2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Brakes Problems

Mercedes Benz issued a recall and extended a warranty on its 2003-2005 E Class SBC braking systems (recall # 2005110001) and extended the warranty to 25 years; the 2006 E Class models have the exact same SBC braking system but is not included in the recall. Mercedes needs to add the 2006 E Class models to recall # 2005110001. My 2006 is experiencing the same SBC issues the 2003-2005 models are known to have but because my vehicle is 2006 it is not covered by the extended warranty.

NHTSA ID

11702819

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to function as intended. The brake pedal was depressed down to the floorboard. The contact's mother used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system failure. The contact was informed that the Sensotronic Brake Control system needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11695309

Incident

Oct 12, 2025

Mileage

180,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle would not stop when depressing the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated, however, the contact stated the entire instrument panel was illuminated in red. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle's brake line, brakes, and rotors were replaced. The contact stated the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and was not repaired. The contact referenced the manufacturer recall 2005110001 Sensotronic Brake Control as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ID

11578703

Incident

Mar 8, 2024

Mileage

149,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, there was a beeping sound coming from the vehicle with a message stating "Stop, Reduced Braking Power, Depress Brake Pedal Fully" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V133000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ID

11569912

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Mileage

177,000 mi

February 22, 2022 I was driving from Memphis, TN to Flower Mound,TX. It was raining really bad and once I got to Texas on University Ave. My brakes went completely out. I had to shut the car off to stop. Shortly after I heard about a recall involving this same matter but it was for 2006 Mercedes SUV. However after reading the recall the same thing happened to me E350. I had to pay over $2000 on this repair. I feel I am entitled to be refunded. I also had to get the car towed home. I have tow record and repair record. And you should be able to research the weather on that date from Memphis to Texas. Please give me a response at [XXX] or email me at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11480575

Incident

Feb 22, 2022

Brake failure at 40 mph. RED CAUTION light on : "STOP Reduced braking power Depress brake pedal fully"

NHTSA ID

11474839

Incident

Jul 18, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A WARNING MESSAGE OF 'RESTRICTING SYSTEM MANUFACTURE' ILLUMINATED AND 07:02 THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING, AND THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL AT 8-10 MPH, BUT DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMAL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE AND WAS PROVIDED WITH THE NUMBER TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,663.

NHTSA ID

11373780

Incident

Oct 8, 2020

Mileage

125,663 mi

BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. REDUCED BRAKING MESSAGE , ESP MESSAGE, AND 'STOP' ON SPEEDOMETER!

NHTSA ID

11363077

Incident

Jul 17, 2020

Mileage

120,000 mi

BRAKES FAILED, RED WARNING LIGHT ALERTED ME, I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH EMERG BRAKE HELP. LUCKILY I WAS GOING SLOWLY ON A CITY STREET. CAR WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES IN RICHMOND VA . THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND RESET THE CODE. SAID IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE. WHEN I QUESTIONED THIS, THEY SAID THEY COULD BLEED THE BRAKE LINE, EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMITTED AIR IN THE LINE WOULD NOT ACTIVATE RED BRAKES FAILED WARNING LIGHT. MB RICHMOND VA STATED THAT THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SBC UNIT, BUT BECAUSE THE 'WRONG CODE' INDICATING THE SBC UNIT WAS AT FAULT, SHOWED UP, THEY WERE NOT REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE WARRANTY WORK (GOOD FOR 25 YEARS )

NHTSA ID

11362156

Incident

Sep 24, 2020

Mileage

163,530 mi

THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS DURING NORMAL DRIVING . SBC PUMP FAILS SUDDENLY. AND WARNING MASSAGE TELLS YOU TO TURN OF THE CAR. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION . IF SOME BODY MISS THE WARNING FOR FEW SECOND HE COULD KILL SOME BODY . NEVER SEEN BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324470

Incident

May 1, 2020

BRAKE REMAIN ENGAGED WHEN BRAKE [FOOT] PEDALS ARE DEPRESSED AT STOP LIGHT. IT ONLY DISENGAGES AFTER 0.5 SECONDS TO 1.0 SECONDS DELAY. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED.

