2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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
- Electrical913.8%
- Body & structure710.8%
- Visibility710.8%
- Airbags69.2%
- Driver assistance69.2%
- Engine57.7%
- Powertrain (other)57.7%
- Steering57.7%
- Fuel system46.2%
- Brakes34.6%
- Exterior lighting23.1%
- Other / unspecified23.1%
- Seat belts11.5%
- Suspension11.5%
- Tires & wheels11.5%
- Interior & seats11.5%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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??
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WHEN I TRY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK THE CAR IS STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IF THE CAR IS IN REVERSE OR IF THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND YOU USE THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR CHANGE AND GEAR THE VEHICLE DOES NOT CHANGE THE GEAR. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE CERTIFIED PREOWNED FROM MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP IN JULY 2019 THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT CERTIFIED AND THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD HAVE INJURY AND OR DEATH. THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER IS STATING THERE WAS A FAULT CODE WITH THE SHIFTER ATTACHED TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MODULE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAULT. THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HONOR DISREPAIR UNDER A SAFETY MAINTENANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURE. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS MATTER TO MERCEDES-BENZ EXECUTIVE RELATIONS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE LAST YEAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
ON HIGHWAY I FOUND STEERING WHEEL DOWN IS NOT WORKING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MY 2016 MERCEDES E-350, WHICH I BOUGHT 2 YEARS AGO AS A CPO VEHICLE FROM A MERCEDES DEALER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE E-PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER IN MARCH TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED, AND WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I ASSUMED THIS WAS A COVERED REPAIR, ESPECIALLY WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GIVEN ON CERTIFIED VEHICLES, AND THE FACT THE CAR IS FAIRLY NEW AND HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. HOWEVER THE DEALER SAID IT IS NOT COVERED BY MERCEDES AND WOULD COST ME OVER $2500 TO REPAIR. I CONTACTED MERCEDES SUPPORT DIRECTLY, BUT THEY WOULD NOT AGREE TO COVER THIS UNUSUALLY AND COSTLY REPAIR, AS THEY CLAIM (INCORRECTLY) THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, ALTHOUGH I NEVER HAD A PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM FAIL IN THE PAST ON ANY VEHICLE. THIS RAISES A) SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES AS I CAN NO LONGER USE THE PARKING BRAKE, AND B) MERCEDES SHOULD BE OBLIGATED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY PROGRAM TO COVER THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS, SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME GET MERCEDES TO COVER THIS SAFETY NEEDED REPAIR AT THEIR COST, AS THEY SHOULD BE OBLIGATED. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 WAGON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AND WERE VERY DIM. AUTOHAUS PEORIA (2322 VAN WINKLE WAY, PEORIA, IL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR WHEEL CRACKED AT THE BEAD. PARALLEL TO THE AXLE. RIGHT TO LEFT. THIS IS A RESULT OF FATIGUE. AFTER BEING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS THE MOST OF MY LIFE THIS IS NOT ABBUSE.
VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACTS 245/40R18 TIRES THAT CREATES A SIDEWALL BUBBLE/BLISTERS. I REPLACED 2 FRONT TIRES ALREADY WITH VEHICLE MILEAGE LESS THAN 7,500 MILES. NOW BOTH REAR TIRES THAT HAVE LESS THAN 11,000 HAVE BOTH ESTABLISHED SIDEWALL BUBBLES/BLISTERS. ALL TIRES ARE CURRENTLY CONTINENTAL TIRES.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING THRU INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT STILL CRASHED INTO SIDE OF OTHER VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. MY VEHICLE HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT IT DID NOT HOLD ME TO THE SEAT. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST AND HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER SAID I WAS NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH TO DEPLOY AIR BAG. THAT IS NOT TRUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tires have under 7000 miles. Traveling on I75 in Florida the car started to vibrate. I slowed down and was able to make it to a Mercedes dealership. The mechanic informed me that the cords in both rear tires had separated. I had the tires replaced which were not under any warrantee. I have the same tires on the front of the vehicle which I am very concerned about as the mechanic told me I was lucky the tires didn't explode. 245/40r18.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .