2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 Owner Complaints

The rear subframe is defective and subject to premature corrosion and failure of parts that connect to the rear suspension. Due to the fracturing of the joints connecting to the suspension, my car was at risk of going out of control when needing to brake at higher speeds. The way the suspension component broke also risked damage to the gas tank if the car was driven over a large bump or pot hole. The problem was diagnosed by an independent repair service. The corrosion is not visible to an owner. It does not impact any body panels - only structural parts visible when the vehicle is on a lift. Mercedes Benz has provided an extended warranty for unlimited miles and 20 years to any owner of this model for a range of years and models. This was communicated to Mercedes Benz dealerships on March 10, 2023. However, since the vehicle is not subject to recall, I do not know how this was communicated to an owner. I did not receive anything alerting me to the problem. Mercedes Benz has my phone number on file.

NHTSA ID

11750938

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner

NHTSA ID

11724811

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

Fuel odor is very apparent (while idle) but difficult to identify location. Same models seem to have recalls for fuel injectors/rails but not this specific VIN. I believe the issue might be of similar recall. I will have the car diagnosed soon.

NHTSA ID

11713777

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to a recall for potential reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11703257

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

Since May 2024, I had taken my car in for repairs at 3 different shops for same exact issue diagnosed as leak from air intake system. It has been repaired 7 times since it first occurred in May 2024, and unfortunately it is still not resolved. This is a potential danger to the driver because all of a sudden there will be loud noise from the engine, car will start misfiring and slow down the speed. The previous 3 attempts of repair were made at Mercedes Benz of West Covina. The car is non drivable at the moment.

NHTSA ID

11620163

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed • *Mercedes PRE-SAFE failed • *Blind Spot Assist failed • *Lane Keeping Assist failed • *Adaptive Highbeam Assist failed • *Mileage was not displaying on the dash • Car would not shut off as I pushed the off button when I managed to eventually stop • *Climate temperature sensor reaching temps of 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Q2: I lost control of the vehicle while driving on the highway at relevant speeds. I was unable to safely stop for some time. If this had been at night, the issue would have been even more dangerous. This car has previously slammed on the brakes erroneously (no visually perceived danger of a forward collision). These previous brake slamming issues happened once in a traffic jam on the highway and once on a main road. Q3: Not that I know of or remember, no. Q4: Before this latest incident, I have previously left my car at the dealership’s workshop to be inspected for some relevant issues and concerns that I have had. It was there for almost 2 months on one occasion. Q5: There was only one warning lamp on the instrument cluster related to the collision prevention assist being inoperative. This message has been on the dash for maybe a year or more. The times it previously slammed on the brakes erroneously, no messages were on the dash.

NHTSA ID

11619351

Incident

Oct 8, 2024

The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car

NHTSA ID

11603751

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

I believe there is faulty wiring in the door speaker front passenger side. It causes crackling and humming. It lessens some when you turn ECO off. Concerned it could ignite a fire. Once told by dealer it’s caused by rain going into the door. Next time told that just to look at the problem would be around $600 because it has steel doors??

NHTSA ID

11600873

Incident

Apr 20, 2024

Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not work, and a license plate light not functioning. Dealership wants an additional $1500 to replace these (2) lights. Vehicle has low mileage at 60,000 and was purchased with 35,000 under MB CPO program. I am very disappointed in Mercedes Benz and have never had so many quality and safety issues with any of my prior E-Classes before. I contacted MBUSA and opened up a Executive Care Escalations Case [XXX}. There was no warning lights of the impending safety feature. The level of rust on the sub frame is horrifying, and this vehicle should never have been sold to me under MB CPO. In addition, the vehicle engine is leaking oil in multiple places and could catch fire in any moment. I have never seen so many issues on a vehicle with low mileage, especially with a Mercedes. Dealer is refusing to assist with cost, and wants 2K+ to replace engine gaskets. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11592509

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

Recently (April 2024) we've noticed water drops forming on the inside of the vehicle along the top of the front windshield after a rain. Pushing outward along the top inside of the windshield glass indicates some movement of the glass. This applies all along the top inside of the windshield and not just one spot or area. So far, we have only observed water drops and have not observed any water pooling or puddling yet. We have not yet contacted a dealer; however we have conducted online research that strongly suggests that the windshield urethane adhesive seal is failing. Additional online information suggests that Mercedes had identified windshield urethane adhesive seal batch issues with certain 2016 E350 models. There have been no warning lamps or indicators from the vehicle. We have not observed any vehicle performance issues other than hearing a slight general whistling sound while driving at highway speeds above 55 mph, but that has been unchanged for years so it is likely not related to the windshield seal. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles on the odometer, and we are the second owners, having purchased it as a certified pre-owned vehicle with about 10,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11587218

Incident

Apr 5, 2024

We have been getting water in the front passenger compartment below the door area, after rain. We took it to our mechanic, who determined that the windshield integrity has been compromised along the top area in front of the passenger dash. Apparently the seal has separated, allowing water to enter the vehicle. Our mechanic stated that the safety of the vehicle has been compromised and the windshield needs to be removed and re-glued. We are currently waiting for an appointment with a glass specialist to have this repaired, as there does not seem to be a recall listed. Several months ago we had the drain(s) cleared and thought this would solve the problem, but it did not.

NHTSA ID

11574053

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

I received a letter from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC located at 1 Mercedes-Benz drive Sandy springs Georgia 30328 phone number 800-367-6372. This letter advised me of the extension of warranty coverage on the rear subframe of my vehicle to 20 years with unlimited mileage cover. I call my local Mercedes dealership where I purchased the vehicle to inquire about the severity of this problem. I specifically inquired as to whether this presented a safety concern or not. I was advised that the rear sub frame is the mechanism that holds the rear end of the car to the frame which if deteriorated enough would cause the rear end to separate from the frame resulting in problems with maneuvering the vehicle. Once I was advised of this I requested an appointment to go in and have the rear sub frame inspected to see exactly where the deterioration stands on this vehicle. In my opinion this is a definite safety concern and should have been classified as a recall rather than just a warranty extension. I was granted an appointment to have my subframe inspected tomorrow afternoon for which I specifically requested whether I would be charged or not and was advised I would not. I request that this be looked into by your agency as I do consider this a real safety factor. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11544258

Incident

Sep 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off inside the garage, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked fuel filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel filter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11541935

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Mileage

48,000 mi

I was driving my husband's 2016 E350 at 45 mph when the car accelerated. I attempted to control the speed by braking but the brake did not respond well. The steering wheel was also loose. The car sped up and turned left to the opposite side of the road, crossed the two lanes and hit the fence followed by a tree. The car was totaled, and the tree broke down at its branches. I survived the crush with two fractures on my back and on my left thumb.

NHTSA ID

11540330

Incident

Aug 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver’s side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was then taken to a collision center where it was diagnosed that the windshield bonding had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID

11532092

Incident

Apr 26, 2023

Mileage

39,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test, and the mechanic stated that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts availability. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA ID

11503472

Incident

Nov 18, 2022

Mileage

63,000 mi

I was driving on North Shepherd Drive in Houston, TX, at a speed of approximately 35 MPH. While I was lightly braking to slow down for an upcoming intersection where I wished to turn, the car flashed 2 error lights--Frontal Collision Avoidance System Inoperable, and Traction Control System Inoperable. At that moment, the car began to accelerate out of my control. It began to accelerate at a pace comparable to a full-throttle acceleration. At that moment, I turned off the vehicle and coasted to the side of the road. After a moment, I turned the car back on, electrical components responded as normal. However, there was a fluttering movement on the RPM levels on the tachymeter--even at idle levels.

NHTSA ID

11491143

Incident

Oct 27, 2022

The car was in for (Aug 2022) annual safety and emissions state (PA) inspection and normal maintenance. Last performed Aug 2021. I was told that the car failed safety inspection because the Rear SubFrame had rusted through. A hole was present not just surface rust. The car has 58,000 miles and garage kept. The car was just (June 2022) in for all 4 wheel brakes replaced along with 4 tires. There hasn’t been any recall on this and they quoted Repair price of$5,400 and expect me to pay $1,000 towards that replace and repair. My question is clearly this is an inferior part. I’ve since investigated that recalls have been issued for the C model but not on the E which I own. If my car was in for inspection 12 mos ago and in for brakes 3 mos ago how long did it take to rust through? We’re talking about a hole not surface rust. I can’t believe that the hole just appeared anyway but within the time last safety inspection occurred. Why do I maintain the service recommendations and have safety concern that the manufacture will not own up to and that me and my family are at risk of an accident. I’n fact the service manager admitted that he is seeing more and more of theses failures.

NHTSA ID

11482740

Incident

Aug 9, 2022

I have the similar issue with my sun roof as described by this entry found on your website below: Started developing (April 2021) a rattle in car's roof along with occasional metal popping sound coming from rear of car. Continued to get worse. Then rattle stopped for a while and so did the metal popping sound. Now ( August, 2021)it sounds like there is a bolt loose in the sunroof area and the metal popping sound is really loud and I think coming from roof. Most of the time when car body twist, like going up a slight incline at an angle when entering a parking lot this incredible loud popping sound resonates throughout the entire car body. Played around on Mercedes website and it appears that Mercedes has problems with sunroof bolts coming loose. This is a safety defect -- if sunroof comes lose at 70 mph it is going to fly off and hurt or kill someone. Also strength of roof is compromised and if have accident where roof protection is needed it will probably fail.

NHTSA ID

11473947

Incident

Jan 3, 2022

Someone ran a stop sign traveling at at least 30 mph and hit my car twice; once in the front, once in the rear. I hit my face on the steering wheel, was knocked unconscious, and received a concussion. The airbags never deployed.

NHTSA ID

11464578

Incident

May 9, 2022

Windshield separation from body of car causing water intrusion and water damage on headliner and electrical components.

NHTSA ID

11460939

Incident

Apr 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while shifting between the lower gears, the vehicle would shift roughly resulting in the vehicle jerking while driving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11448342

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

Mileage

107,000 mi

My car's windshield at first started to leak. I took the car to the dealer and was informed that leaky windshields are not covered by the warranty. I took no further action as we were still in a COVID restricted environment and the need for the car was low. As my company started to return to the office I have begun using the car more and have now observed that windshield adhesion to the frame has now deteriorated. The car has approximately 41K miles at which I would not expect the windshield to be unglued. I was also recently made aware that there is a similar problem affecting other MB 2020 vehicles, which I do not find to be a coincidence. My car will now require a full windshield replacement and MB is refusing to discuss it.

NHTSA ID

11442224

Incident

Nov 19, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was an oil burning odor present inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine drive belts were faulty, and corrosion was present on the motor mounts. The vehicle was not yet repaired. In addition, the HVAC system was faulty causing mold and mildew to build up inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11440184

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

55,000 mi

Re-Seal Upper Timing Covers of the cylinder head timing covers are seeping. 2016 E350 has less thank 19k on it. The fluids can potentially leak onto the roads causing a hazard, it is also a fire hazard, as well as an environmental issue. This was identified by Revolution Mercedes in Decatur, GA. After reading some forums, I have seen where others are having similar issues and believe this should be addressed.

NHTSA ID

11435866

Incident

Oct 7, 2021