2018 Mercedes-Benz E400

I am filing this complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 26V216 for my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the recalled driveshaft/universal-joint component failed, rendering the vehicle undriveable. At essentially the same time, the steering became effectively frozen and I could not steer normally. The recall materials I received warned of sudden loss of drive power, but did not warn of possible steering loss. The recall notice did not give an actual earliest repair date. Instead, it stated that I could take the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for repair at no cost. My disabled vehicle was taken to Mercedes-Benz of Orland Park on XXX, and I was provided a loaner that day. I was then told the corrected remedy was unavailable and might not be available until approximately XXX. The dealer discussed repair costs of approximately $9,000-$10,000, plus about $6,000 more if steering damage is confirmed. I was also told an available/older OEM driveshaft could potentially be installed if I paid for the repair while the corrected recall remedy remained unavailable. The dealer later requested return of the loaner while my vehicle remained undriveable. I escalated the matter to Mercedes-Benz USA and sent a formal demand on XXX, with a three-day response deadline. As of XXX, I had not received a substantive resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate the unavailable free remedy, adequacy of the recall notice, proposed paid repair, remedy delay, whether steering loss is an undisclosed consequence of Recall 26V216, whether stronger interim warnings were required, and whether Mercedes-Benz should provide continuous alternate transportation until the corrected remedy is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765914

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11763114

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

The driver-side seat belt retractor on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 (W213) has failed to fully retract, leaving significant slack across the driver's chest and lap. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed seat belt motor. This component is part of the vehicle's electronic PRE-SAFE system. Because the belt no longer retracts into its stowed position or maintains tension, the vehicle is in a state of non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209 (Seat Belt Assemblies). Specifically, it fails to meet the retraction requirements necessary to ensure the webbing properly locates on the occupant's body. Furthermore, the failure of the motor disables the PRE-SAFE tensioning function, which is a critical safety system. Despite being a safety component and the vehicle being less than 10 years old, the manufacturer has refused to remedy this safety defect under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A non-retracting seat belt is an unreasonable risk to safety as it increases the probability of injury or ejection during a crash.

NHTSA ID

11715242

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

The rear backup camera intermittently will open for a second, display the rear view (when in reverse), then immediately closes. This often happens after the trunk has been opened / closed, as when we go shopping and put items in the trunk. Sometimes it resets when you turn off the ignition and restart the car.

NHTSA ID

11710180

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding the loss of safety-related and remote vehicle features on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 due to discontinued cellular connectivity between Mercedes-Benz and T-Mobile, effective 12/31/2025. This vehicle is paid for, has low mileage, and is otherwise in excellent condition. However, Mercedes-Benz has notified owners that key features will stop working, including remote start and safety-related services accessed through the Mercedes-Me app. As a consumer, I pay a monthly subscription for these services. This is the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle I have owned where features were removed after purchase due to technology decisions made by the manufacturer and its partners. In addition, the app has been unreliable for a significant period of time, often failing to function properly even while the subscription was active. Rather than correcting the issue, the service is now being eliminated entirely. As a woman who travels, the loss of safety features is a serious concern. These systems were a factor in my decision to purchase this vehicle and brand. The removal of functionality reduces vehicle safety, usefulness, and value, leaving the consumer to absorb the loss or install third-party systems. I am not seeking reimbursement. I am seeking accountability. Vehicles should not lose safety or core functionality while still within their reasonable service life. Consumers should not bear the consequences of manufacturer technology decisions made years after purchase. I believe this issue impacts many owners and raises concerns about vehicle safety, consumer protection, and long-term support of installed systems.

NHTSA ID

11705220

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The digital dash, which shows my speed, mileage, engine temperature, rims and fuel level goes blank. Then comes on for a few seconds and goes dark again. Vehicle only has 43k miles. MB dealer said this is not uncommon condition with the 2018 mb e400. Car is not safe to drive. MB dealer wants $6,100.00 to replace the unit. A software reboot will not work.

