STEERING; STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 54 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| Jun 2022 | 4 | 7 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 8 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 9 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 10 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 12 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 13 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 14 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 15 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 18 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 19 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 20 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine1128.9%
- Powertrain (other)1026.3%
- Electrical821.1%
- Fuel system513.2%
- Suspension12.6%
- Driver assistance12.6%
- Seat belts12.6%
- Brakes12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govCOMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
In November 2024, the vehicle indicated "add coolant". The vehicle was brought to Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale for servicing. The dealership apparently added coolant without advising me that the B250-E has a 100% chance of failure to the Drive Unit / coolant intrusion unless a small part is replaced before coolant leaks into the inverter/entire engine. A few weeks later - the vehicle, while traveling on a highway, had a complete failure and essentially shutdown on moment's notice. It nearly caused a severe accident. Mercedes Benz USA and the MB Scottsdale dealership have refused to cover the cost of a repair (near $7,000) or replace the vehicle (that is completely inoperable). I was disturbed to learn that a failure rate to the Large Drive Module is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. This same problem exists for early Toyota RAV4 EVs and some Teslas. I encourage you to go to [XXX] to confirm the facts. These vehicles should be recalled. Consumers like me should not have to shoulder the expense due a defect that the manufacturer should cover/resolve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11705166
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2024
On Wednesday [XXX] I was driving my electric vehicle to work. I exited the freeway and as soon as I stopped at the light for the off ramp a warning light indicator appeared stating Coolant Low. I found this odd as I was unaware of Electric Vehicles using Coolant. I clicked the OK button on the steering wheel and the message was acknowledged and disappeared from the screen. When the Light changed to green I proceeded to turn towards my office. At the next traffic light a new message popped up stating see service agent before starting your car. I again found this odd as the car was already running and the message could not be acknowledged with the OK button on the steering wheel. I was 2 blocks from my office so I continued on to get the car out of traffic so it wouldn't be a safety hazard. 1 block later the message disappeared and I was stopped at the left turn lane light when the Car completely died. All lights and indicators came on the dashboard and the car was completely dead. A kind person pushed my car out of the street so I would not be in danger or blocking traffic. These 2 indicators on the way to the office where the first indicators that ever were shown prior to the car becoming inoperable. I had the vehicle towed to my certified MB mechanic and he diagnosed the issue within an hour of receiving the car. The drive Unit was damaged due to an internal leak in the drive unit. I contact MBUSA to file a complaint about the car and they notified me I had to have the car diagnosed by a MB Dealership. I had the car towed to MB of Laguna Niguel and they charged me 300 for initial Diagnosis. On October 3, 2024 I was informed by the service rep the car needed additional diagnostics to determine the issue fully. They needed an additional 590.00 to run the diagnostics. On October 7, 2024 I was informed the repairs would be 19,000.00 to repair this car that we only paid 20,000 for. This is a complete design defect and should be covered. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
- NHTSA ID
- 11633846
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2024
While driving a notice to park the car and call for maintenance came up then while I was trying to get to safe stopping point the car went on to neutral and shut down while I was at speed. I turned the car back on and moved it to safety and called for roadside assistance
- NHTSA ID
- 11630844
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle the lost automotive power and stalled. The message "Shut Off Immediately" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11618068
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2024
- Mileage
- 72,000 mi
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E. The contact stated that while reversing from the garage at 3–5 MPH, the contact depressed the park button. The vehicle attempted to go into the park position. There was an abnormal noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle went into lock mode. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gear box and drivetrain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11585036
- Incident
- Jan 31, 2024
- Mileage
- 27,000 mi
My car just stalled and was not able to move on the highway exit which caused a high risk for the safety of passengers and the safety of others. The car has been towed to a Mercedes Dealer in West Covina, California. and they indicate that the coolant leaked into the drive motor and caused the car to stop. Prior to this car stall, there was no warning lamp, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. After the car stalls on the street, a failure message appeared asking to send the car to the shop.
- NHTSA ID
- 11553101
- Incident
- Oct 27, 2023
At 23,596 total vehicle mileage, the electric drive motor failed while driving. This occurred two days and less than 50 miles after having an annual service performed at an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership. Failure resulted in sudden loss of power alternating with full torque power at any throttle position making the car uncontrollable and hazardous to the occupants and other cars/occupants on the road. No warning indicators, vibrations, or unusual sounds noticed prior to failure. Problem confirmed at the dealership that drive motor had failed. Drive motor produced by Tesla, with Tesla retaining the "core" motor.
- NHTSA ID
- 11547557
- Incident
- Mar 2, 2023
Speed sensor has coolant on it, indicating a leak into the motor which leads to the motor needing to be replaced.
- NHTSA ID
- 11547367
- Incident
- Sep 29, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).
ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clarified by the legal department of the respective MPC whether and under what conditions deactivation may be carried out. If deactivation is not permissible under applicable law, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) must not be deactivated. Remedy Please inform the customer that, following deactivation, the vehicle will no longer be able to place an automatic emergency call, nor will the customer be able to place a manual emergency call. After deactivation, the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras will also no longer be available. Please have the attached sample form checked by your market's legal department, adapted to local requirements if necessary, and approved. Furthermore, after informing the customer about the effects of deactivation, please have the workshop complete and sign the approved form together with the customer, and send it to the MPC via a TIPS case for audit-compliant documentation. Furthermore, the workshop must affix a sticker to the emergency call button cover on the overhead control panel and to the emergency call button itself. After affixing, pictures of the overhead control panel need to be attached to the TIPS case for audit-proof documentation. After deactivation, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is in the "Out of Service" operating status, and the display "SOS NOT READY" appears in the Audio/COMAND system. This display message tells the customer that the emergency call function is not available. In detail, the following steps must be carried out 1. The workshop must inform the customer about the effects of deactivation (see above) 2. Legal review by the MPC Legal department to determine whether deactivation is permissible for the vehicle and provision of a market-specific customer form based on the examples (see "Example - Deactivation communication module HERMES customer declaration English V3.0.pdf") 3. Completion of the market-specific customer form by the workshop and obtaining the customer’s signature 4. Creation of a XSS ticket by the workshop for the MPC with the signed customer form attached 5. Written confirmation of legally reviewed and approved deactivation by the MPC in the TIPS case (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, point 1) 6. Creation of an XSS ticket for documentation of the SA code "09o" (zero nine oh) in the Vehicle Documentation System (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, steps 2–7) 7. Ordering of stickers (part number A9078172900), quantity: 2 8. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the cover of the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 9. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 10. Taking photos of the applied stickers and attaching them to the TIPS case 11. After the XSS ticket has been successfully processed, the communication module must be deactivated using XENTRY: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis • Access the HERMES control unit (N112/9) • "Adaptation" tab, menu item "Teach-in processes" -> "Deactivation" • Follow the instructions
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.