Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jan 1, 2017 to Sep 12, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V-072 | Feb 12, 2021 | On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles | Communication | 67 | Inspection |
| 21V-058 | Feb 5, 2021 | Software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the… | Communication | 1,292,258 | Software update |
| 20V-449 | Jul 31, 2020 | Software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light… | Electrical system | 56 | Software update |
| 18V-271 | Apr 27, 2018 | Headlight horizontal adjustment screws on these vehicles may not be properly sealed behind a non-removable sealing cap to keep headlights from… | Lighting | 42 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-151 | Mar 6, 2018 | These vehicles may have misadjusted headlights, possibly resulting in the low beam headlights insufficiently illuminating the roadway | Lighting | 28 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-714 | Nov 14, 2017 | Transistor within the power steering control unit may overheat resulting in the power steering system being disabled | Steering | 72 | Part replacement |
| 17V-574 | Sep 19, 2017 | These vehicles have electrical power steering control units with improperly welded contact pins | Steering | 4 | Part replacement |
| 17V-246 | Apr 11, 2017 | Affected vehicles have a roof mounted spoiler that may not be properly attached and thus may detach while driving | Structure | 411 | Part replacement |
| 17V-245 | Apr 11, 2017 | Software for the widescreen instrument cluster may cause the instrument cluster to not display anything on vehicle on startup, or the display may… | Electrical system | 15 | Software update |
| 17V-241 | Apr 11, 2017 | Affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit | Steering | 58,323 | Part replacement |
| 17V-176 | Mar 14, 2017 | Front passenger air bag may not deploy properly if a front seat passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or is laying in the seat with the… | Airbags | 65 | Software update |
| 17V-114 | Feb 23, 2017 | In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter… | Electrical system | 307,629 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-080 | Feb 8, 2017 | Pelvis air bag or the front passenger air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite in the event of a crash | Airbags | 2,112 | Part replacement |
| 17V-078 | Feb 8, 2017 | Affected vehicles may have a damaged steering column-mounted shift lever module | Powertrain | 73 | Part replacement |
| 17V-076 | Feb 8, 2017 | Front passenger occupant detection control unit may have been incorrectly installed | Airbags | 12,456 | Part replacement |
| 16V-758 | Oct 19, 2016 | In the affected vehicles, the rear bench seat frame may contact and damage the wiring harness for the fuel pump, fuel tank pressure sensor or fuel… | Fuel system | 6,858 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
132 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.
The Starting Current Limiter Recall (NHTSA Campaign 16V831000 / 17V114000): If your E-Class failed to start or struggled to crank initially, a defective starting current limiter can severely overheat the electrical lines to the starter, causing nearby components-including the battery assembly and main wiring—to melt and smoke. The above is exactly what happened. I was sitting at a red light and the car shut off and I tried to start it again and smoke started coming out of the right air vent in front of the battery. The wires to the battery were destroyed and part of the battery was melted. This is a certified pre-owned 2017 Mercedes E-300 4-matic. I just had the 100k mile maintenance done 2 months ago. The car is in perfect condition. New battery installed August 2025
NHTSA complaint 11763775My vehicle has about 68k miles, while driving on freeway all of sudden the car engine started to shake and check engine light came on dashboard. This engine shaking would stop when vehicle was being driven at high speed. Upon returning home I checked the DTC codes and had P300, P301 engine misfire codes. My mechanic suggested to have spark plugs and Ignition coil#1 to be changed. I bought new plugs from dealer for the replacement. When my mechanic completed this repair bit noticed vehicle still had misfire. He conducted compression test and found only 20PSI pressure is cylinder 1 and suggested a tear-down or engine replacement. I talked to another shop and described the issue and was informed that this is a common issue in Mercedes E300 to develop misfire in either cylinder 1 or 2. I found similar issues described by many owners on various forums online as well. Currently Mercedes has no recall for this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11754872Sunroof glass shattered water got in the car
NHTSA complaint 11737905There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.
NHTSA complaint 11735276Code P052E after oil changed. seems to happen often judging my forums.
NHTSA complaint 11734140My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000
NHTSA complaint 11732941I’m having issues with my control module not going forward or backwards at times and there was a recall on models of this vehicle for that exact reason NHTSA ID: 17V078000 Issued: Feb 2, 17. Dealership is telling me it’s not open. I’m scared for my safety when my car doesn’t shift in the correct gear. This started in 2021 or 2022 and I’m not getting resolution. When getting my bumper repaired I noticed that this was on the recall list a few years ago. I’ll submit the papers I received form Park Place.
NHTSA complaint 11730864I own a 2017 mercedes benz e-class. I'm starting to smell gasoline in the cabin and also outside of my vehicle. I tried entering my VIN number to see if any recalls. There is something listed for the smell of gas. Can someone help me regarding this matter.
