What 302 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-benz E-class Cabrio

I brought in my car to M1 Mercedes, Fremont, CA for service after “check engine” light was on and running rough on idle. I told them I started using ethanol (E85) fuel recently but my car is spec for that. The shop replaced spark plugs and ignition coils but the issue didn’t go away. While the car is parked overnight at the shop garage, on Jun 21, 2022, around 11pm, the engine exploded. The incident was caught on camera by the shop. The intake manifold was blown open. The car was tolled to Fletcher Jones Mercedes Fremont, CA (authorized Mercedes dealer) for diagnostic. However, they didn’t offer any solution or attempt to find out what caused the explosion. They offered to replace the intake manifold for $1200. I declined as I believe this is a serious safety issue. What happen if it explodes again? Since the cause of the explosion is not found and address. It could happen again anywhere, anytime. Fletcher Jones Fremont charged me $265 for labor and I tolled my car back home. I attempted to contact Mercedes USA via their website to alert them about this problem and seek resolution. However I never hear back from them. I hope you can help to look into this serious safety issue. Attached please find the blown intake picture and report from M1 Mercedes. I have the explosion video as well.

NHTSA ODI 11487246

Rear subframe crossmember that connects to rear suspension is cracked and rusted resulting in dangerous handling characteristics. Part is severely back-ordered due to volume of consumers facing this problem. When braking hard, car swerves to right and can cross lanes. While this part broke, the car is otherwise rust-free. Brakes have been recently updated. If this is a common complaint, there should be a recall. The severe parts back-order leads me to believe that there are significant failures in the field.

NHTSA ODI 11486713

The subframe on this vehicle is broken I took it to an independent dealer and they said they have never seen anything like this on a car this old. The Mercedes dealer told me that it would cost me $5000 for them to fix it about 3 weeks ago but said it's rusting and beginning to crack. But never said it was something that needed to be addressed immediately. Upon further research it seems to be a common issue on this make and model on the right side. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/e350/2014/2014-mercedesbenz-e350-suspension-problems.php

NHTSA ODI 11486098

There have been three events, all the same. Each time a speaker in a door, while driving, has began to squeal, sputter and the smoke. The first occurred while sitting inside a car wash, with the windows up, obviously. I was able to open the window, drenching myself, but venting the acrid electrical smoke. The second was while driving home from a medical clinic. The third was while driving on the interstate, traveling from my mothers funeral in California to Wisconsin It was 2am, just outside of Vail, Colorado in the rain. My wife was driving, while I slept. I woke to her screaming that the car was on fire, she pulled over, taking advantage of the antilock brakes for the first time ever, striking some type of curb, ultimately not killing us, but we lost another speaker, and a tire and rim. I’m, needless to say, displeased with my expensive European wagon, but Mercedes’ does not consider melting and smoking speakers to be a safety issue. Look online, and you’ll see plenty of videos of people with the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11485540

This issue is pertaining to a 2014 E350 Mercedes Benz. The brake system is in jeopardy. The subframe has rotted and cracked. Mercedes Benz is aware that this is a problem for many of their vehicles. While the right side of the subframe is rusted and beginning to crack, the left side of the subframe is totally rusted and busted out. The vehicle is routinely brought to the Mercedes Benz dealership for maintenance visits. It was making cracking sound in 2021, we brought it in to be serviced for that reason on 11/23/21. This issue was not noted at that time. Mercedes Benz indicated the solution was a lube. The issue persisted post visit. The car is infrequently driven because the primary driver teleworks. We returned the car to the dealership for an assessment 8/6/2022 due to ongoing concerns for our safety. The first indicator that there was a problem was the unfamiliar cracking sound as if the car could snap in half, then hard pulling to the left when braking. There was never a warning light or any other indicator on the dashboard or otherwise. The owners initiated the visit to the Mercedes Benz dealership. Mercedes Benz reported that they did not see the rust when they assessed the car for the cracking sound in 11/2021, furthermore that the rust and deterioration happens rapidly. Had the right side of the subframe also rusted and rotted out, this could have resulted in a total loss of control over the vehicle and been needlessly catastrophic. Warning indicators necessary and routine free inspection are warranted. Repairs for the subframe alone will cost more than $4000. This is a hardship. Further, it's unclear if the malfunctioning rear left caliper resulted from the rotted subframe. The vehicle appears to be in otherwise pristine condition. Mercedes Benz has never indicated there were any issues with the vehicle's subframe despite routine class service visits at the dealership. An internet search confirms this issue is not uncommon and possibly negligible.

