Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 2016 Mercedes Benz E400 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E400. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E400
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
213.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
320.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
213.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
533.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
320.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2016peak 4Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Mercedes Benz E400
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 55,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
AIR BAGS
RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11405089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11405089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 134,000 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesRaleigh, NC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
ENGINE
Mercedes Benz has a recall on several models including E-Class (E 200, E 220, E 280, E 350) experiencing timing chain problems. The timing chain is an important component of the engine, as it helps to coordinate the timing of the engine’s various parts. I am currently having the same issue, but my model is an (E400) which has not been included in the recall. It appears that my timing chain failing, which is causing a number of problems with the engine, including reduced performance and fuel efficiency, and if MB does not recall this model, I am facing complete engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11624470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesCoram, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would display a vibration sensation. The check engine light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had failed. The head gasket and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11578739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLittle Elm, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while reversing the Back Over Prevention camera screen was blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesWarner Robins, GA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating a power steering malfunction was displayed and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown software update was completed. The failure ceased but reoccurred a year and a half later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. The consumer stated the power steering assist assembly needed to be replaced and it was repaired in the amount of $4042.00.
NHTSA complaint #11508308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
STEERING
Steering wheel stuck in Up Position
NHTSA complaint #11501438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manhattan Beach, CA
STEERING
I was waiting at a light when the message “steering wheel malfunction” can up. I was forced to turn left, which I did with great difficulty as the power assist stop working. I managed to go straight 3 blocks despite the hard steering with my emergency lights on at 5 mph and turn left two short blocks to get home. I was in my car with my two children. If this would have happened in the highway, I am certain that it would have resulted in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11462520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, KY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT MITCHELL (2100 DIXIE HWY, FORT MITCHELL, KY 41011, (859) 331-1500) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11408071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Friscto, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED PARK PLACE MOTORCARS DALLAS (6113 LEMMON AVENUE, DALLAS TX, 75209, (214) 526-8701) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REPLACED ON MAY 4TH, 2021. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11406483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
AIR BAGS
RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11405089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11405089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Babylon, NY
AIR BAGS
THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T HAVE A REMEDY FOR TAKATA RECALL OVER 2 YEARS LATER
NHTSA complaint #11397143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
AIR BAGS
ON 02/15/2019, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC, REGARDING MBUSA RECALL # 2019010001. THE LETTER ADVISED THAT "THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ('TAKATA')". IN THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER, I HAVE RECEIVED NO FOLLOW-UP COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE PROACTIVELY CONTACTED BOTH MERCEDES-BENZ USA AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, IN AN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN SOME INDICATION AS TO WHEN THE RECALL WILL BE ADDRESSED, ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE STATUS IS STILL "PENDING".
NHTSA complaint #11396237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwich, CT
AIR BAGS
2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. *JS
NHTSA complaint #11372250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sicklerville, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002; (856) 663-3200) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11366428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Villages, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAG). AFTER CONTACTING MERCEDES OF SOUTH ORLANDO LOCATED AT 4301 MILLENIA BLVD, ORLANDO, FL 32839, AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11350980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSeneca, IL
WHEELS
CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11329692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSeneca, IL
SUSPENSION
CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11329692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
AIR BAGS
TLA* TASTE RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO RECALL THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11325560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,763 milesWindsor Mill, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES BENZ OF HUNT VALLEY 9800 YORK ROAD COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, (410)-666-7777 TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V241000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FREE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND DISAPPEARED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,763.
NHTSA complaint #11319853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,763 milesWindsor Mill, MD
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES BENZ OF HUNT VALLEY 9800 YORK ROAD COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030, (410)-666-7777 TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V241000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FREE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND DISAPPEARED WHEN THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,763.
NHTSA complaint #11319853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina DEL REY, CA
AIR BAGS
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM MERCEDES BENZ IN MAY 2019, AND DECIDED TO RENT IT ON TURO TO PAY MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF THE LOAN, BUT TURO REJECTED IT AS IT HAS A RECALL ON IT, --------------------------------------------------- MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2010-2017 C-CLASS, GLK-CLASS, SLS-CLASS AND E-CLASS COUPE MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER-SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAGS AFFECTED BY THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ( TAKATA ). UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES DURING A CRASH THAT NECESSITATES FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE DEFECT IN YOUR PASSENGER-SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO EXPLODE. A PASSENGER-SIDE INFLATOR EXPLOSION DURING DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. SAFETY RISK: ACCORDING TO TAKATA, IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR EXPLOSION, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIR BAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. REMEDY: AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE
NHTSA complaint #11318300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF GILBERT 3455 S GILBERT RD, GILBERT, AZ 85297, WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS PROVIDED BUT COULD NOT BE DECODED.
NHTSA complaint #11307789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conetoe, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400A. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF RALEIGH (5607 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616, (919) 573-5050) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11268705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.