RoadVitals

2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
64
Latest Jan 12, 2026
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.
6
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
1
Reports on file since Feb 23, 2010

What this page shows

Our database holds 64 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 64 · page 1 of 3

Electrical
Filed Jan 12, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The sale was a private sale. The contact's friend, a dealer, requested a Carfax report, which indicated that mileage was last reported at 200,000. In addition, the Carfax report indicated that the last reported repair service was performed in 2014 and the mileage then was 66,000. The contact stated that the advertisement reported the mileage at 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11710469
Incident
Jan 12, 2026
Mileage
200,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 10, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact felt heat coming from the rear of the front driver seat and noticed smoke coming from the rear of the seat, causing the back of the driver’s seat to catch on fire. The contact was to pull over and noticed that the back of his shirt had caught on fire as well, the contact was not injured. The contact was able to stop the fire by pouring water on the seat. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed, but the front driver seat was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and they agreed to replace the front seat. The failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ID
11493045
Incident
Apr 10, 2016
Mileage
38,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started sputtering and stalled. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence five days later. The contact used an OBD reader to determine that the failure was associated with the fuel system. The contact replaced the fuel relay and fuses, fuel pump and fuel filter herself; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ID
11473869
Incident
Feb 2, 2022
Mileage
147,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 4, 2022

This vehicle has a very profound strong gas smell inside and out of the car. Upon further research, it has been notably stated that this particular vehicle model from years 2003-2009 had the same common issue that when refueling and topping off at full tank capacity, there is a fuel leakage seeping from the top of the gas tank which sits underneath of the back passenger seat. Apparently there is a health hazard recall listed upon this vehicle for this issue but when I called my local mercedes benz dealer they said that there was no recall with this issue and refused to acknowledge the problem. But in fact there are many videos of evidence online illustrating and showing other same vehicle owners addressing the fuel tank leakage from within underneath the back passenger seat, and there is also many written testimonials cases stating the existance of the same issue. I really do hope this issue gets addressed asap for which i do fear for my family's safety and mine. Thank you in advance for your time!

NHTSA ID
11459516
Incident
Mar 24, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2022

CRANK SHAFT BALANCER WHICH IS SO COMMON AND AN ALMOST $9000 REPAIR. CAR RUNS BUT CAN'T SMOG OR SELL BECAUSE IT THROWS CODES P0016 P0017. THERE IS NO WORD ON MANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. HOW DO WE FIX. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR WITH PROBLEM FOR LAST 50K MILES AND NO SOLUTION.

NHTSA ID
11457699
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Jan 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving immediately after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID
11448993
Incident
Aug 10, 2021
Mileage
132,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 9, 2021

I’m smelling gas fumes inside and outside of the car. I heard there was a 15 yr warranty on E Class with this issue.

NHTSA ID
11436177
Incident
Oct 7, 2021
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2021

(1) WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE LANE. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF LOSING STEERING FLUID. WHAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN? (2) THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO TREMBLE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDSUCH AS IN SLOW STREET TRAFIC.

NHTSA ID
11403170
Incident
Feb 12, 2021
Mileage
157,382 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 3, 2021

SERIOUS SMELL OF GASOLINE DURING AND AFTER REFUELLING. OCCURS WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID
11398880
Incident
Jan 10, 2021
Mileage
133,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesSeat belts
Filed Feb 26, 2021

