2016 Mercedes Benz E350 problems

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.

NHTSA complaint #11750938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11750938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner

NHTSA complaint #11724811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner

NHTSA complaint #11724811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel odor is very apparent (while idle) but difficult to identify location. Same models seem to have recalls for fuel injectors/rails but not this specific VIN. I believe the issue might be of similar recall. I will have the car diagnosed soon.

NHTSA complaint #11713777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to a recall for potential reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11703257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to a recall for potential reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11703257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Since May 2024, I had taken my car in for repairs at 3 different shops for same exact issue diagnosed as leak from air intake system. It has been repaired 7 times since it first occurred in May 2024, and unfortunately it is still not resolved. This is a potential danger to the driver because all of a sudden there will be loud noise from the engine, car will start misfiring and slow down the speed. The previous 3 attempts of repair were made at Mercedes Benz of West Covina. The car is non drivable at the moment.

NHTSA complaint #11620163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed • *Mercedes PRE-SAFE failed • *Blind Spot Assist failed • *Lane Keeping Assist failed • *Adaptive Highbeam Assist failed • *Mileage was not displaying on the dash • Car would not shut off as I pushed the off button when I managed to eventually stop • *Climate temperature sensor reaching temps of 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Q2: I lost control of the vehicle while driving on the highway at relevant speeds. I was unable to safely stop for some time. If this had been at night, the issue would have been even more dangerous. This car has previously slammed on the brakes erroneously (no visually perceived danger of a forward collision). These previous brake slamming issues happened once in a traffic jam on the highway and once on a main road. Q3: Not that I know of or remember, no. Q4: Before this latest incident, I have previously left my car at the dealership’s workshop to be inspected for some relevant issues and concerns that I have had. It was there for almost 2 months on one occasion. Q5: There was only one warning lamp on the instrument cluster related to the collision prevention assist being inoperative. This message has been on the dash for maybe a year or more. The times it previously slammed on the brakes erroneously, no messages were on the dash.

NHTSA complaint #11619351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed • *Mercedes PRE-SAFE failed • *Blind Spot Assist failed • *Lane Keeping Assist failed • *Adaptive Highbeam Assist failed • *Mileage was not displaying on the dash • Car would not shut off as I pushed the off button when I managed to eventually stop • *Climate temperature sensor reaching temps of 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Q2: I lost control of the vehicle while driving on the highway at relevant speeds. I was unable to safely stop for some time. If this had been at night, the issue would have been even more dangerous. This car has previously slammed on the brakes erroneously (no visually perceived danger of a forward collision). These previous brake slamming issues happened once in a traffic jam on the highway and once on a main road. Q3: Not that I know of or remember, no. Q4: Before this latest incident, I have previously left my car at the dealership’s workshop to be inspected for some relevant issues and concerns that I have had. It was there for almost 2 months on one occasion. Q5: There was only one warning lamp on the instrument cluster related to the collision prevention assist being inoperative. This message has been on the dash for maybe a year or more. The times it previously slammed on the brakes erroneously, no messages were on the dash.

NHTSA complaint #11619351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed • *Mercedes PRE-SAFE failed • *Blind Spot Assist failed • *Lane Keeping Assist failed • *Adaptive Highbeam Assist failed • *Mileage was not displaying on the dash • Car would not shut off as I pushed the off button when I managed to eventually stop • *Climate temperature sensor reaching temps of 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Q2: I lost control of the vehicle while driving on the highway at relevant speeds. I was unable to safely stop for some time. If this had been at night, the issue would have been even more dangerous. This car has previously slammed on the brakes erroneously (no visually perceived danger of a forward collision). These previous brake slamming issues happened once in a traffic jam on the highway and once on a main road. Q3: Not that I know of or remember, no. Q4: Before this latest incident, I have previously left my car at the dealership’s workshop to be inspected for some relevant issues and concerns that I have had. It was there for almost 2 months on one occasion. Q5: There was only one warning lamp on the instrument cluster related to the collision prevention assist being inoperative. This message has been on the dash for maybe a year or more. The times it previously slammed on the brakes erroneously, no messages were on the dash.

NHTSA complaint #11619351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car

NHTSA complaint #11603751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I believe there is faulty wiring in the door speaker front passenger side. It causes crackling and humming. It lessens some when you turn ECO off. Concerned it could ignite a fire. Once told by dealer it’s caused by rain going into the door. Next time told that just to look at the problem would be around $600 because it has steel doors??