NHTSA ID

11320080

Incident

Mar 23, 2020

Mileage

124,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS A THREAT TO MY HEALTH WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING WITH IT. I HAVE TO PRESS EXTRA HAD TO STOP . HAD BRAKES CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THERE IS A BAD GASOLINE LEAK AND LOUD SMELL OF GAS WHEN I FILL UP. LOOKED UNDER REAR SEAT AND SAW GAS ON GAS TANK. DRIED GAS UP AND THE BIG PUDDLE RETURNED. CAN I DRIVE THIS CAR? I NEED SOMEONE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO. THE LAST AND MOST WORRISOME THING TO ME IS THAT THERE ARE 2 DTC CODES COMING UP CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. HAD MECHANIC TO CLEAR THEN BUT THEY COME RIGHT BACK WHEN CAR IS STARTED. I NEED TO GET THIS CAR INSPECTED. SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO. MECHANIC SAID THAT THE CODE INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE $8700 TO REPAIR EVERY THING. I DONT HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY. THIS IS THE CAR MAKERS PROBLEM. WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR ME. IS THE GOVERMENT DOING THERE JOB WHEN IT COMES TO THIS CAR. HEARD THERE ARE MORE CARS LIKE THIS. OH THIS IS A 2006 MERCEDES E350. WILL THE GOVERMENT, DEALER OR MANUFACTURER BUY THIS CAR FROM ME. THIS IS A PLEA FOR HELP FROM ANYWHERE. THEY SAY THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CAR BUT WHEN IT CAME OUT THERE WAS 1 YEAR LEFT ON CAR WARRANTY BEFORE IT RAN OUT. THE CAR DIDN'T QUIT RUNNING WHEN THE STALLING TO REPAIR THESE CARS TOOK PLACE. SOME ONE IS IN SOMEONES BACK POCKET. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO THEIR JOB AND GET THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF ONCE AND FOR ALL. YOU MAY LOSE SOME FRIENDS IN THE PROCESS BUT THIS IS BETTER THAN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAAD PROBLEMS STATIONARY AND WHILE MOVING.

NHTSA ID

11310454

Incident

Dec 20, 2019

Mileage

154,000 mi

RECEIVED CODE C2131 PRESSURE RESERVOIR FAULTY...SAFETY BRAKE ISSUE IS IT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY? AFRAID I MAY HURT SOMEONE IF BRAKES FAIL..

NHTSA ID

11296995

Incident

Dec 15, 2019

Mileage

171,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON US 50 MY THE SBC FAILED WHILE DRIVING 60MPH I HAD NO BRAKES THE INDICATORS TOLD ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND TO DEPRESS BRAKES FULLY. THAT'S HARD TO DO WHN UR GOING 60MPH... SO I HAD TO LET THE VEHICLE DRIFT UNTIL IT CAME TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY... PLEASE GET MB TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE... AFTER THIS INCIDENT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE REVVING SO HIGH WHEN THE BREAKS FAILED I GOT TROUBLE CODES P0016 AND P0017.. RELATED TO THE BALANCE SHAFT... THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED... BASED ON THE PRICE I WAS QUOTED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST BETWEEN 4 TO $5.000 USD FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA ID

11291831

Incident

Aug 3, 2019

Mileage

144,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ERROR CODE SAYS DEPRESSED BRAKE PRESSURE ESP AND BRAKES GO OUT CALL DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE IS RECORD OF IT BEING FIXED IN 2005 BUT IT STILL DOES NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID

11288437

Incident

Dec 10, 2019

Mileage

133,000 mi

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET A RED PROMPT OF BRAKING SYSTEM FAIL DECREASE PRESSURE ESP GOES ON AND I HAVE TO PUSH BRAKES ALL THE WAY DOWN AND USE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM TO STOP! DASH SAYS SERVICE BRAKES. BRAKES WERE CHANGED AS WELL AS SENSORS AND NEW AUXILIARY BATTERY WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS IF AUXILIARY BATTERY GOES OUT BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS AND CAR IS HARD TO STOP.

