2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Owner Complaints

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

The seat belts do not retract when taking them off.

NHTSA ID

11569129

Incident

Jan 31, 2024

1) Car pushed forward while parking @ 3-4 miles/per hour Car was totaled 2) Air bags did not deploy 3) Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer 4) Component was not confirmed by manufacturer. Police was present, reported to Insurance 5) While crashing through a store front, the Lane changing warning was displayed

NHTSA ID

11556284

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

Alternator failed on my E400 cabriolet 23,000 miles resulting in car shutting down while engine running. Required a tow to dealer service area, 35 miles away.

NHTSA ID

11544035

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Backup camera does not work sometimes. A picture of the camera with a slash mark across it comes up on a black command screen. This is a big safety issue when I back up

NHTSA ID

11542077

Incident

Aug 28, 2023

Two problems: 1. Axel grease found on carport cement multiple times. Mercedes refuses to look at the wheel bearings or axel. 2. Automatic steering wheel adjustment makes clunking noise. Mercedes refuses to replace until it fails. Both of those items should be covered under warranty which I think is why they refuse to fix them.

NHTSA ID

11540551

Incident

Aug 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the message "Inoperable Headlight" was displayed, and the passenger's side headlight became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to dealer who added an unknown gas inside the headlight. However, the failure reoccurred with the driver's side headlight six months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who added the unknown gas inside the headlight, however, the failure reoccurred months later with the passenger's side. The contact stated that the failure persisted with both the driver's side and the passenger's side headlights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that there was water leaking inside the headlights and they could not replace the headlights because the manufacturer would not cover the cost of the repair. The dealer informed the contact that he would need to pay a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,700.

NHTSA ID

11495188

Incident

May 28, 2020

Mileage

23,700 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE SMELLING A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AUTOMATIC DRIVING WAS ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE TO HIGHER SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PRESS THE VEHICLES BRAKES OBSESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE'S SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ALSO FAILED TO ROTATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER WAS OBSERVING THE VEHICLE THEY FOUND THE ENGINE TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK 4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 3307; (954) 406-1167) WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11407108

Incident

Dec 4, 2020

Mileage

21,000 mi

FRONT SEATBELTS DON'T RETRACT.

NHTSA ID

11405488

Incident

Aug 8, 2019

ON MY CABRIOLET, THE CORDS THAT ATTACH THE HEADLINER TO THE ROOF FRAY, CAUSING THE TOP TO NOT BE ABLE TO CLOSE OR OPEN. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE FOR THE SAME ISSUE, AND CORDS ARE FRAYED AGAIN, SO THIS WILL BE THIRD TRIP. MERCEDES HAS A "FIX" FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT THE FIX DOES NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID

11405487

Incident

Oct 20, 2019

ON MAY 30, 2020, AROUND 3 PM, MY SON WAS THE DRIVER AND MY WIFE AND I WERE THE PASSENGERS DRIVING IN JERSEY CITY, NJ (USA). WHILE CHANGING LANES ON THE ROAD, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND IT SHOWED A CAR WITH ZIG ZAG LINES AND STATED INOPERABLE. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN A DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WITH CARS GOING AROUND US. THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WE TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR MANY TIMES WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COMING ON AND STATING INOPERABLE. AFTER A LITTLE WHILE, WE WERE ABLE TO PLACE IT IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH THE CAR TO SAFETY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHILE STILL BLOCKING A LANE. WE THEN CALLED THE MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER WHERE A TECHNICIAN TRIED TO HELP US VIA TELEPHONE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND FINALLY 2 HOURS LATER, WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THE FAMILY HAD TO TAKE UBER HOME. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO RAY CATENA MERCEDES IN UNION, NJ, USA AND WE RECEIVED A CALL THIS MORNING THAT THEY WILL INSPECT IT LATER ON TODAY. THE REASON I AM BRINGING THIS INCIDENT TO YOUR ATTENTION IS THAT THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE WERE NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY INJURIES BUT WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE AWARE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO ANY OTHER MERCEDES OWNER AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IN NATURE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327065

