RoadVitals

2008 Mercedes-Benz E

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Mar 25, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 7, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E, most frequently naming the driver assistance, airbags and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 5 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance228.6%
  • Airbags114.3%
  • Fuel system114.3%
  • Suspension114.3%
  • Tires & wheels114.3%
  • Transmission114.3%

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

2 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.gov
08V303000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jul 7, 2008
404 units potentially affected
The defect: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008 070001View on NHTSA.gov
08V006000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Jan 9, 2008
9,004 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.
The risk: WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2008010005View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Transmission
Filed Mar 25, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ 350E. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM 35 TO 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS IF IT ENGAGED INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN FULL POWER AND DRIVE TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE COMPONENT AND THE ASSOCIATED PART NUMBER WAS 14027008-61. THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY ADDITIONAL FAILURES SINCE THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 04-24-09 *BF UPDATED 04/27/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10263035
Incident
Feb 17, 2009
Mileage
14,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 19, 2009

REPEATED REAR SUSPENSION AIR BAG FAILURES CAUSING NEAR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10259355
Incident
Jan 19, 2009
Mileage
12,807 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 19, 2008

I HAVE A NEW 2008 E350 MERCEDES WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT 265/35 R 18.97V TIRES. AT 6000 I NOTICED A BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL. I WAS TOLD I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD & IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 7000 MILES I NOTICED YESTERDAY 2 MORE BULGES ON THE SIDEWALL OF 2 ADDITIONAL TIRES. I WAS FORCED TO BUY A REPLACEMENT TIRE AT $300. NOW I AM TRYING TO GET COMPENSATION FROM CONTINENTAL OR SOMEONE TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. BY THE WAY, THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEELS SO THIS HAS GOT TO BE A DEFECT FROM THE TIRE COMPANY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10238909
Incident
Aug 18, 2008
Mileage
6,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 14, 2008

WHEN STOPPING MY VEHICLE , YOU HEAR FUEL SLOSHING IN THE FUEL TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10227795
Incident
Oct 25, 2007
Mileage
25 mi
Driver assistance
Filed May 5, 2008

BAD PLACEMENT OF CRUISE CONTROL STALK ON 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS. IT CAN BE CONFUSED WITH THE TURN SIGNAL STALK. I HAVE TURNED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN I MEANT TO ACTIVATE THE TURN STALK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10226751
Incident
Dec 7, 2007
Mileage
6 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 29, 2008
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DECELERATING TO 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLID UNDERNEATH THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE RESCUED FROM THE VEHICLE WITH THE JAWS OF LIFE BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOORS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS BACK, ANKLE, NECK, SHOULDER, AND RIGHT HAND. HE IS STILL UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A VIDEO AND DOCTOR'S REPORT ARE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS INSURANCE COMPANY INTENDS TO WELD THE VEHICLE BACK TOGETHER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,000. UPDATED 03/04/08. *LJ

NHTSA ID
10216419
Incident
Nov 20, 2007
Mileage
4,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 18, 2008
Crash reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK WITH HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA POLICE FILED REPORT NUMBER 004869. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63. UPDATED 02-15-08. *KB UPDATED 02/15/08 *TR

NHTSA ID
10215351
Incident
Jan 11, 2008
Mileage
63 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI-05-20-P

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MERCEDES-BENZ: THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON WITH MULTIPLE POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES STORED. THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND/OR SCORING OF A PISTON. *RM

SB-32-25-82

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM; SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

MERCEDES-BENZ: SHOCK ABSORBER PROCEDURE. *RM

C1A-091101

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

MERCEDES BENZ: REPROGRAM MBRACE (N123/4) DIALED NUMBERS TO HUGHES. THIS ACTION APPLIES TO NEW VEHICLE INVENTORY ONLY. *PE

PB-35-31-05

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

MERCEDES BENZ: MODEL 171.454, 456 (2005-2008) SLK CLASS; 204.054, 056, 081 (2008) C CLASS; 211.022, 056, 072, 087, 090 (2006-2008) E CLASS. VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN 2/21/08 AND 4/3/08 WITH DIFFERENTIAL SERIAL NUMBER 1824214 TO 1865328. CLUNKING NOISE DURING LOAD CHANGE AT REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL. *PE

C1A-071101

STEERING

REPLACE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. ERASE ANY STORED DTC CODES AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROCEDURE JUST PRIOR TO RETAIL SALE. *PE

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

Mercedes-Benz E by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012002—
2011104052.7
2010110—
2009200—
2008Viewing720—
2007220—
2006111—
2005501—
2004200—
2003000—
1994100—

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.