NHTSA complaint 11725111The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for approximately five to ten minutes, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic shift lever had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle from the dealer, and two days later, the same message was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required” was displayed. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
NHTSA complaint 11714019The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while turning. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and to the dealer, but no DTC was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V714000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint 11700877The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor entering the vehicle through the vents, and the odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint 11700674Strong smell of Fuel or exhaust fumes in the cabin, while vehicle is idling, parked or stoped at the light.
NHTSA complaint 11698622The Air bag light just came on when I turned the car on I had it checked by a mechanic and by an electrician. The code is B000113 The Squib For The Driver Airbag (Stage 1) Has A Malfunction. There Is An Open Circuit. They checked the clock spring it’s plugged in and even tried using a new air bag but they believe the clock spring is broken.
NHTSA complaint 11687067See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint 11685111I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding serious and repeated issues with my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, purchased and serviced exclusively by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. 1. Repeated OEM Run-Flat Tire Failures Within the past two years, I have been forced to replace nine OEM run-flat tires, including: • 3 replacements at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, VA • 2 replacements at Goodyear Tires, Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL • 4 additional replacements at certified service centers These failures occur under normal driving conditions, often without visible punctures or road hazards, and at safe speeds. Each tire replacement costs approximately $550, plus towing, diagnostic fees, and rental car costs. The financial and safety burdens are substantial, and this level of tire failure is not normal for any vehicle—particularly a low-mileage, luxury sedan. 2. Electrical/Dashboard Recording Malfunction My dashboard service history fails to record service visits, even when performed at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This is deeply concerning as it compromises vehicle resale value, warranty tracking, and transparency of maintenance records. Despite multiple visits and attempts by service centers, the issue persists without resolution. 3. Financial Impact and Brand Reputation The total cost of repeated tire replacements and unresolved electrical issues has reached several thousand dollars, despite my vehicle having relatively low mileage and receiving all recommended service at authorized dealers. This experience is completely inconsistent with the quality and reliability promised by the Mercedes-Benz brand. I am requesting the following: • Full investigation into the defect rate of OEM run-flat tires on the 2017 E-Class models • Immediate inspection and repair of the dashboard/electrical recording issue at no cost to me • Reimbursement for tire-related costs and associated expenses incurred due to repeated failures.
NHTSA complaint 11680306The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to a higher gear. The contact stated that the transmission was also slipping out of gear, and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was not shifting above second gear. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V078000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint 11660928Mercedes-Benz E300 is affected by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) recall, you might notice these symptoms: - Delayed or rough shifting: The transmission may hesitate or struggle to change gears. - Slipping gears: The car might unexpectedly shift out of gear or fail to stay in the correct gear. - Unresponsive transmission: You may experience difficulty accelerating or feel like the car is stuck in a lower gear. - Warning lights: The check engine or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard. - Limp mode activation: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting speed and performance to prevent further damage.
NHTSA complaint 11660892When using Map apps through CarPlay, I’ve noticed two consistent problems: Inaccurate Vehicle Speed: The carplay speedometor does not match the the actual speedometer of the vehicle, which seems always 1.6 times higher than the actual(seems to be the metric confusion from mph to kmh). GPS Drift: The location shown on the map is frequently ahead of my actual position, which causes navigation directions (especially turns and exits) to be slightly mistimed. However, when the speedometer is correct, the GPS drift issue would disappear automatically. So I assume that these two issues are correlated. These issues can be confusing and potentially unsafe while driving. I’ve tested other navigation apps on CarPlay and found they do exhibit the same behavior, so I suspect the issue may be general to Mercedes E300 and probably other vehicles. I did a bit of research and found it to be a common issue of Mercedes E300 2017. Please see attached link for the threads from MB forum. https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class-x167/843643-wrong-speed-limit-detected.html Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your reply. Best regards
NHTSA complaint 11658033A warning saying Front Right Malfunction Service Required. I took my vehicle to a mercedes dealership to have my vehicle inspected. I was told that the Airbag seat cushion/weight sensing control unit all needed to be repaired/fixed. I have an extended warranty but this was not covered. I was told my Airbag might not be deployed if I was involved in an accident and someone was in my front passenger seat. "No one should ride in the front passenger seat until this situation is taken care of." I feel strongly that this should have been covered, plus it should've been a recall on this. It's a real safety issue!!! This need to be on the recall list for all mercedes or other vehicles with this particular issue.
NHTSA complaint 11649279The instrument panel that displays the digital speed, warning lights, etc. went black suddenly when turning on the car. It came back on suddenly while driving on the highway but after the car was turned off and restarted, the instrument panel has remained black. This is a huge safety issue as there is no warning light indicators, merging lanes does not signal if another car is present, among many other concerns. The vehicle has been inspected by mechanic. There was no warning indicators that instrument panel would go black suddenly. It happened in February 2025.
NHTSA complaint 11648086Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.