2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Brakes Problems

I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2010 E350 (VIN # [XXX] ). I have taken great pride in owning and maintaining this vehicle, and I want to share my concerns based on my recent experience. I have consistently kept this car well-maintained, following all recommended service schedules and ensuring that any necessary repairs were handled promptly. Up until now, I have not experienced any significant issues with the vehicle. It has been reliable, well cared for, and in excellent condition. Recently, when the brake line indicator came on, I immediately took the vehicle to a mechanic to have it inspected. I was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty and that there was a leak present. Upon further inspection, the mechanic identified that the leak was coming from the rear of the vehicle. It was then determined that the issue involved the rear brake line located near the gas tank. This is extremely concerning, not only because it directly impacts the safety of the vehicle, but also because, based on the research I have conducted, this appears to be a common issue with this particular model. Given that this is a critical safety component, it is troubling that such a failure would occur despite the vehicle being properly maintained. Based on what I have researched, I feel that I have a valid complaint. This does not seem to be the result of neglect or lack of care, but rather a potential defect or known issue associated with this vehicle. As an owner who has taken every step to properly maintain and care for this car, it is both frustrating and disappointing to now be dealing with such a serious problem. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed thoroughly and that an appropriate resolution be provided. I believe it is reasonable to expect accountability for an issue that appears to be both common and safety-related. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a fair resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11730465

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Car was found to have the rear subframe corrosion for issue. But also the brake lines were corroded very badly. They should be covered under the rear subframe extended warranty replacement. The rear brake lines are an frequent issue and almost always shows up when the subframe begins to rot. Also the pattern of the corrosion seems to be consistent across multiple incidents. Look at photos I uploaded and the Reddit post; identical. Look at this post from Reddit, almost identical corrosion on the rear brake lines as mine. Furthermore, it always is the rear brake lines, almost never the front. This is a manufacturer issue that needs to be looking into. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711970

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

It seems like brake lines corroded and need to be replaced. Same issue in this car with subframe and that was taken care of by the extended warranty but brake lines were not part of extended warranty? That should be investigated further. Rear subframe rust out and brake line corrosion are obviously related but Mercedes is only addressing subframe. Why? A lot of people have this issue and it's a huge safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11701296

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

My brakes failed, the rear brake lines had corroded.

NHTSA ID

11689329

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

My brakes went out while I was driving my family on a road trip. After getting towed I inspected the brake lines and they are absolutely destroyed. This is clearly a design flaw by Mercedes. This needs to be recalled. You have to drop the rear subframe to repair this. Absolutely ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11674517

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Mercedes had a recall for rusty subframe but the rear break lines are rusting out as well and it should be a recall just like the subframe. I have brake line leaking now and it will cost around 2500-3500 to fix per mercedes

NHTSA ID

11651098

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife was able to stop the vehicle from crashing into a concrete curb. The contact stated a nearby independent mechanic assisted the contact, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured brake line due to corrosion. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear brake line due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a year ago the rear subframe fractured due to corrosion. The contact stated that the rear subframe was repaired under an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11643335

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive

NHTSA ID

11633494

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

There’s a squeakly sound coming from my brakes. I have to start breaking very early in order for to be safe. It you feels very dangerous to drive this vehicle. I had my brakes change twice in the same year because of the same problem and it has not fix the problem.

NHTSA ID

11488121

Incident

Mar 20, 2021

My family has owned this vehicle since 2013 when it was purchased from the local Mercedes dealership as certified pre-owned. In the past few years, we have had to have several of the rear brake lines replaced due to rust. The last time, we were told by the mechanic that the complete rear subframe would have to be replaced due to rust. Specifically the attachment points from the subframe to the rear suspension have completely rusted through. I contacted the dealership where the car was purchased. They stated they are aware of this issue on almost all of the cars of that period but offered no solution other than a repair of $5,000. Many of the cars of that era and class have serious rust issues but Mercedes chooses to do nothing about it. This is a serious safety issue because the entire rear suspension and brakes attach to the subframe and could come loose at any point while driving. I would like this to be repaired by the manufacturer. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11482416

Incident

May 20, 2022

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 60 MPH, a warning message indicating that the brake fluid level was low was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brake fluid was replaced and the warning message disappeared. The contact's mother was able to continue driving. The contact and his father later inspected the services brakes. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard. Additionally, the contact noticed that the brake fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,788.

NHTSA ID

11475185

Incident

Jul 7, 2022

Mileage

85,788 mi

Even though the my Mercedes is a 2010, it has forty three thousand miles and garaged for it's lifetime. The brakes lines are rotted and leak. This is a serious safety issue and should be looked into. I'm sure I'm not not the only person with this issue. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11473070

Incident

Jul 4, 2022

Mileage

43,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while exiting a car wash, the brake pedal was engaged, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact drove the vehicle home. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the brake lines were corroded and leaking throughout the brake hardline onto the heat shield. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11422641

Incident

Jun 27, 2021

Mileage

125,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AS HE APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION, BUT THEY FAILED TO RESPOND. FINALLY, AFTER GOING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT, HE CAME TO A FULL STOP. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10432291

Incident

Oct 20, 2011

Mileage

6,000 mi