2014 Mercedes-Benz E250

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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

On April 10, 2020, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Surjit Singh alleging premature corrosion of the rear brake lines in his 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan. The petitioner states that he was recently informed by a Mercedes dealer service department that his car had severely rusted brake lines that need[ed] to be replaced immediately at a cost of about $3300. He further stated that the dealer service advisor informed him that he had seen the issue on many cars like his. The petitioner requested ?that NHTSA launch an investigation into this serious issue of rusting brake lines on [his] 2013 Mercedes E350.? The brake line corrosion reported by the petitioner did not result in brake line leakage or any compromise in brake system performance before it was detected in a dealer vehicle inspection. The petitioner submitted a complaint to NHTSA documenting his experience (NHTSA ID 11319024).On April 24, 2020, ODI opened Defect Petition DP20-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI conducted a search for all consumer complaints and Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data related to allegations of brake line corrosion or leakage in 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans and similarly equipped vehicles. The 2013 E350 is a fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicle (W212 platform), which was first sold in the United States in 2009 as a 2010 model. Mercedes-Benz sold approximately 245 thousand model year 2010 through 2015 E-Class sedan and wagon vehicles in the United States with the same brake line design as the petitioner?s vehicle.ODI?s search for complaints and EWR data in 2013 Mercedes E350 vehicles found no additional records related to the alleged defect. Expanding the search to all W212 platform vehicles identified just one incident, a complaint alleging unspecified brake line corrosion and leakage in a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 (NHTSA ID 10902081). The complaint did not allege that the brake line leakage resulted in reduced brake performance, crash, or injury. The resulting failure rate of 0.4 failures per hundred thousand vehicles is extremely low for a population that includes vehicles that have been in service for over ten years. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend in the subject E-Class vehicles that would support opening a defect investigation into premature brake line corrosion failure. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Since the information before the Agency is not indicative of a vehicle-based defect, it is unlikely that any investigation opened because of granting this petition would result in an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition and the potential risks to safety, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action if warranted or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists based upon additional information the agency may receive.A Federal Register notice further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be forthcoming.

Brake lines are rusted and corroded. It appears that the rust may have spread from rust on the rear subframe. The rear subframe warranty was extended for premature rust and failure, but the brake lines are not covered. This could have led to a dangerous situation. I've never had a vehicles brake lines rust like this. They should also extend the warranty coverage to cover rusted brake lines.

NHTSA ID

11620210

Incident

Oct 16, 2024

Purchased and installed OEM diesel fuel filter made by Mann part WK820/17 or 171103 on [XXX] and drove for 9500 miles. On [XXX] I checked fuel filter as I could smell diesel fuel near the car for the last 2 weeks. Fuel filter heating element/H2O sensor was cracked and seeping fuel once fuel pump was turned on. Unit is available for inspection Safety issue-leaking fuel No inspection by police, manufacturer. I did contact RM EUROPEAN Auto Parts in Colorado who sold the part and am waiting to hear back. No warning lamps or CEL illuminated, only the smell of fuel with top of filter and engine coated in diesel fuel. (Tried to upload photos but "Upload Files" button just goes blank.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The contact stated the fuel appears to be leaking from the electrical heating element. possibly where the rubber has split open.

NHTSA ID

11563640

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ E250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS COVERED WITH A SYNTHETIC MATERIAL CALLED MB TEX. THE MATERIAL WAS TORN. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE A COVER OVER THE SEAT TO AVOID BEING POKED OR CUT BY THE MATERIAL AND TO AVOID MAKING CONTACT WITH THE HEATING MECHANISMS WITHIN THE SEAT. THE CONTACT CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ARLINGTON LOCATED AT 585 N GLEBE RD, ARLINGTON, VA 22203 (703)525-2100, WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11383625

Incident

Dec 1, 2018

Mileage

170,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AND I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A TURN EXCEPT BY SUBSTANTIAL MANUAL FORCE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY AND AT 20/25 MPH ABLE TO PULL IMMEDIATELY OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS A COMPUTER SYSTEM ISSUE AND THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF IT BUT HAD NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS. AND APPARENTLY THEY HAVEN'T DONE SO YET OR NOTIFIED THE NTSB BECAUSE NOTHING SHOWS ON THIS WEBSITE. THE OCCURRED OVER 6 MONTHS AGO SO I AM SHOCKED THAT IT HASN'T BEEN DEALT WITH.

