124 of the
2,686 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz E350
are about the transmission —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
124
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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 a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 on 5/21/2025 around 1:50pm, the transmission suddenly failed while I was traveling at approximately 75 mph was on highway 76. As a result of the failure, the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly.
NHTSA complaint #11662587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine in these cars are defective and can cause serious harm due to a part that was put inside the motor made of plastic. There was a lawsuit but if you didn’t get in on it you losses out for not knowing. I was recently at Mercedes dealership to fix recalls and they brushed me off. The car can catch fire and I’m already experiencing engine failure after only owning the car for a year. They don’t care because it’s an old car but it’s still being sold to unsuspecting buyers. I’m not the only one there are thousands of us who are at risk driving these cars because Mercedes won’t admit their off the showroom floor mistake.
NHTSA complaint #11611501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would occasionally become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the power steering fluid was previously refilled. The air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an unusual amount of smoke coming from under the hood occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid might have leaked. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11606731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the rear axle frame cracked, and the contact felt as if the vehicle was going to flip over. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear axle frame was cracked, and that the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown Technical Service Bulletin; however, the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11600567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had failed. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer, and it was assumed that the failure might be related to the transmission; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11574001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle is having the same issue as follows in quotes from a Mercedes recall Campaign No.2017020018 (attached) : Replace Steering Column Module. Here is the description of the problem from that Mercedes recall "This Recall Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (‘DAG’), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain E-Class vehicles (213 platform) the column-mounted shift lever module might become inoperative due to possible damage to the internal circuit board. As a result, the vehicle might not move forward or rearward with the shift lever as selected by the driver. However, both the auto-P function and automatic parking brake will continue to operate as intended and prevent the vehicle from moving forward or rearward. If the vehicle does not move forward or rearward with the shift lever as selected by the driver, there is an increased risk of a crash" In my own words, on an intermittent basis, I could be in reverse, move the steering column shifter to drive, but the vehicle remains in reverse. Or, I could be in drive, put the steering column shifter in reverse, but the vehicle remains in drive. This problem is intermittent. It could happen many times in one day, and then not happen again for many weeks.
NHTSA complaint #11566414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle was pulling in the rear when braking. My mechanic informed me that it was a rotted undercarriage. When I called Mercedes they informed me that there is a problem with many models of Mercedes with this. They told me there is a warranty to cover it. This is a very dangerous condition. There should be a recall on all impacted vehicles. This safety failure and lack of transparency by the company (reportedly known for years) puts owners and motorists at risk. Please investigate. To make matters worse, the Dealers are unresponsive and slow to provide service and help. One dealership, Mercedes in New London CT has ignored my repeated phone calls and emails trying to clarify and schedule service. I went to another dealership Mercedes in Warwick RI. They have been more responsive with confirming the issue--but there are delays in getting the vehicle fixed--and no provision of loaner vehicles requiring the renting of vehicles during this time frame. Please investigate and require a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11561703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving on a highway, heard a clunk and lost all power. Not much traffic and was able to pulled over to side of road. Mechanic reported that front drive shaft failed. Not sure of exact details but could have involved the bolts in the driveshaft shearing off. Apologies for the late report, did not know owners could make these reports.
NHTSA complaint #11539315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Motor mounts and transmission mounts continue to fail at intervals or 13,000 miles and again at 16,000 miles. Vibration of transmission is scary. Mercedes has replaced the mounts many times. They refuse to install new Transmission mount now after only 16,000 miles on the replacement. I have contacted MBUSA and they are telling me , they will not help with these substandard parts. Very well-known issue.
NHTSA complaint #11538058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Purchased vehicle May 22, 2023 at Direct Auto Sales of Orlando, Florida. Approximately two and a half weeks later the subframe broke away from the support arm rendering the vehicle in an inoperable and unsafe condition. A local mechanic said this vehicle should not have been driven. He said we could have been in an accident and suffered severe injuries or even death. Mercedes Benz of South Orlando inspected the vehicle and reported the subframe, fuel tank, front and rear axles, exhaust system, support arms, motor mounts, etc need replacing. Cost is $30,000. How could anyone fail to see damage this extensive.and not report it.
NHTSA complaint #11532967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car won't go forward or reverse smoothly. It acts like a dead pedal then lurches. I traded pain with a safety barrier backing up when it suddenly went backwards. Also sometimes when entering the highway or passing a car it will go into limp mode. Can only be cleared by restarting car. Very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11507034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down the road at 60mph, I hit the brakes to slow down. I heard a pop and thunk from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it was some boxes in the back of my car and forgot about it. I then brought my car into the dealer for an engine computer update and during the inspection they found that the passenger rear control arm mount broke away from the sub frame and that the rear brake lines were heavily rusted. They quoted a new rear subframe and brake lines. If I was on the freeway and this happened or I had to take evasive maneuvers I most likely would have crashed. The mechanic told me the weld broke where the control arm mounts to the subframe. He inspected the rest of the vehicle and everything looks good. On a less than 9 year old vehicle the subframe should not have rusted enough to break. Especially on a safety issue like the suspension and brakes. Mercedes should have done a better job with their welds and with their rust proofing especially on safety components.
NHTSA complaint #11502210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, she heard a roaring sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,888.
NHTSA complaint #11501074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2014 E350 mercedes benz the transmission was recalled a while back but long story short my car has all the same exact problems a lot of e350 owners are having with the conductor plate witch causes rough shifts between 1st and 3rd gear car went to Mercedes’ for more testing now I’ve got a 13000 dollar estimate and problem is even though the vin doesn’t show it was recalled for that reason the problem is spread world wide cuz my car only has 60000 miles and every one’s Mercedes’ is giving same exact problems not just mine so it has to be a recall
NHTSA complaint #11497357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle will intermittently go into limp mode with a max speed of 45mph. At a stop vehicle will not accelerate FWD unless transmission is put into park and the vehicle turned off and then re-started. Professional diagnosis suggests the transmission needs to be replaced and this is common for cars with 100k miles or more. Only a Mercedes Authorized Technician with a real time connection to a Mercedes Server can properly perform this task. This is a sub par design that creates a safety hazard. The repair procedure coupled with the frequency of this serious failure makes this vehicle a Lemon. Mercedes Benz Is Totally Responsible.
NHTSA complaint #11481112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Have purchased a 2014 mercedes E350 59k miles. This vehicle has an issue as so do many Mercedes with their rear subframes rotted out at the control arm bracket which causes the rear link/thrust arm to detach from the subframe/axle carrier and posses a danger when breaking due to the rear spindle assembly flexing throwing the wheels out of alignment and could be at risk for a car crack. This vehicle has already been in a minor crash as a result of this issue. I personally have not brought it to Mercedes to get it diagnosed inspected or the police law enforcement but there are many cases online on the Mercedes Benz forums to which this has also happened to. This issue applies to other Mercedes models ranging from 2010 all the way to 2016. Videos of the exact vehicle brought to an independent shop available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11472559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and with an abnormal sound coming from the gear shifter. The contact stated there was a failure with the transmission and the vehicle would not exceed 65 MPH. The transmission was replaced. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer; however, several voicemails left for the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello, I was driving one night I hit the brake and the car lost control ..I was able to drive home afterward I took the car to a shop and after inception They found the rear K sub frame rusted and broken. The car in excellent shape with no rust or corrosion in any other area. The car has 108k miles and always parked indoor.
NHTSA complaint #11456111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car shifts into park when I stop, does not happen all the time, no check engine light, no warning, don't know it shifted until I try to move forward. last time I drove the car it did it as I was stopping, made a funny grind noise, no warning lights or bells will contact dealer. this is very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11454352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.