I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND WE KEPT COMMUNICATING FOR ABOUT 4-5 DAYS. DURING THAT TIME THE SELLER CLAIMED HE WAS THE 2ND OWNER AND THAT WAS GREAT. THEN HE POSTED PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THE CAR IN A VIDEO AND IT LOOKED IN PERFECT CONDITION. THEN AFTER DRIVING 3 1/2 HOURS TO MEET THE SELLER AND HE LIED ABOUT THE YEAR OF VEHICLE. THE DAMAGES WERE FAR BEYOND SHOWN ON THE VIDEO AND PICTURES. THEN THE MAJOR ISSUE WAS THAT THERE WAS AN WARNING LIGHT STATING THE DRIVER SRS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, I ASKED THE SELLER MOHUMMED. WHAT THIS IS AND HE SAID ITS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT SOMETHING I CAN FIND IN THE TRASH CAN. ALSO THERE WAS SEVERE OXIDATION ON THE ROOF AND HE WAS NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THE PRICE AT ALL. THEN WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW MANY OWNERS HAD THIS VEHICLE AND HE SAYS HE'S THE SECOND OWNER AND I WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS BECAUSE THIS CAR WILL OF HAD 7 OWNER AFTER ME, I DID CALL HIM AND HE CLAIMED HE TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAGS DON'T WORK!!! I WAS VERY UPSET DUE TO THE FACT WE HAVE A CHILD AND THE CARE HAS 2 STAGE AIRBAGS AND HE DIDN'T SERVICE ANYTHING HIMSELF EVERYTHING ELSE'S WAS FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNERS. HE SIMPLY BEAT IT UP AND THEN SOLD IT. THE BIGGEST ISSUES BESIDES SCRATCHES AND DENTS, IT'S CLEAN IN THE INTERIOR HOWEVER HE DIDN'T MENTION A AIRBAG NOT WORKING AND I SPECIFICALLY ASKED HIM WHAT GOING ON WITH THIS AIRBAG WARNING AND HE SIMPLY SAID IT GOES AWAY AND YOU DON'T HAVE WORRY ABOUT IT ITS NOTHING SERIOUS.... WHEN I FIGURED IT ALL OUT AND SPOKE VIA BY PHONE 2 DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE HE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A CONTRACT OR BILL OF SALE. I WANT THE AIRBAGE REPLACED OR HE CAN GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK AND WE CAN END IT AT THAT POINT. MY PHONE: [XXX] SELLER:([XXX]) :[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11398043
Incident
Feb 20, 2021
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Feb 18, 2021

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11396731
Incident
Feb 2, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Feb 16, 2021

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT AND I ADDED SOME EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING SOME CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, AND A RESPONSE TO THEM BY THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT IM LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA AND FOR CONTACT ME +[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11396447
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Mileage
128,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 7, 2021

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT

NHTSA ID
11395028
Incident
Jan 30, 2021
Mileage
128 mi
Seat belts
Filed Feb 5, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DESPITE THE SEAT BELT BEING IN OPERATION AND SECURELY FASTENED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CARLTON MOTORCARS INC (2446 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ID
11394810
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Mileage
112,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 20, 2020

GASOLINE ODOR IS NOTICED WHEN FUEL IS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER 5 MINUTES AFTER A RECENT FUEL FILL. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG AND HAS CAUSED HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO HAVE HEADACHES. I AM FORCED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE DUE TO THIS ODOR. I ALSO NOTICED GASOLINE SPILLING ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE FUEL TANK AREA.

NHTSA ID
11365385
Incident
Oct 20, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 23, 2020

I RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL # 2020040011. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT BEVERLY HILLS MERCEDES FOR 9/23/20 AT 10:00AM.(PER LETTER SENT TO ME BY MERCEDEZ BENZ. (NHTSA RECALL #19V918). THE SERVICE MAN (I BELIEVE HIS NAME WAS TAMIR) TOLD ME THEY HAD NO LOANER FOR ME AND THAT 95% OF THE TIME THEY WILL DO NOTHING REGARDING THEIR RECALLS. I WAS STUNNED AT SUCH UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR FROM A MERCEDEZ DEALER. I TOLD HIM TO GIVE ME MY CAR BACK AND WHY DID THEY MAKE MY APPOINTMENT IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HONOR THE SAFETY COMMITTMENTS IN GOOD FAITH.

NHTSA ID
11360826
Incident
Sep 23, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Sep 19, 2020

I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY E350 (09), EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY TANK I CAN SMELL THE GAS. I DON'T SMELL IT INSIDE THE CAR BUT OUTSIDE THE CAR AND IT IS STRONG. IT IS REALLY STRONG THAT YOU THOUGHT THE GAS SPILLED. ONCE THE GAS GOES DOWN TO LIKE 3/4 OF A TANK THE ODOR WILL BE GONE. I TRIED TRACING WHERE THE GAS ODOR IS COMING FROM AND I THINK IT IS UNDER THE FENDER ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE.

