166 of the
2,686 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz E350
are about the electrical system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes- Benz E350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of fuel was present coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact indicated that the front driver seat heat element had overheated and cause melting to the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11738080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to the dealer, the contact was informed that the Carfax History report indicated a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 113,192, however, the Carfax History Report listed the mileage at 257,710 on October 16, 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11724622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1: The accelerator was sticking and i could not get the car to stop even when i was pressing on the brakes . Unfortunately, due to this scary event i hit the car in front of me injuring the the gentleman. the vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance as it was a total loss withn damages more than 14k
NHTSA complaint #11718391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The sale was a private sale. The contact's friend, a dealer, requested a Carfax report, which indicated that mileage was last reported at 200,000. In addition, the Carfax report indicated that the last reported repair service was performed in 2014 and the mileage then was 66,000. The contact stated that the advertisement reported the mileage at 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car displayed all of the issues listed below for the Electrical system recall. The fuel gague went "blank", other gagues acting irradical, the check engine light stay on, etc. My car make and model fall under this recall but have been excluded. I had to pay out of pocket $4678.50 to replace the entire fuel tank due to this and the Manufacture (Mercedes Benz) is refusing to reimburse me. (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #11708086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was inside the vehicle during the failure, and the situation created a direct fire hazard; the seat could have ignited, and I could have caught fire. I don’t know if the passenger seat heater is also affected, so passengers cannot safely use their seat warmer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms pre failure. Evidence Available: Video/photo of the aftermath (burned seat left‑side damage), the vehicle and damaged seat are available for inspection. Smoke in video/photo. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed?: I’ve not attempted to reproduce the problem for safety reasons, and it has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. However, publicly available information shows Mercedes previously settled a $54 million class action for the same seat‑heater defect in model years prior to 2008. My 2008 model was not included despite experiencing the same dangerous failure. Mercedes is aware this is a known issue.Has the Vehicle Been Inspected?: A dealership inspection at Mercedes‑Benz of Alexandria scheduled 12/23/23 at 11:00 a.m. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: None. Safety Risk Summary: This defect created immediate danger to my safety. The heater burned through the seat while I was sitting in it, filling cabin with smoke and creating a risk of burn injury and the possibility that I could have caught fire. The defect may also endanger passengers if both seats are affected. Broader Concern: Prevent others from experiencing defect, causing serious injury/vehicle fire. Limits safe use of vehicle for self and passengers. Plus Mercedes is aware. Can’t upload video.
NHTSA complaint #11706318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 109,550. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11685019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've had the car for 3 years and its all stock. It has 38,500 miles and today out of no where the driver side speaker in the door started making a crackling and popping noise. Smoke started coming from the speaker and filled the cabin. I quickly pulled over and turned off the car, because the smell of plastic burning was horrible. I was immediately alarmed by this and let the car cool down. I started driving again and it started again crackling and alot of smoke coming from the speaker. I called my mechanic and he said that that car had a known problem for a short and others had complained about their speakers melting due to overheating from the amplifier. He quickly searched the fuse box numbers and had me pull fuse #67 that disarmed the amp and speakers but allowed me to drive the car again. There is no warning and this is extremely dangerous due to a possible car fire. I am just thankful that my wife or children were not driving this car when this happened. I researched the problem more and I can't believe there has not been a serious recall for those amps that came with the car.
NHTSA complaint #11677680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] I went out and started my car and it said. Power steering was my function so I turned it off and tried it again. And it said the same thing. Power steering malfunction read the owner's menu which I did is said if you can steal it. Drive it to the nearest dealership. You can't park it Well, it was already parked in my driveway. So on June 13th. I had a toll to Feldmann Import in Bloomington MN I hate to think of what would happen if I was driving. Could it cause an accident? They confirmed that it was a problem with the stirring call at first I thought it was a leak. Turns it off that This is electrical steroid. The electronics on this during column went out. The report said it was no can message was received from the unit in 68. VS steering control unit. There was no warning that the power Stern was going to go out. I did have a engine light on, but that was due because of my. Rare radar's being out. That's the best way I can explain it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11669739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
my car has always had an issue with the extension of the steering column. On [XXX] I had the experience of my entire steering wheel locking up totally. once I reached the repair center of Mercedes Benz I was informed that the anti theft system was no longer working. I was also informed there were several cars in the dealership with the identical same problem.. this was a very dangerous experience and has and will cost me a lot of money, as well as a safety issue as I was traveling from Atlanta to tx, 4 hrs out managed to pull off the hwy and that's where my car was towed from, leaving me in the middle of no where for 10 hrs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11647784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the vehicle failed to start the following morning. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Combels Customs - Collision Repair, Auto Body Shop, where the alternator and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the speedometer, the clock, and the infotainment system were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear suspension, and the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The contact was able to close the sunroof manually with assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 08V303000 (Electrical System), 24V874000 (Visibility) and 12V264000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving in stop and go traffic I heard a loud popping noise from the dash area and smoke started filling the cabin. I called a DC area dealer service dept and was told to exit the DC beltway and un plug the audio amplifier in the trunk left access door That stopped the popping noise and the smoke .
NHTSA complaint #11633188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The heater temperature is not consistent and keeps fluctuating. When I set the temperature to 80°F, it initially blows hot air, but after about 10 seconds, it starts blowing colder air. To get consistently hot air, I have to set the temperature to the maximum.
NHTSA complaint #11630673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Suspension Rear Sub-frame rusted through, rear Lower control arm disconnected from rear sub-frame due to rust/corrosion. It is available for inspection. While braking at highway speeds the car fishtailed and I almost lost control of the vehicle. This has not been confirmed or inspected by any service, Insurance or Police entity. No warning lights, messages etc. Brakes: Rear brake lines are severely corroded in the same area as the rear sub-frame. Electrical System: Battery continuously discharges and is dead after 5 hours.
NHTSA complaint #11590808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving in traffic there were loud popping and crackling sounds from the rear speakers. Then smoke appeared and an acrid burning smell. The smoke and loud sounds continued after I pulled over and turned the key off. I removed the fuses for the sound system and it remains inoperable. I went home and searched for this problem on the web and discovered that it is a common problem on 2014 Mercedes E350's. Despite this being cited as a common problem by owners, there is no recall. I called Mercedes-Benz USA and they reported that they were not aware of this problem. This event was very alarming and could have caused an accident when the smoke was coming into the passenger compartment. I believe it qualifies for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11590052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] I was driving and the vehicles stalled in the middle of the street, I couldn’t start it back. I managed to contact AAA and had the vehicle towed to my home because it around 6pm and auto repair shops were closed. Next morning I had AAA towed the vehicle to a local auto repair shop and they told me that fuel pump failed. It would have been very dangerous if we were driving on the freeway, not to mention I had my 85 year old mother in the passenger seat. Please help me as I am sure what I need to do now. It’s a Mercedes-Benz model E350 2008. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . My car has 87,200 miles. Thank you in advance for all your helps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11587937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.