NHTSA complaint #11600873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not work, and a license plate light not functioning. Dealership wants an additional $1500 to replace these (2) lights. Vehicle has low mileage at 60,000 and was purchased with 35,000 under MB CPO program. I am very disappointed in Mercedes Benz and have never had so many quality and safety issues with any of my prior E-Classes before. I contacted MBUSA and opened up a Executive Care Escalations Case [XXX}. There was no warning lights of the impending safety feature. The level of rust on the sub frame is horrifying, and this vehicle should never have been sold to me under MB CPO. In addition, the vehicle engine is leaking oil in multiple places and could catch fire in any moment. I have never seen so many issues on a vehicle with low mileage, especially with a Mercedes. Dealer is refusing to assist with cost, and wants 2K+ to replace engine gaskets. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11592509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not work, and a license plate light not functioning. Dealership wants an additional $1500 to replace these (2) lights. Vehicle has low mileage at 60,000 and was purchased with 35,000 under MB CPO program. I am very disappointed in Mercedes Benz and have never had so many quality and safety issues with any of my prior E-Classes before. I contacted MBUSA and opened up a Executive Care Escalations Case [XXX}. There was no warning lights of the impending safety feature. The level of rust on the sub frame is horrifying, and this vehicle should never have been sold to me under MB CPO. In addition, the vehicle engine is leaking oil in multiple places and could catch fire in any moment. I have never seen so many issues on a vehicle with low mileage, especially with a Mercedes. Dealer is refusing to assist with cost, and wants 2K+ to replace engine gaskets. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11592509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not work, and a license plate light not functioning. Dealership wants an additional $1500 to replace these (2) lights. Vehicle has low mileage at 60,000 and was purchased with 35,000 under MB CPO program. I am very disappointed in Mercedes Benz and have never had so many quality and safety issues with any of my prior E-Classes before. I contacted MBUSA and opened up a Executive Care Escalations Case [XXX}. There was no warning lights of the impending safety feature. The level of rust on the sub frame is horrifying, and this vehicle should never have been sold to me under MB CPO. In addition, the vehicle engine is leaking oil in multiple places and could catch fire in any moment. I have never seen so many issues on a vehicle with low mileage, especially with a Mercedes. Dealer is refusing to assist with cost, and wants 2K+ to replace engine gaskets. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11592509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Recently (April 2024) we've noticed water drops forming on the inside of the vehicle along the top of the front windshield after a rain. Pushing outward along the top inside of the windshield glass indicates some movement of the glass. This applies all along the top inside of the windshield and not just one spot or area. So far, we have only observed water drops and have not observed any water pooling or puddling yet. We have not yet contacted a dealer; however we have conducted online research that strongly suggests that the windshield urethane adhesive seal is failing. Additional online information suggests that Mercedes had identified windshield urethane adhesive seal batch issues with certain 2016 E350 models. There have been no warning lamps or indicators from the vehicle. We have not observed any vehicle performance issues other than hearing a slight general whistling sound while driving at highway speeds above 55 mph, but that has been unchanged for years so it is likely not related to the windshield seal. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles on the odometer, and we are the second owners, having purchased it as a certified pre-owned vehicle with about 10,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11587218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

We have been getting water in the front passenger compartment below the door area, after rain. We took it to our mechanic, who determined that the windshield integrity has been compromised along the top area in front of the passenger dash. Apparently the seal has separated, allowing water to enter the vehicle. Our mechanic stated that the safety of the vehicle has been compromised and the windshield needs to be removed and re-glued. We are currently waiting for an appointment with a glass specialist to have this repaired, as there does not seem to be a recall listed. Several months ago we had the drain(s) cleared and thought this would solve the problem, but it did not.

NHTSA complaint #11574053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I received a letter from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC located at 1 Mercedes-Benz drive Sandy springs Georgia 30328 phone number 800-367-6372. This letter advised me of the extension of warranty coverage on the rear subframe of my vehicle to 20 years with unlimited mileage cover. I call my local Mercedes dealership where I purchased the vehicle to inquire about the severity of this problem. I specifically inquired as to whether this presented a safety concern or not. I was advised that the rear sub frame is the mechanism that holds the rear end of the car to the frame which if deteriorated enough would cause the rear end to separate from the frame resulting in problems with maneuvering the vehicle. Once I was advised of this I requested an appointment to go in and have the rear sub frame inspected to see exactly where the deterioration stands on this vehicle. In my opinion this is a definite safety concern and should have been classified as a recall rather than just a warranty extension. I was granted an appointment to have my subframe inspected tomorrow afternoon for which I specifically requested whether I would be charged or not and was advised I would not. I request that this be looked into by your agency as I do consider this a real safety factor. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11544258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off inside the garage, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked fuel filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel filter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11541935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver’s side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was then taken to a collision center where it was diagnosed that the windshield bonding had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA complaint #11532092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test, and the mechanic stated that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts availability. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA complaint #11503472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.