NHTSA ODI 11483603

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof made abnormal creaking noises while it was closed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478585

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The brakes were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the brake lines were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The contact has stated that the brakes lines were replaced at the owner's expense. The contact believes that the state that they live in as well as Mercedes which is held responsible for the erosion of the brake lines.

NHTSA ODI 11478337

The Rear Subframe Unit of this 2014 E-Class E212 is diagnosed as rusted and rotted out on this 8 year old vehicle. The poor quality of this part from Mercedes Benz is known to be an underlying, hidden risk factor to the stability of the vehicle. This is a hidden/underlying area of the vehicle, not visible to the driver/owners, that without cause, can break free from the main frame structure of the vehicle and create a stability factor when cornering and braking, causing swaying of the rear and owner panic when abruptly stopping. I had this vehicle serviced at Catonsville Mercedes-Benz since I purchased the vehicle on April 14, 2017. On my last visit on December 19, 2019 having only 40,051 miles. No physical evidence know to me during this inspection. The vehicle has been hardly used. My next service was done on July 28,2022, having only 49,250 miles. That's just 9,299 miles and just over 2 years later, no harsh weather conditions, and the dealership has confirmed that this subframe has rotted out and rusted nearly thru. The service writer informed me that this is a serious condition that can break apart and lead to a very serious accident. Depending on certain driving conditions, if this breaks apart unknowingly, can be catastrophic. Mercedes Benz advertised greatly the ultimate safety features of its products, only to be realized, that it has used poor quality galvanized steel on a major structure of its framework to save cost. Mercedes provides a 3 year/36,000 mile and a 5 year 50,000 mile powertrain warranty which neither covers this. Galvanized steel has a life expectancy of 6 to 8 years resulting in deterioration, which Mercedes knowingly intends to pass this repair cost to the owners. This vehicle was inspected by a certified authorized Mercedes Benz dealership. Warning lights, message sensors are not installed on this part. No other parts surrounding this component show any signs of rust, rot or deterioration. I feel unsafe to drive or place family within.

NHTSA ODI 11478180

Car was being driven at secondary road speed (~40MPH). Engine suddenly began to spudder and misfire terribly. Came to a stop light engine was idled roughly. Accelerated from stop, when check engine light turned on. Car went into limp MODE at a very dangerous rail road crossing and left turn intersection. Without acceleration, family was in danger of being hit by train and incoming traffic. Took car to Mercedes mechanic. Faulty parts were the Camshaft Position Solenoid valve, ignition cool. Short circuit in one part caused blown ignition fuse and cascading mechanical problems and safety risks. Repair cost so far is $1,100. Concern is the placement of the faulty part. It is exposed to high heat in the motor compartment and poses a fire hazard as well as a personal injury hazard to the occupants and driver.

NHTSA ODI 11477325

This car has an electrical problem related to the Radio Amplifier and Speakers. many stories on the net of burning wire speakers and amplifier related to this. i will attach link, my story same as all the rest. I have disconnected after wife complained of smell of electrical fire and smoke from speakers. our car hs Apc 56,000 miles now. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mercedes-Benz/E350/2014/electrical/electrical_system.shtml Control Module - Mercedes-Benz TYP: Sirius – SDAR HW: 212 870 57 89 Date: 12/2019 SW: 212 902 79 03 Date 12/26/2000 Serial: 063005830376 Mercedes A 212 870 56 89 Model# DL5938 DELPHI Q01 PN: 28335938 Bar Code# A21287056890128335938E1361307 I am unable to access the speakers that burned and let the smoke out. Kurt Kaufman