NHTSA ID
11359906
Incident
Sep 18, 2020
Mileage
84,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 15, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR JUST STOPPED I TRIED TO PUT IT IN GEAR WOULD NOT MOVE..MY EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DASH SAID INOPERATIVE PLEASE SEE MANUAL. I HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO MERCEDES. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I BELIEVE IT WAS THE SENSOR WENT BACK...I GOOGLED WHAT I EXPERIENCED A LOT OF MERCERDES WITH THE SAME YEAR AS MY CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
11349608
Incident
Aug 10, 2020
Visibility
Filed May 26, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FIELDS MOTORCARS (4141 N FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33805, (863) 688-8111) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE ANSWERING SERVICE STATED THAT DUE TO EMERGENCY TESTING THEY WERE UNABLE TO ANSWER INBOUND CALLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE SUNROOF AND THAT THE SUNROOF SEAL ALLOWED AIR TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11326021
Incident
May 20, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesFuel system
Filed Mar 26, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

AT APPROXIMATELY 11:50 A.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020, I PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY ONTO SPRUCE DR. NW, GOING SOUTH AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, CAREENING DOWN SPRUCE DR. NW. I WAS DESPERATELY TRYING TO MISS PARKED CARS ON THE STREET BUT MY CAR WAS MOVING FASTER AND FASTER, OUT OF CONTROL THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT THE END OF MY BLOCK. THEN MY CAR WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR, BETWEEN 25-40 MPH, SLAMMING INTO A CREEK BANK AND ENDING ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOWN A 30 FOOT RAVINE AT THE END OF SPRUCE DRIVE NW. I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR WITH MY SEAT BELT ON AND ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT THE SIDE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED. THANKFULLY, I DID NOT HIT ANY CARS! IT WAS TRULY A MIRACLE THAT I WAS ALIVE AND THAT MY NEIGHBORS HEARD AND SAW THE CRASH. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO WERE STATIONED AT THE MAYOR'S HOUSE AROUND THE CORNER ARRIVED AND WITH MY NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO PULL ME FROM THE WRECKAGE THROUGH THE SUNROOF. APPARENTLY THE GLASS SUNROOF HAD POPPED OPEN/OFF DURING THE CRASH. THE CRASH HAPPENED ABOUT 11:53 A.M. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO A TRAUMA CENTER IN A LOCAL HOSPITAL. FORTUNATELY I ONLY HAD MINOR BRUISES BUT THE TRAUMA CENTER STAFF GAVE ME A THOROUGH CHECK-UP. AND NO ONE ELSE WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH.

NHTSA ID
11319393
Incident
Feb 11, 2020
Mileage
86,345 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Feb 25, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE UPPER TORSO AND CHEST PAINS WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. INJURIES TO THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,370.

NHTSA ID
11311354
Incident
Feb 21, 2020
Mileage
26,370 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11310152
Incident
Feb 18, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Feb 19, 2020

WHEN FILLING UP GAS TANK TO FULL, STRONG GAS ODOR IS SMELLED AROUND THE CAR. NOT SURE IF IT IS LEAKING FROM WITHIN THE CAR OR OUTSIDE. ODOR WAS SMELLED WHEN STATIONARY, I DO NOT LEAVE WINDOWS DOWN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11310062
Incident
Feb 13, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 27, 2020

DUE TO LEAKING REAR AIR SUSPENSION, REAR OF VEHICLE DROPS SO THAT BODY OF CAR RESTSD ON REAR TIRES. VEHICLE IN MOTION

NHTSA ID
11302150
Incident
Jan 2, 2020
Mileage
130,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 17, 2019

THE INSIDE CABIN OF MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E-350 CONSISTENTLY SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. MY GARAGE ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE IS EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11280703
Incident
Nov 11, 2019
Mileage
123,000 mi

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