Owners have filed 229 complaints
about the 2010 Mercedes Benz E350 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 15 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 — 64
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E350
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
54.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1110.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
109.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2019.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1615.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1716.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1615.5%
150,000+ miles
87.8%
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.
Oct 2009peak 14Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 Mercedes Benz E350
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
DP20004Opened 24 Apr 2020Closed 9 Oct 2020SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Rear brake line failure
On April 10, 2020, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Surjit Singh alleging premature corrosion of the rear brake lines in his 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan. The petitioner states that he was recently informed by a Mercedes dealer service department that his car had severely rusted brake lines that need[ed] to be replaced immediately at a cost of about $3300. He further stated that the dealer service advisor informed him that he had seen the issue on many cars like his. The petitioner requested ?that NHTSA launch an investigation into this serious...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Plymouth, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was involved in a head on collision when a motorist driving in the wrong lane hit the front of my car in the evening of 10/2/24. The impact was huge and my car was totaled. However, my airbag did not deploy and I hit my chest and knees very hard against the steering wheel and dashboard. Airbag deployment is a basic safety feature during an accident particularly in a luxury vehicle like Mercedes Benz that is known for its safety record.
NHTSA complaint #11624539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CACrash
AIR BAGS
FREEWAY CAR IN MOTION, TIRE CAME OFF TRUCK AND HIT MY CAR 2016
NHTSA complaint #10969027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CACrash
WHEELS
FREEWAY CAR IN MOTION, TIRE CAME OFF TRUCK AND HIT MY CAR 2016
NHTSA complaint #10969027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
FREEWAY CAR IN MOTION, TIRE CAME OFF TRUCK AND HIT MY CAR 2016
NHTSA complaint #10969027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,956 milesSyracuse, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE PROCEEDING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT, A SNOW PLOW SPED THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND THE MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRASH WAS NOT SEVERE ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,956. UPDATED 03/26/15*LJ UPDATED 06/22/2015
NHTSA complaint #10681498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesEdgewater Park, NJCrash
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE AND THANK GOD NO OTHER CARS WERE NEXT TO ME. SOMETIMES WHEN I GO OVER 50 THE CAR TENDS TO PULL IN ANOTHER DIRECTION. I TOOK IT TO GET SERVICE A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND GOT MY CAR BACK 6MONTHS LATER. THAN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THEY JUST REPLACED COMPUTER CHIP THEY SAID. THE CAR HAS NEVER DRIVEN RIGHT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. SO WHEN THE CAR DECIDED TO PULL TO THE LEFT I WAS PULLING WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO JUST KEEP THE WHEEL STRAIGHT BUT I HAD NO CONTROL AND SPUN AROUND 5 TIMES N LANDED BACKWARDS ON THE TURNPIKE FACING ON COMING TRAFFIC. I'M SO UPSET THAT I NEVER GOT TO ENJOY THE VEHICLE IT STILL PULLS AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAYS ITS FINE. THE CAR RATTLES. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING N THE SEAT I WAS SITTING ON BLEW UP FOR NO REASON. THEY REPLACE ONLY THE INSIDE PARTS AND NEVER THE STITCHING ON THE SEAT SO I HAVE A RIPPED SEAT FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT . THIS CALL IS DEF A LEMON OR SHOULD BE RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10640964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Winnsboro, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2010 E350 (VIN # [XXX] ). I have taken great pride in owning and maintaining this vehicle, and I want to share my concerns based on my recent experience. I have consistently kept this car well-maintained, following all recommended service schedules and ensuring that any necessary repairs were handled promptly. Up until now, I have not experienced any significant issues with the vehicle. It has been reliable, well cared for, and in excellent condition. Recently, when the brake line indicator came on, I immediately took the vehicle to a mechanic to have it inspected. I was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty and that there was a leak present. Upon further inspection, the mechanic identified that the leak was coming from the rear of the vehicle. It was then determined that the issue involved the rear brake line located near the gas tank. This is extremely concerning, not only because it directly impacts the safety of the vehicle, but also because, based on the research I have conducted, this appears to be a common issue with this particular model. Given that this is a critical safety component, it is troubling that such a failure would occur despite the vehicle being properly maintained. Based on what I have researched, I feel that I have a valid complaint. This does not seem to be the result of neglect or lack of care, but rather a potential defect or known issue associated with this vehicle. As an owner who has taken every step to properly maintain and care for this car, it is both frustrating and disappointing to now be dealing with such a serious problem. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed thoroughly and that an appropriate resolution be provided. I believe it is reasonable to expect accountability for an issue that appears to be both common and safety-related. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a fair resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
NHTSA complaint #11730465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
All of sudden blind spot inoperable , turning signal to Rt. , signal goes LT. OR TURNING SIGNAL TO LT. , SIGNAL GOES To RT.
