #11589422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miramar, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was parking and the 360 view sensor did not come up. When I tried to back out and move forward again, I realized the back up camera would not come on. I turned the car on and off and then tried again to reverse to engage the camera but was instead given a message that says system inoperative.
NHTSA complaint #11589422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,001 milesHighlands Ranch, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle the emergency brake independently seized. The contact stated that the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle would not drive forward or backward. The contact contacted the dealer and a service technician was dispatched to the location. The service technician connected the vehicle to the diagnostic equipment. The contact was advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake caliber voltage malfunction and the brake caliber voltage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,001.
NHTSA complaint #11578960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine is misfiring and not powering correctly during driving. Car is failing to take off and today almost caused an accident due to the car would not pull off from the traffic light with oncoming traffic due to loss of power. Safety was at risk due to an accident was almost caused due to car not moving in on coming traffic Dealership is citing that is needs to have a cylinder replaced but will not tell me why it needs to be replaced, why this has happened or what could have been done pre maintenance to avoid this issue Check engine light came on Dealer has been contacted, and was told this is a common issue for this to happen to newer cars, but will not fix the issue and extended warranty will not cover due to this is a manufacturer issue
NHTSA complaint #11571057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
ENGINE
The engine is misfiring and not powering correctly during driving. Car is failing to take off and today almost caused an accident due to the car would not pull off from the traffic light with oncoming traffic due to loss of power. Safety was at risk due to an accident was almost caused due to car not moving in on coming traffic Dealership is citing that is needs to have a cylinder replaced but will not tell me why it needs to be replaced, why this has happened or what could have been done pre maintenance to avoid this issue Check engine light came on Dealer has been contacted, and was told this is a common issue for this to happen to newer cars, but will not fix the issue and extended warranty will not cover due to this is a manufacturer issue
NHTSA complaint #11571057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine is misfiring and not powering correctly during driving. Car is failing to take off and today almost caused an accident due to the car would not pull off from the traffic light with oncoming traffic due to loss of power. Safety was at risk due to an accident was almost caused due to car not moving in on coming traffic Dealership is citing that is needs to have a cylinder replaced but will not tell me why it needs to be replaced, why this has happened or what could have been done pre maintenance to avoid this issue Check engine light came on Dealer has been contacted, and was told this is a common issue for this to happen to newer cars, but will not fix the issue and extended warranty will not cover due to this is a manufacturer issue
NHTSA complaint #11571057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,200 milesAnnapolis, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 53,200.
NHTSA complaint #11567020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lucas, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
When in reverse, sometimes the rearview camera image does not come and and the parking sensors do not work. An inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver’s view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. This has been happening over the last 2 years infrequently. When the issue was brought up at the dealer during service, their recommendation was to bring the vehicle in immediately at the time it occurs, but I haven't been able to do so with work. Now this issue is happening more frequently. There is a campaign online that is for the same issue I'm having: April 1, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V228000 Rearview Camera and Parking Sensors Malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11560848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.