NHTSA ODI 11477048

Vehicle is 9 years old, with 73000 miles. Dealer Service has advised that the rear subframe and brake lines are rusting and need to be replaced as a safety issue. Cost quoted was $8800. Mercedes agreed to pick up the cost of the parts and the dealer offered to split the installation cost, bringing my total down to $3150. On-line research reveals this is a common problem across several product lines and has been an issue for 20+ years. Failure at this point could lead to uncontrolled movement of the the rear suspension structure, the rear suspension members, wheels, and electronic sensors in the ABS causing loss of control and brake failure.

NHTSA ODI 11475442

Informed by local Mercedes dealer that the vehicle has severe rear brake line corrosion at 55K miles. Stated that the vehicle could suffer loss of braking power if the line(s) ruptured. This is unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage. According to internet searches this is a widespread problem on 2014 models and earlier. Estimated cost to repair is $3600.

NHTSA ODI 11474854

Have purchased a 2014 mercedes E350 59k miles. This vehicle has an issue as so do many Mercedes with their rear subframes rotted out at the control arm bracket which causes the rear link/thrust arm to detach from the subframe/axle carrier and posses a danger when breaking due to the rear spindle assembly flexing throwing the wheels out of alignment and could be at risk for a car crack. This vehicle has already been in a minor crash as a result of this issue. I personally have not brought it to Mercedes to get it diagnosed inspected or the police law enforcement but there are many cases online on the Mercedes Benz forums to which this has also happened to. This issue applies to other Mercedes models ranging from 2010 all the way to 2016. Videos of the exact vehicle brought to an independent shop available upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11472559

My 2014 Mercedes E350 with 54k miles has a Harmon Kardon sound system. About 4 months ago there was static/popping sound from the rear deck speaker driver side. The radio was turned off but the static sound remained. The popping eventually went away. Today, the static sound came back along with plastic burning that filled the inside of the cabin. This is a safety concern that should be acknowledged as it can cause a fire or electrical shortage. The smoke and scent of burning plastic from the speaker can cause health issues, distract a driver, and lead to a potential fire. Please look into this matter and protect other drivers. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11470778

Fuel smell really strong & a huge fuel leak started on 6/20/2022. The fuel smell was so strong inside the the car I couldn't stay in it. It started leaking before I fueled up my vehicle. Wen to the back of the car and notice a huge puddle of gas. I didn't know anything about this recall until today. I've owed the car for three years. I hope that Mercedes will fix this issue. Very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11470497

Strong gas odor inside cabin,whenever gas tank is full I can smell gas for extended time period. May relate to faulty gas line under the back seat.

NHTSA ODI 11470198

Intermittently, while driving several of the electrical systems will fail including the lane keep assist and abs. When this happens, it also causes the instrument cluster to rapidly change speeds, making the vehicle unsafe to operate as the driver is unable to tell what speed they are going, which can become extremely hazardous since this happens at random. The issue has been diagnosed to be a faulty Radar Sensor in the rear bumper, however the specific part has been on backorder since February 2022 and Mercedes-Benz has shown no signs of urgency with resolving this issue. I have a video of the ongoing hazard that I can submit as well, it's just too large to attach to this form.

NHTSA ODI 11470046

Brake booster starting to squel and squeak. Brakes Not feeling as firm Driver seat leather was torn at stitching.

NHTSA ODI 11468098

During state inspection (Pennsylvania) I was told that the rear subframe was rusted. If this part failed the vehicle could become uncontrollable and crash. They are not able to repair this since so many other vehicles have this problem. They have no idea when they could get a replacement subframe. The car is 8 years old but very low mileage (~34,000). Do to the frequent occurrence of this problem (by their report) and potential safety issues, I believe this should prompt a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11466046

I want to report a structural issue with the Mercedes rear subframe rusting. Three Mercedes dealers told me that it is common but there is no recall. The mechanic told me that if this is not corrected the back wheel will fall off while you are driving. There are no warning lamps. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11461802

