RoadVitals

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
223
Latest Jul 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
11

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

108
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Without an impact or collision, my car's passenger seat headrest shot out. I've been checking and others have done this as well. This morning, the driver's side headrest shot out without impact or collision. There is something wrong with the mechanism or airbags for the headrests. This can be extremely dangerous when in motion....

NHTSA ID 11753259 · filed Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the SRS Malfunction message was displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 156,094.

NHTSA ID 11671719 · filed Jul 7, 2025
All 108 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A gasoline smells fills the cabin and the outside surrounding area the vehicle continually to the point making anyone surrounding the vehicle and or sitting in the front and back seats physically sick. The gasoline smells omits continually from the backseat and or trunk area no matter the amount of fuel that is in the tank. It is a fire hazard and also health hazard as well.

NHTSA ID 11675838 · filed Jul 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when fuel was administered into the vehicle, he observed a strong fuel odor in the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that as he came out to inspect the vehicle he observed a leak under the vehicle near the fuel spout. The vehicle was inspected and the rear seat and the access panel were removed and a large amount of condensation was present near the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,143.

NHTSA ID 11625265 · filed Nov 14, 2024
All 32 reports naming fuel system

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear crossmember or ( rear subframe frame ) rust and It broke due to corrosion

NHTSA ID 11688969 · filed Sep 22, 2025

This vehicle, with 115,000 miles has been discovered to have had the brackets in the subframe for BOTH rear lateral arms rust through and are broken causing a $5,000 repair estimate. The mechanic who found this (42 years as a mechanic) said he has never seen anything like it. This is a car where I had to replace the transmission at 49,000 miles and the control unit at 62,000 miles (over $13,000 in repairs). I saw through AI search that this problem has been reported many times but has not prompted an investigation. This issue should NEVER happen and is a MAJOR SAFETY threat.

NHTSA ID 11652830 · filed Apr 4, 2025
All 17 reports naming suspension

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear subframe rusted and broken apart.

NHTSA ID 11609172 · filed Aug 18, 2024

The sunroof detached and the water from the rain leaked through the faulty sunroof into the interior doors, floorboard and dashboard. This happened to both the passenger side and the driver side. It was repaired out of pocket because of the hazard and lack of dealership accountability. Because the dealership wanted to charge $1000 to provide a water intrusion inspection so we went to an a MB authorization independent mechanic to repair the vehicle.This leaking lead to the growth of mold and lack driver visibility.Lastly they were no warnings before the leak happened.

NHTSA ID 11549863 · filed Oct 13, 2023
All 15 reports naming body & structure

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dealer notes: Replace rear brake lines, found to be rusty recommend replacement with rear subframe replacement. This is a very well known issue and is not covered under recall from manufacturer. It will cost $3200 for brake line repair alone, not including the subframe. This is an extreme safety hazard and a common problem that has been acknowledged by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID 11707695 · filed Dec 30, 2025

Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are extremely rusted, and I was advised that I could lose braking control if they are not replaced immediately. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,000. I have been a long-time owner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and part of the Mercedes-Benz family. However, I am now deeply concerned about the safety of myself, my family, and others on the road due to this severe corrosion issue, which I believe may be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue and provide assistance, as the failure of these critical components poses a serious safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [Phone: [XXX] ] [Email: [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11689944 · filed Sep 26, 2025
All 14 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brake lines rust and corrode at the plastic support clips. Brake lines are not made from quality materials. Suffrage also corroded. Suffrage was changed by dealer though when vehicle was returned the Brake lines were broken. Car entered Suffrage service with brake lines intact, rusted i wouldn't doubt but intact. When returned after changing Suffrage, brake line was broken and leaking brake fluid. Extremely dangerous to return vehicle with broken brake lines and expected Owner to drive away with no brakes. Changing brake lines was offered at a cost of $4000 but the lines were not broken upon dropping off for service. Brake lines should be warrantied and changed to a less corrosive material. Engine mounts fail and cause vibration.