NHTSA complaint #11718667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
All of sudden blind spot inoperable , turning signal to Rt. , signal goes LT. OR TURNING SIGNAL TO LT. , SIGNAL GOES To RT.
NHTSA complaint #11718667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramsey, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
Car was found to have the rear subframe corrosion for issue. But also the brake lines were corroded very badly. They should be covered under the rear subframe extended warranty replacement. The rear brake lines are an frequent issue and almost always shows up when the subframe begins to rot. Also the pattern of the corrosion seems to be consistent across multiple incidents. Look at photos I uploaded and the Reddit post; identical. Look at this post from Reddit, almost identical corrosion on the rear brake lines as mine. Furthermore, it always is the rear brake lines, almost never the front. This is a manufacturer issue that needs to be looking into. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramsey, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
Car was found to have the rear subframe corrosion for issue. But also the brake lines were corroded very badly. They should be covered under the rear subframe extended warranty replacement. The rear brake lines are an frequent issue and almost always shows up when the subframe begins to rot. Also the pattern of the corrosion seems to be consistent across multiple incidents. Look at photos I uploaded and the Reddit post; identical. Look at this post from Reddit, almost identical corrosion on the rear brake lines as mine. Furthermore, it always is the rear brake lines, almost never the front. This is a manufacturer issue that needs to be looking into. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterbury, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
It seems like brake lines corroded and need to be replaced. Same issue in this car with subframe and that was taken care of by the extended warranty but brake lines were not part of extended warranty? That should be investigated further. Rear subframe rust out and brake line corrosion are obviously related but Mercedes is only addressing subframe. Why? A lot of people have this issue and it's a huge safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11701296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving once I start braking once the car is around 3mph it shifts from drive into Park and abruptly comes to a stop. Sometimes I am able to put it back into Drive sometimes I have to turn the car off and reinsert the key just to get it back into drive. Normally happens after an hour or so of driving the when I try to come to a complete stop the car will automatically shift into park. This is very dangerous as it can ruin the transmission also the person driving behind me can run into the back of my car. Is there any recall for this issue
NHTSA complaint #11700592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes failed, the rear brake lines had corroded.
NHTSA complaint #11689329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, TN
ENGINE
fast acceleration then slow down goes into limp mode . happens when passing a car or taking off fast like entering into traffic . very dangerous. will be calling mercedes benz tomorrow. bought car used approximately 4 months ago. thanks
NHTSA complaint #11676061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Hill, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes went out while I was driving my family on a road trip. After getting towed I inspected the brake lines and they are absolutely destroyed. This is clearly a design flaw by Mercedes. This needs to be recalled. You have to drop the rear subframe to repair this. Absolutely ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11674517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerset, KY
ENGINE
Smell gasoline on driver side. Can’t fill tank up or the smell is unbearable. Gas consumption is high. Engine light is on , suspension make a lot of noise, and ticking on driver side.
NHTSA complaint #11654400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerset, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Smell gasoline on driver side. Can’t fill tank up or the smell is unbearable. Gas consumption is high. Engine light is on , suspension make a lot of noise, and ticking on driver side.
NHTSA complaint #11654400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
ENGINE
does the engine in this car have a correct balance shaft?
NHTSA complaint #11652710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterloo, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
Mercedes had a recall for rusty subframe but the rear break lines are rusting out as well and it should be a recall just like the subframe. I have brake line leaking now and it will cost around 2500-3500 to fix per mercedes
NHTSA complaint #11651098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesCoconut Creek, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed pieces of the serpentine belt on the engine. The contact turned the vehicle off. The contact went to a nearby Auto Parts store and purchased a new serpentine belt. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that upon checking the data on the instrument panel, the contact became aware of several error messages. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and the steering wheel functionality returned. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated; however, the coolant level was checked and was sufficient. Additionally, the contact stated that the drive assist warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics regarding the drive assist warning light; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesCoconut Creek, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed pieces of the serpentine belt on the engine. The contact turned the vehicle off. The contact went to a nearby Auto Parts store and purchased a new serpentine belt. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that upon checking the data on the instrument panel, the contact became aware of several error messages. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and the steering wheel functionality returned. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated; however, the coolant level was checked and was sufficient. Additionally, the contact stated that the drive assist warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics regarding the drive assist warning light; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesCoconut Creek, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed pieces of the serpentine belt on the engine. The contact turned the vehicle off. The contact went to a nearby Auto Parts store and purchased a new serpentine belt. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that upon checking the data on the instrument panel, the contact became aware of several error messages. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and the steering wheel functionality returned. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated; however, the coolant level was checked and was sufficient. Additionally, the contact stated that the drive assist warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics regarding the drive assist warning light; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSussex, NJ
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife was able to stop the vehicle from crashing into a concrete curb. The contact stated a nearby independent mechanic assisted the contact, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured brake line due to corrosion. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear brake line due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a year ago the rear subframe fractured due to corrosion. The contact stated that the rear subframe was repaired under an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11643335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSussex, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife was able to stop the vehicle from crashing into a concrete curb. The contact stated a nearby independent mechanic assisted the contact, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured brake line due to corrosion. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear brake line due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a year ago the rear subframe fractured due to corrosion. The contact stated that the rear subframe was repaired under an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11643335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The turn signal light malfunction , when i turn the signal light to Rt. the dashboard signal light going LT. , and when turn to the lt. the dashboard signal going RT. This happen accidentally , not all the time . but when it happened it was very risky. At the same time a dashboard massage appear and reading (( Blind spot warning disabled)) First time happened to me; i pulled over , turned the engine off , turned it on again , problem resolved. First thing i did i made i search online , i found that many people are mentioning this problem . and some made a diagnosis of steering control unit malfunction . One person called the dealer , test the vehicle , and made a recall .he gave gave a phone number to call 18003676372. My son called that number and asked for this particular recall , and mb of USA denied any recall for this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11639934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Jose, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The turn signal light malfunction , when i turn the signal light to Rt. the dashboard signal light going LT. , and when turn to the lt. the dashboard signal going RT. This happen accidentally , not all the time . but when it happened it was very risky. At the same time a dashboard massage appear and reading (( Blind spot warning disabled)) First time happened to me; i pulled over , turned the engine off , turned it on again , problem resolved. First thing i did i made i search online , i found that many people are mentioning this problem . and some made a diagnosis of steering control unit malfunction . One person called the dealer , test the vehicle , and made a recall .he gave gave a phone number to call 18003676372. My son called that number and asked for this particular recall , and mb of USA denied any recall for this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11639934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION
When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11633494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11633494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11633494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Point, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
August 2024, while driving on a 4 lane highway at 65 mph, a warning appeared on gauge cluster saying that Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control inoperable. This caused the car to reduce power, requiring me to quickly pull over. The car continued running but I was limited on mph and gear selection (aka Limp Mode). I turned the car off, allowing the systems to reset. After driving approximately 1 miles, the same warnings appeared. Fortunately, I was within a mile from home at the time so I was able to "Limp" the car home. The next day, I checked the car again by driving in my neighborhood with the result. I had the car transported on roll back to Express Oil and Tire in Barboursville, WV as my "local" MB dealer is an hour away. They checked the car and the Engine Control Module was defective and needed replacement. The cost of the service including new MB parts and programming would be $2,495. I tried for 2 months to secure funding to fix the car to no avail. I had the car towed on roll back again but back to my house. The car has sat since then.
NHTSA complaint #11625902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.