NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
34.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1115.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1521.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1217.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1420.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
811.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
68.7%
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.
Jan 2017peak 6Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cypress, TX1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Pulling in the parking spot , looking to my right not noticing light pole on the left , car sensor bumped the pole in the perfect spot to deploy all of the drivers airbags . No warning of front collision , no breaks emergency were activated , seatbelt did not tighten threw me against the wheel : suffered , lacerations , broken forearm requiring surgery . Slight scratch on the bumper not even a dent in the front bumper
NHTSA complaint #11562287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
Pulling in the parking spot , looking to my right not noticing light pole on the left , car sensor bumped the pole in the perfect spot to deploy all of the drivers airbags . No warning of front collision , no breaks emergency were activated , seatbelt did not tighten threw me against the wheel : suffered , lacerations , broken forearm requiring surgery . Slight scratch on the bumper not even a dent in the front bumper
NHTSA complaint #11562287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Pulling in the parking spot , looking to my right not noticing light pole on the left , car sensor bumped the pole in the perfect spot to deploy all of the drivers airbags . No warning of front collision , no breaks emergency were activated , seatbelt did not tighten threw me against the wheel : suffered , lacerations , broken forearm requiring surgery . Slight scratch on the bumper not even a dent in the front bumper
NHTSA complaint #11562287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesOakland, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300W. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH he was side swiped on the drivers side door by another vehicle causing his vehicle to jump the curb. The contact stated he had a brake malfunction and had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard. The contact had to steer the vehicle into a fence in order to come to a stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The police were called and filed a police report. The contact had the vehicle towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact suffered injuries to his back, both knees and his head from hitting the steering wheel, but did not seek medical attention until later. The airbags did not deploy. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11455566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300W. The contact stated while driving approximately 55mph when the contact heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into another vehicle. The contact stated the crash avoidance system had failed to activate. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained arm bruises but did not seek medical treatment. The other vehicle contained 2 people but the contact does not know what injuries they had sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11445315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesWashington, DC1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE MOTORIZED TRUNK LID SPONTANEOUSLY AND FORCEFULLY CLOSED ON MY HEAD, CUTTING MY FACE, WHILE I WAS LOADING (WITH BOTH HANDS) GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK. CAR WAS PARKED IN PARKING LOT, ENGINE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11196475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Riverside, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sunroof glass shattered water got in the car
NHTSA complaint #11737905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl River, LA
POWER TRAIN
There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.
NHTSA complaint #11735276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl River, LA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.
NHTSA complaint #11735276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.
NHTSA complaint #11735276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, LA
ENGINE
Code P052E after oil changed. seems to happen often judging my forums.
NHTSA complaint #11734140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Code P052E after oil changed. seems to happen often judging my forums.
NHTSA complaint #11734140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000
NHTSA complaint #11732941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
ENGINE
My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000
NHTSA complaint #11732941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STEERING
I’m having issues with my control module not going forward or backwards at times and there was a recall on models of this vehicle for that exact reason NHTSA ID: 17V078000 Issued: Feb 2, 17. Dealership is telling me it’s not open. I’m scared for my safety when my car doesn’t shift in the correct gear. This started in 2021 or 2022 and I’m not getting resolution. When getting my bumper repaired I noticed that this was on the recall list a few years ago. I’ll submit the papers I received form Park Place.
NHTSA complaint #11730864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’m having issues with my control module not going forward or backwards at times and there was a recall on models of this vehicle for that exact reason NHTSA ID: 17V078000 Issued: Feb 2, 17. Dealership is telling me it’s not open. I’m scared for my safety when my car doesn’t shift in the correct gear. This started in 2021 or 2022 and I’m not getting resolution. When getting my bumper repaired I noticed that this was on the recall list a few years ago. I’ll submit the papers I received form Park Place.
NHTSA complaint #11730864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenacres, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2017 mercedes benz e-class. I'm starting to smell gasoline in the cabin and also outside of my vehicle. I tried entering my VIN number to see if any recalls. There is something listed for the smell of gas. Can someone help me regarding this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11725111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesWashington, DC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for approximately five to ten minutes, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic shift lever had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle from the dealer, and two days later, the same message was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required” was displayed. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #11714019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPlantation, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while turning. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and to the dealer, but no DTC was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V714000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesCamden Wyoming, DE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor entering the vehicle through the vents, and the odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Strongsville, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong smell of Fuel or exhaust fumes in the cabin, while vehicle is idling, parked or stoped at the light.
NHTSA complaint #11698622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palisades Park, NJ
AIR BAGS
The Air bag light just came on when I turned the car on I had it checked by a mechanic and by an electrician. The code is B000113 The Squib For The Driver Airbag (Stage 1) Has A Malfunction. There Is An Open Circuit. They checked the clock spring it’s plugged in and even tried using a new air bag but they believe the clock spring is broken.
NHTSA complaint #11687067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11685111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
WHEELS
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding serious and repeated issues with my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, purchased and serviced exclusively by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. 1. Repeated OEM Run-Flat Tire Failures Within the past two years, I have been forced to replace nine OEM run-flat tires, including: • 3 replacements at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, VA • 2 replacements at Goodyear Tires, Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL • 4 additional replacements at certified service centers These failures occur under normal driving conditions, often without visible punctures or road hazards, and at safe speeds. Each tire replacement costs approximately $550, plus towing, diagnostic fees, and rental car costs. The financial and safety burdens are substantial, and this level of tire failure is not normal for any vehicle—particularly a low-mileage, luxury sedan. 2. Electrical/Dashboard Recording Malfunction My dashboard service history fails to record service visits, even when performed at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This is deeply concerning as it compromises vehicle resale value, warranty tracking, and transparency of maintenance records. Despite multiple visits and attempts by service centers, the issue persists without resolution. 3. Financial Impact and Brand Reputation The total cost of repeated tire replacements and unresolved electrical issues has reached several thousand dollars, despite my vehicle having relatively low mileage and receiving all recommended service at authorized dealers. This experience is completely inconsistent with the quality and reliability promised by the Mercedes-Benz brand. I am requesting the following: • Full investigation into the defect rate of OEM run-flat tires on the 2017 E-Class models • Immediate inspection and repair of the dashboard/electrical recording issue at no cost to me • Reimbursement for tire-related costs and associated expenses incurred due to repeated failures.
NHTSA complaint #11680306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding serious and repeated issues with my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, purchased and serviced exclusively by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. 1. Repeated OEM Run-Flat Tire Failures Within the past two years, I have been forced to replace nine OEM run-flat tires, including: • 3 replacements at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, VA • 2 replacements at Goodyear Tires, Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL • 4 additional replacements at certified service centers These failures occur under normal driving conditions, often without visible punctures or road hazards, and at safe speeds. Each tire replacement costs approximately $550, plus towing, diagnostic fees, and rental car costs. The financial and safety burdens are substantial, and this level of tire failure is not normal for any vehicle—particularly a low-mileage, luxury sedan. 2. Electrical/Dashboard Recording Malfunction My dashboard service history fails to record service visits, even when performed at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This is deeply concerning as it compromises vehicle resale value, warranty tracking, and transparency of maintenance records. Despite multiple visits and attempts by service centers, the issue persists without resolution. 3. Financial Impact and Brand Reputation The total cost of repeated tire replacements and unresolved electrical issues has reached several thousand dollars, despite my vehicle having relatively low mileage and receiving all recommended service at authorized dealers. This experience is completely inconsistent with the quality and reliability promised by the Mercedes-Benz brand. I am requesting the following: • Full investigation into the defect rate of OEM run-flat tires on the 2017 E-Class models • Immediate inspection and repair of the dashboard/electrical recording issue at no cost to me • Reimbursement for tire-related costs and associated expenses incurred due to repeated failures.
NHTSA complaint #11680306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owings Mills, MD
POWER TRAIN
Mercedes-Benz E300 is affected by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) recall, you might notice these symptoms: - Delayed or rough shifting: The transmission may hesitate or struggle to change gears. - Slipping gears: The car might unexpectedly shift out of gear or fail to stay in the correct gear. - Unresponsive transmission: You may experience difficulty accelerating or feel like the car is stuck in a lower gear. - Warning lights: The check engine or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard. - Limp mode activation: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting speed and performance to prevent further damage.
NHTSA complaint #11660892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOwings Mills, MD
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to a higher gear. The contact stated that the transmission was also slipping out of gear, and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was not shifting above second gear. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V078000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owings Mills, MD
ENGINE
Mercedes-Benz E300 is affected by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) recall, you might notice these symptoms: - Delayed or rough shifting: The transmission may hesitate or struggle to change gears. - Slipping gears: The car might unexpectedly shift out of gear or fail to stay in the correct gear. - Unresponsive transmission: You may experience difficulty accelerating or feel like the car is stuck in a lower gear. - Warning lights: The check engine or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard. - Limp mode activation: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting speed and performance to prevent further damage.
NHTSA complaint #11660892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evanston, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When using Map apps through CarPlay, I’ve noticed two consistent problems: Inaccurate Vehicle Speed: The carplay speedometor does not match the the actual speedometer of the vehicle, which seems always 1.6 times higher than the actual(seems to be the metric confusion from mph to kmh). GPS Drift: The location shown on the map is frequently ahead of my actual position, which causes navigation directions (especially turns and exits) to be slightly mistimed. However, when the speedometer is correct, the GPS drift issue would disappear automatically. So I assume that these two issues are correlated. These issues can be confusing and potentially unsafe while driving. I’ve tested other navigation apps on CarPlay and found they do exhibit the same behavior, so I suspect the issue may be general to Mercedes E300 and probably other vehicles. I did a bit of research and found it to be a common issue of Mercedes E300 2017. Please see attached link for the threads from MB forum. https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class-x167/843643-wrong-speed-limit-detected.html Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your reply. Best regards
NHTSA complaint #11658033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, GA
AIR BAGS
A warning saying Front Right Malfunction Service Required. I took my vehicle to a mercedes dealership to have my vehicle inspected. I was told that the Airbag seat cushion/weight sensing control unit all needed to be repaired/fixed. I have an extended warranty but this was not covered. I was told my Airbag might not be deployed if I was involved in an accident and someone was in my front passenger seat. "No one should ride in the front passenger seat until this situation is taken care of." I feel strongly that this should have been covered, plus it should've been a recall on this. It's a real safety issue!!! This need to be on the recall list for all mercedes or other vehicles with this particular issue.
NHTSA complaint #11649279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.