2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Owner Complaints

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

added information: the issue is the piston, it went off due to a bad part. Mercedes Benz knew about the issue with the type of engine M247. there is a class action lawsuit pending. But I'm reporting this because i didn't know and it happened to me just a month out of warranty. Now, the dealership is asking me to pay for the labor. the dealership is House Of Imports in Buena Park. This has to do with the piston failure.

NHTSA ID

11634616

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

Vehicle went into limp mode at 83,000 miles and it was due to the electronic valve body failing within the transmission. Dealership mentioned it shouldn’t happen in a vehicles lifetime, this includes maintenance at the right interval (60,000 miles), which mine was. I was quoted roughly $3,800 by the dealership but after speaking with corporate it was brought down to $2,600.

NHTSA ID

11624425

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while attempting to shift into drive, the transmission independently shifted to neutral. The contact attempted several times to shift into drive however, the transmission failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

NHTSA ID

11614515

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Mileage

154,000 mi

The back-up camera failed while in the middle of reversing. Screen went completely black and unresponsive. Putting the car in Park then back to Reverse didn't work, screen still black. Tried turning off the car and turning it back on, screen still black and no back-up camera when I put the car in Reverse. I tried turning on / off the infotainment system and no change, screen still black. Later in the day when I got back in the car, the screen came up MUCH slower than usual, but did eventually come back up. This has happened multiple times and I've taken it to the dealer multiple times for this, but they've not been able to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11559062

Incident

Dec 7, 2023

Mercedes Benz use low quality PCV regulator valve , it is a common failure problem, warranty will not be covered, Benz sells part replacement for around 350 USD and it require about 2000 in labor to be fixed on average

NHTSA ID

11558454

Incident

Dec 4, 2023

When taking curves the vehicle is making a cracking noise but, mechanic said they don’t see anything. My W213 Mercedes Benz E300 just like all other Mercedes is have a “Crankcase” issue, it failed the engine keep revving but, not catching speed. I’ve seen multiple Mercedes is having that issues and it’s very common. My vehicle computer communication system failed to communicate with the key sometimes won’t start and will run out of power overnight mainly happen during winter times and when it rains.

NHTSA ID

11547889

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

According to the Mersedes dealer it is Engine Harness it is possible manufacture defect. Car has only 38900 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11530446

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

yellow check engine light came on and a few days later the car stalled on the road potentially causing an accident. took it to a shop and it has a p052e (crankcase valve issue), then took it to mercedes and theyve confirmed that oil has been leaking and it needs a new cvp ($3000) AND oil has leaked into the engine harness ($4000) but a few other indie shops have mentioned that id probably also have to replace the thermostat because thats usually damaged as well. You can google this issue and see that its insanely common, dangerous, and a huge financial burden on mercedes owners. There should be an immediate recall. See the inspection here: https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/8RlVgZhzCNsvpezrI1ZEEtxKAPluMxrUUivaOkycfRg/detail

NHTSA ID

11520095

Incident

Apr 22, 2023

Recurrent crankshaft ventilation valve failures. Replaced 14 months ago and has failed again. This is a common and known issue with vehicles in E class from 2017 through 2019 and Mercedes has not issued a recall. Perhaps because it costs $3500 to replace it if out of warranty. Entire system replaced Feb 17, 2022 and has failed again (April 6th, 2023)

NHTSA ID

11515977

Incident

Feb 17, 2022

While the vehicle was parked, at approximately 6:15 pm on June 11, 2022 while I was retrieving my iPod that was on the cupholder of my wife’s car, I got cut on the back of my right hand by the chrome plating lining the top part of the cupholder. The cut was painful and was one centimeter long. After I got cut I noticed that the chrome plating around the cupholder was peeling off and was sharp to the touch. The peeling off was mainly on the middle to the left-hand side of the center console cupholder, it is razor sharp and very dangerous. Please warn other drivers about this danger. It would be especially dangerous if someone gets cut while driving the car. It seems other Mercedes Benz owners have had this issue too: Here - https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/724605-interior-chrome-trim-flaking.html And here - https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/810641-ashtray-cup-holder-trim.html This problem is similar to one I had experienced years ago on the door handle of a Hyundai Sonata I used to own, with peeling sharp chrome edge on interior drivers door handle - https://www.autoblog.com/amp/2009/05/26/hyundai-recalling-over-91-000-sonata-sedans-due-to-sharp-chro/

