106 of the
2,686 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz E350
are about the body and structure —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
Rear subframe rotted / corroded. Rear brake lines rotted and rear springs broken from corrosion . Mercedes refuses to address the issues under warranty except the subframe issue . Almost crashed on i-84 with child in vehicle due to rear control arm being rotted from subframe .
NHTSA complaint #11751724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While braking from highway speeds or any other speed, the vehicle becomes unstable and pulls to the left, making it difficult to maintain control. During hard braking, the vehicle does not track straight and requires steering correction to remain in its lane, creating a significant safety hazard. To diagnose the problem, the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. An alignment was performed, and the suspension and braking systems were inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear subframe has severe rust and corrosion. The rusted rear subframe is available for inspection upon request. Despite the alignment and inspection of the suspension and brakes, the unsafe braking behavior remains. There were no warning lights or messages indicating this condition before it was discovered. The problem has been reproduced multiple times under similar braking conditions. This condition puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at risk because the vehicle can become difficult to control during braking, particularly at highway speeds or during an emergency stop. Based on the mechanic's inspection, the severely corroded rear subframe is the source of concern and should be investigated as a safety-related defect. I have also contacted Mercedes-Benz USA regarding this safety issue and requested assistance, but I have not yet received a response.
NHTSA complaint #11751828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Driving down Interstate 65 just south of Bay Minette Alabama and doing approximately 70MPH, there was a total failure of the sunroof. This happened where crazing started and then a catastrophic failure of the glass, blowing out the sunroof. This happened in the space of about 30 seconds. It appears to be the exact circumstance outlined in NHTSA Recall #24V874000. Shards of glass entered the cabin, and while there were no injuries, the passenger was hit in the face with debris. The car behind, although hit with some glass, swerved to avoid it and moved on without stopping. No police report was filed. The car was previously inspected by Mercedes under the recall and we were told that the glass was fine and MB closed the recall on this particular VIN. This is a post inspection failure. Mercedes have so far, refused to honor any type of recall work to replace the roof. At this time, I have opened a case with MB USA and await an outcome.
NHTSA complaint #11734513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I took car to dealer to have subframe repaired due to rust and the brake lines are rusted as well due to this issue and i am being charged for the brake lines.
NHTSA complaint #11689488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of gasoline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V088000 (STRUCTURE). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11673382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and it was determined that the entire rear sub frame was rusted. Additionally, all four brake lines were rusted. The contact stated that the warranty was extended on the frame rust. The dealer determined that there was no recall on the VIN. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no coverage for the repair on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The trunk safety release inside the trunk will not open the trunk. It is an electrical switch and not a cable pull release. If you get in the trunk and the battery is low, you cannot get out. There is not a passage between the rear seat and the trunk. There is not a manual release for the trunk. The only way to get inside is cutting through the trunk lid or deck.
NHTSA complaint #11642583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the front end of the panoramic sunroof allowed water to leak into the vehicle during inclement weather. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further research, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V918000 (Visibility) and 21V197000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11633084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The brake lines leaked fluid brakes started failing. Brought to a repair garage. Advised that subframe is cracked and completely corroded. Mercedes is covering the subframe but not the inferior brake lines which are failing.
NHTSA complaint #11623609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds; when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal failed to return to the original position. The contact stated that upon inspection, the brake pedal felt abnormally loose and there was a brake fluid leak present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was lifted and was noticed that the sub-frame was rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle as a second opinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11612577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear subframe snapped under hard braking on the highway and caused my to veer into leftmost lane. It was terrifying and a severe hazard on the highway. Had vehicle towed to my house. I lifted and inspected my car and found the rear subframe was rusted and a crack straight through. The rear brake lines were also severely corroded and are very close to failing. Front brake lines have no corrosion. It seems that the rear subframe and rear brake lines have the same anti rust coating which are clearly not sufficient.
NHTSA complaint #11609273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
took car in for an oil change. Have been hearing some noises in the rear. Mechanic just called telling us the rear sub frame rusted out. We have had the car 6 years. It has never been in a flood. we live in new jersey, no where near the shore.
NHTSA complaint #11603759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear subframe is corroded and needs to be replaces - there was no prior warning and the Benz dealer stated this is something that only is evident to even the most highly trained mechanics once it is at the point of total failure. The rear brake lines are also corroded and the Benz dealer will only pay for the subframe and not the very expensive rear brake line replacement which seems to be entirely related.
NHTSA complaint #11595448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.