NHTSA ID

11688398

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Majesty Solus, Tire Size: 245/40/ZR19, DOT Number: 1Y07TYCJ9. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that tread on the front tires were blistering. The cause of the failure had not yet been determined. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front tires had failed and needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tires were replacement tires. The tire failure mileage was 4,000. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11670209

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

This is NOT about my car with the VIN that I described. It is to report that my car saved my life thanks to ability to brake by itself when detecting accident. 2 months ago I almost collided with Tesla Cybertruck!. The reason that I almost was hit was that Tesla driver didn't yield at the intersection, and I did not see the fast-coming truck AT ALL because of how it is designed. I'm referring to lack of larger front, side and rear reflectors, etc. Existing lights are tiny, hidden and invisible at certain angles and lighting. Driver did not turn headlights on making this truck totally invisible because of its color, stainless steel that's grey and matching the color of light at that time of a day. I am very surprised that a vehicle like Tesla Cybertruck received certification to be driven on US public roads since it does not have a single reflector, red or orange, on either side or the rear/ front of the vehicle that's easily visible at all times and weather conditions endangering all public on the road. I would like to file a formal complaint against Tesla, DOT, NHTSA. Please inform me about the formal way of filing a complaint and all necessary forms that I will need to do so. This is in the best interest of all drivers, passengers and anybody who may get hurt or killed by this non-compliant vehicle. I have contacted Tesla via letter about 2 months ago but have not received any response from car Manufacturer who ultimately is responsible for designing dangerous vehicle, and DOT and other Agencies for issuing certification for a non-compliant vehicle. [XXX] [XXX] ph. [XXX] email; [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11617993

Incident

Jul 25, 2024

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.

Complaint Red coolant warning in instrument cluster. Fault codes U019F00 or U019F87 current/stored in MRG1 control unit. Cause Various causes Remedy Perform guided test for fault code U019F with XENTRY diagnosis. Verify the following connections are clean and tight. Correct any problems and retest pump actuation: ‑12V plug at M75/11 ‑48V plug at M75/11 ‑48V connector X192/4 ‑Connections at 48V fuse box F153/2 ‑Sockets 1,2, and 5 at connector 2 of MRG1 control unit ‑M75/11 circuit 41 ground If actuation and above connections are OK, but resistance between M75/11 and engine block is less than 2 ohms or heat shield touching coolant pump, proceed with below steps. 1‑Modify engine insulation per attached instructions. 2‑Remove engine control module and measure continuity within control unit between connector 2 pin 1 and connector 6 pin 2. 2a‑If open circuit is found, replace engine control unit (MRG1) and perform initial startup. Refer to XENTRY parts information group 54/054 item 300. 3‑Clear faults and verify M75/11 operating normally.

Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units. N45 or N15/7 ‑ All‑wheel drive (ARS) N127 ‑ 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 ‑ Transmission control for 9‑gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 ‑ Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present: Process them as per the guided test in Xentry. If no faults are present: 2. Check the transmission oil level If the oil level is correct: 3. Unplug the connector for the transfer cases control unit and reassess the vehicle on a subsequent test drive If the complaint no longer occurs with the control unit disconnected: 4. Perform an oil change of the transfer case according to WIS specifications ‑ Collect an oil sample of the original fluid 5. Complete all transfer case Tech‑in processes located under VG Control Unit > Adaptations ‑ Resetting the oil service data ‑ Calibration of N15/7 5. Perform road test of vehicle to bring transmission to operating temperature (>60C ) 6. Operate vehicle in full circle with steering at full lock ‑ 5x to the left ‑ 5x to the right Return the vehicle to the client and request they drive the vehicle for at least 200 miles and return if the concern is not resolved. The extended drive will ensure the clutches are properly conditioned with the new oil and should resolve the concern. If this LI has already been applied to the vehicle, please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain inbox with the following information: ‑ Initial quick test with fault freeze frame data ‑ Initial transmission EEPROM data ‑ VGS and Transfer Case Control Unit Log (N45 or N15/7) ‑ Special Acquisition Data .txt file (Transfer Case Control Unit > Special Procedures > Procedures for support queries to market support > Special Data Acquisition) ‑ Photo of the original oil condition ‑ What color was the fluid drained from the transfer case before the oil change? ‑ Was an oil sample collected, and can you provide a photo of the original fluid? ‑ What color and part number fluid was used during the oil change? ‑ How far was the vehicle driven after?

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!