NHTSA ID

10966688

Incident

May 2, 2016

Mileage

20,000 mi

THE CAR HAS A ECO SYSTEM WHICH MAKES THE ENGINE STOP WHEN YOU COME AT COMPLETE STOP TO SAVE FUEL. WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, THE CAR STARTED WITH A HUGE JERK AS IF THE GEAR BOX IS BROKEN. NOW IT IS GIVING TWO DIFFERENCE MESSAGES: 1. AUXILIARY BATTERY MALFUNCTION 2. PRE-SAFE FUNCTIONS LIMITED (SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL) THE CAR IS JURKING HEAVILY. I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES DEALER IN PLEASANTON, CA. THE SERVICE AGENT ASKED ME IF I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THEM. I TOLD THAT I DID BY AN S550 FROM THEM BUT NOT THIS ONE SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE SPECIFIC FEATURE WHICH I NEEDED HENCE I WENT TO SAN JOSE MERCEDES BENZ WHO HAD THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD ALL THE FEATURES OF MY CHOICE. SHE THEN TOLD ME THAT IT IS PRETTY SAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TIME AND SLOT TO CHECK THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT CHECKED. I TOLD THEM THAT "AS LONG AS IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE, I AM NOT WORRIED, HOWEVER, TO ME IT IS QUITE UNSAFE". DUE TO THIS ISSUE, I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT OF 76 GAS STATION, THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAK IN THE PARKING LOT. I WANTED TO PARK IT RIGHT SO AS I PULL MY FEET FROM THE BREAK, THE CAR JURKED AND HIT THE FRONT GUARD FROM RIGHT SIDE TO THE FRONT PARKING (CONCRETE STOPPER) STOPPER. I HAVE TO SHOW IT TO THE DEALER DURING MY APPOINTMENT ON WEDNESDAY.

NHTSA ID

10733426

Incident

Jun 24, 2015

Mileage

38,420 mi

MY WIFE WAS AT THE FINAL STAGE OF PARKING THE CAR ,MEANS,SLOWING THE CAR BY PUSHING THE BREAK THE CAR IN THE PARKING SLOT.WHEN SHE WAS IN POSITION TO STOP THE CAR SUDDENLY GOT ACCELERATION UNCONTROLLED.TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER SHE TURN WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WITH MAX. SPEED CAR JUMPED THROUGH THE EDGES OF THE ISLAND WITH THE TREE .TREE STOPPED THE CAR AND CAR AND TREE WAS DESTROY .SHE WAS DISTRESS.SHOCK AND TILL NOW HAS A NIGHTMARES.

NHTSA ID

10716054

Incident

Apr 6, 2015

Mileage

4,000 mi

I HAVE A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ E250 DIESEL, I COMPLAINED THAT THE ENGINE HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANS AND ENGINE HAS TO GET USED TO MY DRIVING HABITS,,,LOL....IT'S STILL DOING IT, ALSO THE SUSPENSION ON THE 2014 IS HORRIBLE U CAN FEEL EVERY BUMP, CRACK, POT HOLE, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION, I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 HIT A POT HOLE FOR THE COST OF THIS CAR AND THE BENZ REPUTATION, IT SOUND LIKE I CRASHED INTO A WALL AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT FELT LIKE THE FRONT OF THE CAR FELL OFF I HAD A 2006 ECLASS, AND THE 2014 IS NOTHING LIKE IT, IT'S CHEAP, DRIVES LIKE A 50 YEAR OLD CAR, DON'T BUY IT. *TR

NHTSA ID

10660590

Incident

Nov 1, 2013

Mileage

50 mi

Dear Dealer Partners, 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 Thursday, November 19th, 2026. After November 19th, we will no longer accept returns of these parts. Return these parts 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.

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.

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!

Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.

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. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • 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!

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).