Incident

May 30, 2020

Mileage

22,777 mi

GOING THRU INTERSECTION AT FLANDERS RD AND MONTAUK HIGHWAY IN HAMPTON BAYS NY AT 15-20 MPH THE CAR WITHOUT ANY WARNING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP

NHTSA ID

11296816

Incident

Dec 26, 2019

Mileage

15,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E400C. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V850000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEVERLY HILLS AT 310-659-2980 (LOCATED AT 9250 BEVERLY BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TR *JB

NHTSA ID

11220714

Incident

Nov 27, 2018

I WAS DRIVING IN THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE TRAVELING FROM MIAMI I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO GO TO THE RESTROOM AND WHEN I CAME BACK MY CAR HAD A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD TO GET THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE GAS STATION, OPENED THE HOOD AND PUT DOWN THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. MY CONCERN WAS NOT JUST MY SAFETY BUT THE FACT THAT I WAS SO CLOSE TO THE GAS STATION. THERE WAS 0 WARNING AND NO ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR FROM THE CAR BEFORE THIS.

NHTSA ID

11164363

Incident

Dec 30, 2018

Mileage

6,500 mi

WINDSHIELD WAS STRUCK BY A ROCK AND AN INCH HORIZONTAL CRACK HAS SINCE POPPED UP. CAR WAS PURCHASED 06/28. HAD MANY CARS BEFORE & NEVER HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD. GM & CHRYSLER. THIS IS MY FIRST FOREIGN MADE CAR & LOW AND BEHOLD, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKS AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A ROCK. THIS IS A QUALITY ISSUE WITH MB.

NHTSA ID

11115056

Incident

Jul 31, 2018

Mileage

430 mi

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 4MATIC WAGON WITH PREMIUM PACKAGE 3 THAT INCLUDES ALL OF THE AVAILABLE DRIVER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (SEMI AUTONOMOUS STEERING, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE KEEP ASSISTANCE, BLINDSPOT DETECTION, AUTOMATIC PARKING ASSIST, CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT). ACCORDING TO MERCEDES, THE PROGRAM TITLED DRIVE PILOT WITH STEER ASSIST, IS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE WHEN THERE ARE LANE MARKINGS OR EVEN FOLLOW A CAR AHEAD IF THERE ARE NO LANE MARKINGS. WELL, THIS SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE. IT CAN'T STAY CENTERED IN THE LANE, INSTEAD IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE PLAYING A GAME OF PONG GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE LANE MARKERS. THAT IS, WHEN IT WORKS. WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK (MOST OF THE TIME), YOU WILL BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT SUDDENLY STARTS DRIFTING OUT OF THE LANE TO FOLLOW THE CURVE OF AN OFF RAMP OR IT SUDDENLY DISABLES ITSELF BECAUSE IT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LANE MARKINGS ARE. THERE'S NO AUDIBLE WARNING OR BIG VISUAL CUE THE STEER ASSIST HAS ENDED, JUST A TINY LITTLE STEERING WHEEL ICON IN THE HEAD UP DISPLAY TURNS FROM GREEN TO GRAY. MERCEDES ADVERTISED THIS SYSTEM TO BE BETTER THAN OR AT LEAST ON PAR WITH TESLA'S AUTOPILOT, YET IT CAN'T READ STOP LIGHTS, CAN'T EVEN STAY IN WELL MARKED LANES AND COMBINED WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL THAT HAS NO WAY OF CHANGING HOW QUICKLY IT ACCELERATES, FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS OUT OF CONTROL. WHAT I FIND EVEN MORE DISAPPOINTING IS THAT THE MERCEDES APPARENTLY WILL NOT BE GIVEN SOFTWARE UPDATES TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM UNLIKE TESLA WHO IS CONSTANTLY PROVIDING THEIR VEHICLES WITH OVER THE AIR UPDATES. IF MERCEDES CAN'T DO OTA UPDATES FINE, BUT THEY MUST UPDATE THESE CARS ARE THE DEALERS. I FEEL LIKE THIS SYSTEM DESPERATELY NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO BE EVEN MARGINALLY FUNCTIONAL. DEALER HAS NO CLUE ABOUT THESE ISSUES BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS ONE OF THE ONLY ONES ORDERED WITH ALL OF THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

NHTSA ID

11100119

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

Mileage

1,250 mi