89 of the
2,686 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz E350
are about the steering —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
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 contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign: 16V899000(Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #11707570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, and occasionally while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, and the message “Power Steering Malfunction” was displayed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,500.
NHTSA complaint #11702194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are extremely rusted, and I was advised that I could lose braking control if they are not replaced immediately. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,000. I have been a long-time owner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and part of the Mercedes-Benz family. However, I am now deeply concerned about the safety of myself, my family, and others on the road due to this severe corrosion issue, which I believe may be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue and provide assistance, as the failure of these critical components poses a serious safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [Phone: [XXX] ] [Email: [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car difficult to control found to have corroded sub frame and rear break lines. Very unsafe to drive brought to independent dealer who had car towed back to Mercedes. No warning lamps, or other symptoms prior to failure. Scary situation.
NHTSA complaint #11688243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence by AAA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 420,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the steering from left to right started to get choppy or hard. With the cruise control on, I ran off the road because of the fight between the rack and pinion(steering wheel) and the cruise control.
NHTSA complaint #11679228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issue with steering column Control module there is a recall on the same type issue on same model and my car is having issue from shifting from R to P or D . My car it’s not showing up in recall but I am facing the issue ..it’s a safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11671123 — 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.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and steering assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652348 — 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.
Contacted Mercedes because Dealer said it was a common problem. Airbag light was on. I was told that airbags could unsafely deploy as driving the vehicle and the issue was connected to the steering column. After looking online, I found that there are several drivers that could be in unsafe conditions while driving the car who reported the same thing. I contacted Mercedes to advise and Mercedes was dismissive. My concern is for innocent people that could be in danger because of Mercedes defects or possible negligence in addressing the safety issue that could lead to the loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11595435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the power steering function was inoperable, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering box. The contact was informed that the steering box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to complete the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11575577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 11/24/23 Mercedes Benz had replaced my subframe which was part of a safety recall. When I arrived home after picking up my vehicle, there was a loud bang from under the vehicle. I immediately called the service department and told them about what happened and also complained that the steering wheel was cocked to the left and pulling in that direction. My service advisor John advised me to bring it back the next day which I did. They never told me what caused the loud bang, but they did say another front end alignment was done. The vehicle still continued to pull and the steering wheel was still off center. On [XXX] I took my car to Mr. Tire for a tire rotation because the car continued to sway and jolt when going over bumps. It also made a popping noise when making a sharp turn. Then on [XXX] as I was driving, the car pulled or slid to the left. In order to keep from crashing into another vehicle, I pulled the wheel right causing me to run over the medium and almost crashing into a building. I was extremely shook up and in disbelief. Has this type of thing ever happened to anyone else before after the subframe was replaced? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11564988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on a highway approximately 65 MPH. Had to break fairly hard due to unexpected traffic. When breaking, my car fishtailed and I thought I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me. I immediately took my car to my independent, Mercedes-certified repair shop. My mechanic informed me that it was a problem with the rear subframe. I then took it to Mercedes for an inspection. They confirmed that the rear subframe was rusted and needs immediate repair. I was told not to drive the vehicle as it is extremely unsafe. Mercedes is aware of this problem. There was a class action lawsuit filed in February of 2023. Mercedes supposedly informed owners of the potential problem, but I was never notified. I only became aware of this dangerous subframe problem as a result of this incident.
NHTSA complaint #11563509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at approximately 55mph on the highway, I was required to brake for a merging vehicle who decided to make a lane change at the last second. I used my breaks, and my car did not break correctly. Instead, the car pulled the the right and locked up, it felt as though I had lost control of the car. When I went to my mechanic, I thought it was a break issue. Instead, it turns out the whole rear sub frame had rusted. When researching this issue, I found many other similar experiences. The harm that this part failure lead to was extreme. This could have been deadly. This is a safety issue that the manufacturer does not address.
NHTSA complaint #11559920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering wheel stopped turning. Steering pump has failed. My 17 year old daughter got so scared while driving it. Very dangerous. Always got serviced on time. It has only 76500 miles on it. The mechanic has no idea how this happened. Cost to repair is $4500 and he is thinking maybe there is a recall for it . It got towed to the shop and it had a full service done 2 weeks before . I am glad my daughter was not driving on the highway at the time of this incident
NHTSA complaint #11549298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on a local road, my wife lost control over the steering wheel of our 2014 Mercedes-Benz (MB) E350 sedan (the instrumental panel showed "Power Steering Malfunction: see attached photo)". It was a very dangerous situation, but she somehow managed to find a place to pull over and call me. It could've been much more dangerous if this occurred on highway. We found some information about the Power Steering Failure recall and our 2014 E350 was included as an affected car. Here is the website with that information: https://repairpal.com/recall/16V899000 However, our local Mercedes Dealer checked and found our car was not included in the recall list. The problem we encountered is identical to the nature of the recall, so we don't understand why our car is not included. The dealer recommended me to call MB Customer Service, which recommended me to contact NHTSA, so I'm contacting it. I hope you help us drive safely by adding MB 2014 MB E350 into the recall list. We need the car desperately as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your help.
NHTSA complaint #11541187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.