NHTSA ID

11282653

Incident

Nov 10, 2019

Mileage

137,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL. ABS MALFUNCTION, BRAKE SENSOR

NHTSA ID

11229475

Incident

Jun 8, 2018

I WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL BREAK PRESSURE RAN A RED LIGHT AND ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. NOT SAFE

NHTSA ID

11210073

Incident

May 23, 2019

Mileage

175,561 mi

CAR BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY 65 MPH. SBC RED LIGHT WENT OFF AND CAR BRAKE WAS FULLY DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKING TOOK TOO LONG. CAR DISPLAY ERROR MESSAGE WAS BRAKING POWER DECREASED. DEPRESS BRAKE FULLY. TURNED OFF CAR AND RESTARTED BUT ERROR MESSAGE DISAPPEARED AND CAR BRAKES FULLY AGAIN. NOT GOOD AT ALL. NOW I KNOW THAT PROBLEM IS LURKING AND CAN HAPPEN AGAIN ANYTIME. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE INJURED ME, MY PASSENGER, OR ANOTHER PERSON. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANY CAR BRAKES TO FAIL JUST LIKE THAT. DUE TO MANUFACTURER INCOMPETENCE.

NHTSA ID

11208434

Incident

May 17, 2019

Mileage

109,200 mi

A RECALL WAS PLACED ON THIS VEHICLE TO REPAIR THE BAKING SYSTEM. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS MATTER WITH MBUSA. WE NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE, AS A RESULT, I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY BRAKES, AND WARNING SIGNS APPEAR ON MY DASHBOARD. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE WARRANTY RECALL ENDED. THEY TRY TO CLOSE MY CASE BY OFFERING ME $250.00 TO GO AWAY. THIS BECOMING A SAFETY HAZARD TO CONTINUE THIS WAY. THEY SENT ME TO ONE OF THEIR REPAIR MB DEALERSHIP FOOTHILL CALIFORNIA. COMPLETE REPAIR COST WAS $3000. I'VE OWNED SEVERAL MERCEDES. I CANT GET ANY HELP. THANKS (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11129613

Incident

Dec 10, 2017

Mileage

105,102 mi

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, THE REDUCED BRAKING POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, BUT MANAGED TO SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY AND MAKE IT TO THE BRAKE-DOWN LANE. I SHUT OF THE IGNITION, AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT, THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I WAS VERY LUCKY, THIS TIME...

NHTSA ID

11120244

Incident

Aug 16, 2018

Mileage

145,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKING PRESSURE NEEDED SERVICING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11102760

Incident

Jun 16, 2018

Mileage

127,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE "REDUCE BRAKING POWER" WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SENTRO SONIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED AND SPILLED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. CENTENNIAL IMPORTS IN PENSACOLA, FLORIDA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENTRO SONIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ID

11074980

Incident

Jan 14, 2018

Mileage

104,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC BRAKE UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM SPRINGS, 4095 E PALM CANYON DR, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,688.

NHTSA ID

11071962

Incident

Jan 28, 2018

Mileage

92,688 mi

WARNING LIGHT: REDUCED BRAKING POWER - DEPRESS PEDAL FULLY. I UNDERSTAND MB SERVICE BULLETIN S142.46-P-0012A ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE BUT I CAN'T GET A COPY ON THE NET. BRAKES FAIL UNTIL RESTART CAR. DANGEROUS. RECALL THE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR ALL OF THESE CARS. MB STOPPED USING THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. BUT DANGEROUS TO MOVE CAR OFF OF DRIVEWAY

NHTSA ID

11032874

Incident

Oct 11, 2017

Mileage

120,301 mi