Rusted Rear Subframe presenting a safety hazard. Possible separation of suspension link could lead to loss of control. Brought the 2014 Mercedes Benz E350 (85000 miles) in to the local dealership today for spark plug replacement. Technician performed a visual inspection of the underside of the vehicle and found that the rear subframe had rusted completely through making the care unsafe to drive. Car has been driven in Maryland since new and never exposed to any extraordinary corrosive elements that you might find on roads in colder climates. Car is in otherwise excellent shape with no other visible rust and has never been involved in an accident. The failure of a major suspension component like this on a car in otherwise excellent condition leads me to believe that there is a defect in the manufacturing of the rear subframe component. A quick Google search shows that other Mercedes vehicles suffer from this same problem. NHTSA ID Number: 11456512 also reports the same problem on the same model car. I have not had the problem repaired yet as I am deciding on next steps. Replacement estimate is approximately $4000. If I have the work done, I will retain the old subframe for inspection by NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11461357

The Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment sticks in adjustment position at the top limit stop. This has been fixed twice!

NHTSA ODI 11460075

I was driving in the Dallas area at highway speed (approx 70mph) during rush-hour traffic when a crackling sound presented in the dashboard area from what appeared to be the sound system (Harmon Kardon surround system). This was immediately followed by the unmistakable smell of burning plastic or something similar. Smoke coming from the center speaker in the dashboard followed subjecting car occupants to potentially hazardous smoke and chemicals resulting from the fire.All signs suggested an electrical fire which was alarming considering this occurred at highway speed. Turning off the sound system did not stop the issue. My safety and that of others on the highway were put at risk because a fire of unknown origin occurred while driving at highway speeds. No accident occurred. Further exploration of the issue from a safe area off of the highway confirmed the following: 1) possible electrical fire emanating from the center speaker of the dashboard 2) center speaker was damaged and appeared melted 3) the only way to stop the fire was to remove the fuse powering the sound amplifier which allowed the car to be driven to the local Mercedes Benz dealer/repair center The car was inspected by the local Mercedes Benz dealer who confirmed: 1) the center speaker was damaged and not repairable 2) the cause of the problem was a "shorted" and otherwise faulty amplifier. 3) the cost to replace the speaker estimated over $400 4) the cost to replace the amplifier estimated over $2700 There are no safety recalls on this particular issue. However, an investigation of the matter on NHTSA and Mercedes Benz user groups has identified numerous occurrences of a similar nature in the 2014 "e" class vehicles. The amplifier, which was confirmed to be the cause of the fire, would appear to have a documentable and reproduceable fault which: 1) presents a safety hazard to owners/drivers of the vehicle, 2) puts other drivers as risk drivers, 3) subjects vehicle occupants to hazardous fumes

NHTSA ODI 11458582

The car was brought in for scheduled maintenance and they told me that my rear sub frame rusted out and had snapped. Car is only 7 years old, always garaged, basically a main part rusted out. Mercedes prides itself on durability and safety. There were no warning lights, alarms, nothing. Whenever I braked the rear end of the car would slide to the left and I had to try and adjust accordingly. Prior to bringing the car in for its maintenance I was reluctant to drive it on highways and at higher speeds. Now that I am aware of the problem, had the rear of the car given out while I was on a highway, I had the potential to roll over and possibly blown up had the gas tank been impacted. I researched the issue on Google and found many instances of others having the same issue, with the same part, luckily no one appears to have been killed as yet. As I mentioned this was never picked up during all the scheduled maintenance work, nor state inspections, all handled by this dealership. The dealership is in the process of replacing the part and all work associated with that replacement. I don't know if they kept the part or tossed it out, but will ask. No one else has seen the car or rusted part other than the dealership. I'm also sending you a copy of the letter I sent to he dealership and Mercedes-Benz Home Office.

NHTSA ODI 11456512

brake line failed the hard line. lost my brakes . Mercedez Ralley Motors of Roslyn N.Y said that it was normal rust . there was no warning before the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11445243