COMMUNICATION; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 224 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 2 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 3 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 4 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 6 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 7 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 9 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 10 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 11 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 13 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 14 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 15 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 16 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 17 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 18 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 19 |
| Dec 2023 | 2 | 21 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 22 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 23 |
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 26 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 27 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 28 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 29 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 31 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 32 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine922.5%
- Electrical717.5%
- Powertrain (other)512.5%
- Steering410.0%
- Other / unspecified25.0%
- Visibility25.0%
- Body & structure25.0%
- Driver assistance25.0%
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
7 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz E Class. The contact stated that while driving stopped at a residential gate, the gear was shifted and skipped from g1 to g3., shifting itself to neutral. In another incident, when at a stop light or stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair for software update however the issue that was experienced with the vehicle stalling was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he thought the recall had to do with the issue he was experiencing but was informed by the dealer that it was a separate issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11738071
- Incident
- Mar 4, 2026
- Mileage
- 112,000 mi
Variable Valve Timing Camshaft KNOWN DEFECT rendering the car unusable at only 100K miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11724676
- Incident
- Mar 9, 2026
The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle leaving the parking lot pulled in front of the contact's vehicle, and the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's face and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained soreness on the face, and from the shoulders down to the lower back and legs. The contact was currently dragging one leg while walking. The contact had received dental and medical assistance. Additionally, the contact underwent an MRI. The contact was informed that the third and fourth vertebrae were damaged. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11689774
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2023
The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn’t not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is unable to change gears sometimes and this is unsettling because the safety of myself, my children and others is affected if I’m driving and the car goes into neutral all of a sudden with no warning or goes into park and is unable to move. This occurred several times within a two week span while my children were in the car and this could have ended very differently. I took it to a certified mechanic who provided an explanation based on the error code received and stated that this was a huge safety issues that needed to be addressed.
- NHTSA ID
- 11665796
- Incident
- May 27, 2025
Sunroof shattered.
- NHTSA ID
- 11661309
- Incident
- May 15, 2025
Check Engine Light, running fault code P052E71 - needs software update for N3/10 Engine control unit.
- NHTSA ID
- 11646753
- Incident
- Feb 10, 2025
Passenger seatbelt does not latch to the buckle. Therefore I am unable to have passengers in my vehicle. And when I do it becomes a huge safety issue. No mechanic can seem to figure out what is wrong with it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11635486
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2022
In April 2022, I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC from CarMax in Tinley Park, Illinois. After the purchase, I discovered several unresolved issues that compromised the vehicle's safety and reliability. Key components, including the battery and alternator, were defective. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the battery had not been replaced since 2018, despite CarMax’s assurance that it was new. This defect contributed to electrical system malfunctions, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, CarMax conducted substandard repainting on the backseat. The peeling paint transferred to my clothing while driving, causing financial losses and embarrassment. Issues with the rims were also mishandled, further compromising the vehicle's quality. CarMax failed to disclose unresolved safety recalls affecting critical vehicle systems, and their inadequate repairs and omissions put my safety at risk. These defects have caused significant inconvenience, financial loss, and concerns about the vehicle’s reliability. Despite requests, CarMax has not adequately addressed these issues. CarMax acquired the vehicle in 2021 from its first owner, who had purchased it in 2018. At the time of acquisition, the vehicle had been driven 45,069 miles. When I purchased it in 2022, the odometer read 57,925 miles, indicating that CarMax operated the vehicle for 12,856 miles. This period of use was later discovered to involve its usage as a loaner vehicle, a fact not disclosed during the transaction. Upon taking possession of the vehicle, I became aware of several safety issues that were not disclosed, including unresolved recalls affecting key components of the vehicle. Despite the critical nature of these recalls, CarMax sold the vehicle without addressing these defects or informing me of their existence. Omission of Material Safety Information: CarMax failed to disclose the vehicle’s use as a loaner car and any associated wear and tear, which likely exacerbated the safety risks.
- NHTSA ID
- 11635362
- Incident
- Apr 21, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.
STEERING
Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
SERVICE BRAKES
Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.
ENGINE
Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest pump actuation: ‑12V plug at M75/11 ‑48V plug at M75/11 ‑48V connector X192/4 ‑Connections at 48V fuse box F153/2 ‑Sockets 1,2, and 5 at connector 2 of MRG1 control unit ‑M75/11 circuit 41 ground If actuation and above connections are OK, but resistance between M75/11 and engine block is less than 2 ohms or heat shield touching coolant pump, proceed with below steps. 1‑Modify engine insulation per attached instructions. 2‑Remove engine control module and measure continuity within control unit between connector 2 pin 1 and connector 6 pin 2. 2a‑If open circuit is found, replace engine control unit (MRG1) and perform initial startup. Refer to XENTRY parts information group 54/054 item 300. 3‑Clear faults and verify M75/11 operating normally.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units. N45 or N15/7 ‑ All‑wheel drive (ARS) N127 ‑ 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 ‑ Transmission control for 9‑gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 ‑ Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present: Process them as per the guided test in Xentry. If no faults are present: 2. Check the transmission oil level If the oil level is correct: 3. Unplug the connector for the transfer cases control unit and reassess the vehicle on a subsequent test drive If the complaint no longer occurs with the control unit disconnected: 4. Perform an oil change of the transfer case according to WIS specifications ‑ Collect an oil sample of the original fluid 5. Complete all transfer case Tech‑in processes located under VG Control Unit > Adaptations ‑ Resetting the oil service data ‑ Calibration of N15/7 5. Perform road test of vehicle to bring transmission to operating temperature (>60C ) 6. Operate vehicle in full circle with steering at full lock ‑ 5x to the left ‑ 5x to the right Return the vehicle to the client and request they drive the vehicle for at least 200 miles and return if the concern is not resolved. The extended drive will ensure the clutches are properly conditioned with the new oil and should resolve the concern. If this LI has already been applied to the vehicle, please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain inbox with the following information: ‑ Initial quick test with fault freeze frame data ‑ Initial transmission EEPROM data ‑ VGS and Transfer Case Control Unit Log (N45 or N15/7) ‑ Special Acquisition Data .txt file (Transfer Case Control Unit > Special Procedures > Procedures for support queries to market support > Special Data Acquisition) ‑ Photo of the original oil condition ‑ What color was the fluid drained from the transfer case before the oil change? ‑ Was an oil sample collected, and can you provide a photo of the original fluid? ‑ What color and part number fluid was used during the oil change? ‑ How far was the vehicle driven after?
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.