NHTSA ID 11683488 · filed Aug 27, 2025

I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Mercedes years 2009-2011 E50, that it was a recall on the water drain system. Also, on 01/17/23 my sunroof was working without any problems, I attempted to close it and it stop midday and i hear the motor working, but the sunroof did not move, I did more research and found a recall on the bonding glue for sunroof and the glass was detached without warning. Even though my vehicle is not on the recall list, my car is having the same exacts problems and issues and reported by NHTSA. I would appreciate as response or advice to solve these problems, right now my car is a safety hazard to myself and other drivers. thank you for cooperation in this matter in advance. My Case from Corporate Mercedes Customer Care#[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11502501 · filed Jan 18, 2023
All 13 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are extremely rusted, and I was advised that I could lose braking control if they are not replaced immediately. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,000. I have been a long-time owner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and part of the Mercedes-Benz family. However, I am now deeply concerned about the safety of myself, my family, and others on the road due to this severe corrosion issue, which I believe may be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue and provide assistance, as the failure of these critical components poses a serious safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [Phone: [XXX] ] [Email: [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11689944 · filed Sep 26, 2025

While driving at approximately 55mph on the highway, I was required to brake for a merging vehicle who decided to make a lane change at the last second. I used my breaks, and my car did not break correctly. Instead, the car pulled the the right and locked up, it felt as though I had lost control of the car. When I went to my mechanic, I thought it was a break issue. Instead, it turns out the whole rear sub frame had rusted. When researching this issue, I found many other similar experiences. The harm that this part failure lead to was extreme. This could have been deadly. This is a safety issue that the manufacturer does not address.

NHTSA ID 11559920 · filed Dec 13, 2023
All 11 reports naming steering

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Broken rear sub frame.

NHTSA ID 11630893 · filed Dec 16, 2024

I OWN THE CAR FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS. SO FAR I HAD TO REPLACE 7 TIRES, MERCEDES IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM ARE THE ROADS IN MICHIGAN. THESE TIRES ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES, I DO NOT FILL SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY TO BUY TIRE AND WHEEE INSURANCE. I AM 66 YEARS OLD AND HAD MANY CARS BUT I HAVE NOT HAVE THESE KINDE OF TIRE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 10935446 · filed Dec 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would occasionally become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the power steering fluid was previously refilled. The air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an unusual amount of smoke coming from under the hood occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid might have leaked. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID 11606731 · filed Aug 6, 2024

Purchased vehicle May 22, 2023 at Direct Auto Sales of Orlando, Florida. Approximately two and a half weeks later the subframe broke away from the support arm rendering the vehicle in an inoperable and unsafe condition. A local mechanic said this vehicle should not have been driven. He said we could have been in an accident and suffered severe injuries or even death. Mercedes Benz of South Orlando inspected the vehicle and reported the subframe, fuel tank, front and rear axles, exhaust system, support arms, motor mounts, etc need replacing. Cost is $30,000. How could anyone fail to see damage this extensive.and not report it.

NHTSA ID 11532967 · filed Jul 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Without an impact or collision, my car's passenger seat headrest shot out. I've been checking and others have done this as well. This morning, the driver's side headrest shot out without impact or collision. There is something wrong with the mechanism or airbags for the headrests. This can be extremely dangerous when in motion....

NHTSA ID 11753259 · filed Jul 28, 2026

I was pulling up the passenger seat to put something in the backseat of my parked car. The headrest unexpectedly deployed and a small plastic piece broke off. Now I am fearful this could happen when driving the car, potentially harming myself or others. A witness saw what happened. There was no warning.