NHTSA ID

11468820

Incident

Jun 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, wind was entering through the passenger’s side sunroof. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ID

11462207

Incident

Apr 26, 2020

Mileage

34,000 mi

MB 2018 E300 WOULD STOP WITH ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE STOP AND START SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE PROBLEM UNTIL I ALMOST GOT KILLED. CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AROUND (NOV 2020 OFF COMMERCIAL BLVD FORT LAUDERDALE FL BETWEEN 4 TO 6PM RAINY DAY RUSH HOUR ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO GET ON I95 AND CARE DIED ON ME AND I HAD TO WAIT 3 YOURS BECAUSE ONSTAR BUTTON WASN'T WORKING AND HAD TO CALL TOW USING MY PHONE ) I BEEN HAVING ISSUES STARTING BACK UP AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE PISTINES IN THE ENGINE AND CAR FINALLY BREAKS DOWN AND NEEDS NEW ENGINE FEB 2 MERCEDES NEVER HONORS THEIR WARRANTY AND FIXED MY ISSUE . ONE DRIVER WITH 2018 E300 MERCEDES BENZ LIKE MINE AFTER 23K MILES NEEDS A NEW ENGINE ALSO . BELOW I PAST THE LINK TO THE FORUM WITH OTHER MB CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THEIR E-CLASS MB ALL OF WHICH EXPERIENCE FAMILIAR ENGINE AND CAR START UP FAILURE. HTTPS://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/E-CLASS-W213/798120-2018-MERCEDES-W213-E300-NEEDS-NEW-ENGINE-23K-MILES-2.HTML CONFIRMATION CODE: [XXX] DATE AND TIME: JAN 6, 2021 9:00:00 AM VEHICLE: 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 VIN: [XXX] ADVISOR: [XXX] ARRANGEMENT: LOANER VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICES: ENGINE PERFORMANCE CONCERN (HESITATION, LACK OF POWER, POOR MILEAGE, ETC.) ' CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS AT REGULAR PERIOD CONFIRMATION CODE: [XXX] DATE AND TIME: NOV 25, 2020 10:00:00 AM VEHICLE: 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 VIN: [XXX] ADVISOR: [XXX] ARRANGEMENT: LOANER VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICES: TELL US MORE ' CLIENT STATES THE VEHICLE IS HAVING ISSUES WHEN SHE TURN THE CAR ON, THERE ARE SOME WEIRD NOISES COMING FRON ENGINE INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11415132

Incident

Nov 24, 2020

Mileage

40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E-300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOORS FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CALSTAR MOTORS (700 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, NOTHING WAS REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO THE DOOR HINGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,034.

NHTSA ID

11405953

Incident

Jan 6, 2020

Mileage

18,034 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E-300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE FAILURES. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE LOCATED AT (2025 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CONTACT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO BE PERFORMED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE TWO FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED BLOWOUTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF THE FAILURES BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11312130

Incident

Feb 13, 2019

Mileage

25,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V850000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF GEORGETOWN (7401 I-35, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, (512) 930-6150) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11217716

Incident

Jan 1, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES BENZ E300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V850000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF SARASOTA (4754 CLARK RD, SARASOTA, FL 34233) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11206790

Incident

Jan 21, 2019

THE CAR ACTIVATED ITS EMERGENCY BRAKING FUNCTION UNEXPECTEDLY. I WAS DRIVING ON A COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS STREET. NO CARS NO BAGS NO WIND NO ANYTHING AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH. ALL CLEAR AIR TEMP 83 DEGREES F. SUNSHINE. NO ADVERSE CONDITIONS. CAR SUDDENLY SLAMMED ON BRAKES WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR REASON WHATSOEVER. SEATBELT TIGHTENED PER PROCEDURE. FORTUNATELY THERE'S WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME TO REAR END ME. TOOK CAR STRAIGHT TO DEALER. SCANNED FOR CODES. NONE FOUND. CAR IS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. NO. THERE ARE OTHER DOCUMENTED CASES ON LINE IN THE MERCEDES FORUMS. PLEAS INVESTIGATE.

NHTSA ID

11205093

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

13,100 mi