NHTSA ID 11464681 · filed May 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHY WAS I CHARGED 190.00 TO DIAGNOSE A SAFETY FEATURE, THEN IN ORDER TO NOT LOSE MY MONEY, I HAD IT REPLACED BECAUSE THE MESSAGE WAS DRIVING ME CRAZY. FOR 302.61 I NOTIFIED YOUR TEAM AND I HAVE NO HEARD ANYTHING FROM ANYONE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MB USA... FOR ALL I KNOW, THE SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN RESET. THEY ARE NO HELP EITHER... I WASN'T LOOKING FOR A RECALL OR A CAMPAIGN. MY ACURA SEAT BELT WOULDN'T RETRACT WAS REPLACED FOR FREE SOME TIME A GO. AND THERE WAS NO RECALL

NHTSA ID 11340626 · filed Jul 21, 2020

AS I STARTED UP LAST WEEK I AM RECEIVING A PRE-SAFE SRS INOPERATIVE MESSAGE - I CALLED THE DEALER AND I FEEL WITH THIS BEING A SAFETY FEATURE I SHOULD NOT HAVE BE CHARGED FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC, BUT I DID ON JUNE 19. TURNS OUT ITS THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND ITS GOING COST ME CLOSE TO 500. IF I DON'T GET THE WORK DONE IN 30 DAYS, MY 190.00 GOES TO WASTE- YEARS AGO, IN MY ACURA MY SEAT BELT BROKE, IT WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE DUE TO IT BEING SAFETY EQUIPMENT- I DON'T WANT TO PAY UNTIL IT IS CONFIRMED IT SHOULD BE NO CHARGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 11330277 · filed Jun 23, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON TWO OCCASIONS (ONCE FROM A STOP AND ONCE WHILE MOVING AT 30 MPH) I HAVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY AND THE CAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. BOTH TIMES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DISABLED, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOVEMENT BUT I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COULD PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT THE RPM GAUGE NEEDLE MOVING. THERE WAS A REAL DANGER OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I WAS SLOWING DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND RESTARTED IF AFTER ABOUT 6 SECONDS. ONCE I RESTARTED EVERYTHING RETURNED TO NORMAL. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR IN WHICH I LOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL SPEED BY PRESSING THE GAS TOO HARD. I AM TOLD IT IS SOME TYPE OF "SAFETY" FEATURE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION ("LIMP HOME MODE") BUT I FIND IT TO BE VERY DANGEROUS. I WOULD RATHER DESTROY A TRANSMISSION AND HAVE THE CAR RESPOND TO MY COMMANDS THEN HAVE A COMPUTER DECIDE TO TURN OFF THE ACCELERATOR WHILE I AM DRIVING AND RISK A REAR END COLLISION. I SEE SOME SIMILAR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTRANET FOR MERCEDES.

NHTSA ID 10807091 · filed Nov 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHEN AT A STOP SIGN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ID 10861126 · filed Jul 27, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The passenger front air bag malfunction,the passenger seat head rest deployed and And malfunction with any incident,the driver air bag is light on malfunction.after I took it to the dealership radio stop working no audio

NHTSA ID 11561802 · filed Dec 26, 2023

I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Mercedes years 2009-2011 E50, that it was a recall on the water drain system. Also, on 01/17/23 my sunroof was working without any problems, I attempted to close it and it stop midday and i hear the motor working, but the sunroof did not move, I did more research and found a recall on the bonding glue for sunroof and the glass was detached without warning. Even though my vehicle is not on the recall list, my car is having the same exacts problems and issues and reported by NHTSA. I would appreciate as response or advice to solve these problems, right now my car is a safety hazard to myself and other drivers. thank you for cooperation in this matter in advance. My Case from Corporate Mercedes Customer Care#[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11502501 · filed Jan 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

the vendor is supplying tires that guaranteed fit for vehicles that are lower than the load specified for the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11433667 · filed Sep 20, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A CRACK FLANGE IN THE WHEEL CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE WHEELS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEELS WERE ALSO CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WHEEL CRACKED, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 2/25/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED FOUR TIRE AND RIM FAILURES. UPDATED 03/02/15

NHTSA ID 10673094 · filed Jan 16, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ E350A. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR THAT WAS DAMAGED DURING THE CRASH CAUSED THE AIR BAG WIRING TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ID 10644764 · filed Oct 15, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME OVERHEATED AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT CUSHION AND THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,890. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10888754 · filed Jul 26, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .