What 300 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-benz E-class Wagon

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, and occasionally while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, and the message “Power Steering Malfunction” was displayed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,500.

NHTSA ODI 11702194

While driving, the steering from left to right started to get choppy or hard. With the cruise control on, I ran off the road because of the fight between the rack and pinion(steering wheel) and the cruise control.

NHTSA ODI 11679228

Issue with steering column Control module there is a recall on the same type issue on same model and my car is having issue from shifting from R to P or D . My car it’s not showing up in recall but I am facing the issue ..it’s a safety issue

NHTSA ODI 11671123

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and steering assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11652348

Car unexpectedly swerves while driving!!

NHTSA ODI 11636965

On 11/24/23 Mercedes Benz had replaced my subframe which was part of a safety recall. When I arrived home after picking up my vehicle, there was a loud bang from under the vehicle. I immediately called the service department and told them about what happened and also complained that the steering wheel was cocked to the left and pulling in that direction. My service advisor John advised me to bring it back the next day which I did. They never told me what caused the loud bang, but they did say another front end alignment was done. The vehicle still continued to pull and the steering wheel was still off center. On [XXX] I took my car to Mr. Tire for a tire rotation because the car continued to sway and jolt when going over bumps. It also made a popping noise when making a sharp turn. Then on [XXX] as I was driving, the car pulled or slid to the left. In order to keep from crashing into another vehicle, I pulled the wheel right causing me to run over the medium and almost crashing into a building. I was extremely shook up and in disbelief. Has this type of thing ever happened to anyone else before after the subframe was replaced? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11564988

Driving on a highway approximately 65 MPH. Had to break fairly hard due to unexpected traffic. When breaking, my car fishtailed and I thought I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me. I immediately took my car to my independent, Mercedes-certified repair shop. My mechanic informed me that it was a problem with the rear subframe. I then took it to Mercedes for an inspection. They confirmed that the rear subframe was rusted and needs immediate repair. I was told not to drive the vehicle as it is extremely unsafe. Mercedes is aware of this problem. There was a class action lawsuit filed in February of 2023. Mercedes supposedly informed owners of the potential problem, but I was never notified. I only became aware of this dangerous subframe problem as a result of this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11563509

While driving on a local road, my wife lost control over the steering wheel of our 2014 Mercedes-Benz (MB) E350 sedan (the instrumental panel showed "Power Steering Malfunction: see attached photo)". It was a very dangerous situation, but she somehow managed to find a place to pull over and call me. It could've been much more dangerous if this occurred on highway. We found some information about the Power Steering Failure recall and our 2014 E350 was included as an affected car. Here is the website with that information: https://repairpal.com/recall/16V899000 However, our local Mercedes Dealer checked and found our car was not included in the recall list. The problem we encountered is identical to the nature of the recall, so we don't understand why our car is not included. The dealer recommended me to call MB Customer Service, which recommended me to contact NHTSA, so I'm contacting it. I hope you help us drive safely by adding MB 2014 MB E350 into the recall list. We need the car desperately as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your help.

NHTSA ODI 11541187

My electric power steering failed. It often resets and can be unpredictable when it wants to fail again. It’s an intermittent problem that local dealer tried to fix with a software update but did not work. I was told I need a new steering rack at $5-6k which is unacceptable for any vehicle that has been maintained it’s whole life . My car is 8 years old with 100,000 miles with full service records I feel like this is a premature failure of the electric power steering

NHTSA ODI 11516639

Power steering went out while driving/malfunctioned. This apparently affects other E-Class models, but mine is not among those listed in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11510353

The rear sub-frame involving vehicle stability under braking and turning. A component that should remain attached to the vehicle has broken off due to corrosion. My vehicle is not that old that a key structural component of the car should break at the weld/attachment point. I have video of this defect. But its greater than 10MB and will not let me upload it is there an email I can send it to ?

NHTSA ODI 11490604

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

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

TAKATA PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS STILL NOT BEEN REPLACED, NOR HAS A TIME FRAME BEEN ESTABLISHED. DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED AND NOW THE STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER GOES UP & DOWN.

NHTSA ODI 11404495

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO RELEASE FROM PARK. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE REVERSE POSITION INTO DRIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK (4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 406-1167) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,800.*LN*JB CONSUMER STATED MALFUNCTION HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI 11387205

MY STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TELESCOPE UP/DOWN. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED 2X'S IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. 5/2017, 6/2018, 8/2019, 12/2020 ADDITIONALLY, THE BLIND SPOT ASSIST NOTIFICATION GOES OFF WHEN THERE'S NOT A CAR AROUND ME. TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING AND GO DOWN A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI 11382839

RECALL NOTICES AND FAILURE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR STEERING COLUMN ISSUES, ETC. WHICH PRESENT POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, HAVE SURFACED NO RESOLUTION. DEALERSHIPS HAVE IGNORED QUESTIONS AND REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN HOSTILE WHEN ASKED ABOUT NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11365012

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 40MPH ON A CITY STREET, ALL WARNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE MOTOR STALLED. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL STEERING, BRAKING AND SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE ROAD BY A TOW TRUCK. IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE VEHICLE LOST ALL CONTROLS WHILE IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN PARK AND DASH WARNING OF "PRE-SAFE CONDITIONS, DO NOT SHIFT."

NHTSA ODI 11353696

ELECTRIC STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. ALMOST CRASHED, WIFE'S CAR, I WAS DRIVING. SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO SAFELY GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD.. STEERING FAILURE ALERT CAME ON DASH. WEEKEND, PROBLEM NOT DIAGNOSED YET. A WEB SITE SHOWS THAT THERE WAS A FACTORY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH CARS BUILT BETWEEN AUG. 2013 TO AUG. 2015. BAD ELECTRIC MOTORS. CAR HAS 32,000 MILES

NHTSA ODI 11327610

'STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION' DISPLAY WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL COULDN'T BE TURNED. I COULD EITHER GO STRAIGHT OR REVERSE, BUT COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD, ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THE DISPLAY POPPED UP, BEFORE I WAS GOING DOWN THE CURVY HILL. THIS IS DANGEROUS THAT IT CAN JUST HAPPEN WHILE YOU DRIVE. IT CAN TAKE SOMEONE'S LIFE IF DRIVE OUT ON THE FREEWAY AT A HIGH SPEED AND THE STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE TURNED. IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS FOR ME TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD BECAUSE I COULDN'T TURN LEFT OR RIGHT TO EVEN PARK THE CAR SAFELY. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE DISPLAY POPPED UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED BEFORE I DRIVE DOWN THE CURVY HILL TO GET ON THE FREEWAY. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHEN I GOT ON THE CURVY HILL OR THE FREEWAY, A POTENTIAL DEATH ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324969

WHILE DRIVING THE ONBOARD COMPUTER FAILED RESULTING IN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS GOING ON AND DISABLING THE POWER STEERING. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE BLIND SPOT SENSORS WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE REAR BUMPER GOING BAD BECAUSE OF SALT CORROSION. WROTE TO MERCEDES BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED EVEN A RESPONSE. SEE THE ATTACHED LETTER IN THE DOCUMENTATION SECTION.

NHTSA ODI 11317743

POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION (CANNOT TURN BUT THE POWER WAS STILL ON. THE SCREEN IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT ALSO SHOWED THE MESSAGE.) SUDDENLY HAPPENED IN A SECOND WHEN I DROVE IN A LOW SPEED (AROUND 25-30). I WAS VERY VERY LUCKY ENOUGH TO SLIDE MY CAR SLOWLY BY THE CURB SINCE THE TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY. I GOT MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHICH I JUST FINISHED MY YEARLY MAINTENANCE 10 DAYS AGO. THEY FOUND MY CAR'S COMPUTER HAD A BUG. THEY RE-PROGRAMMED MY CAR'S COMPUTER IN THE NEXT DAY. THE PROBLEM HAS SOLVED SO FAR. THIS HAD HAPPENED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I GOOGLED TO FIND THIS PROBLEM SEEMS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES BEFORE BUT NO RECALL. I DID THE MAINTENANCE WITH THE DEALER EVERY YEAR. DUE TO THE DEFECT AND DEALER'S NEGLIGENCE, MY LIFE HAD SERIOUSLY THREATENED BY THIS CRITICAL SITUATION. I WOULD URGE YOU TO INVESTIGATE THE SEVERITY FOR THIS CASE TO AVOID OTHER ACCIDENTS HAPPENING.

NHTSA ODI 11287011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ AT QUIRK AUTO PARK (327 HOGAN RD, BANGOR, ME 04401, 207-299-1641) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,500.

NHTSA ODI 11090411

TAKATA AIRBAGS: WARNING LIGHTS CONSTANTLY COME ON AND GO OFF INDICATING: "PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE" & STEERING COLUMN MODULE GROUND: RECALL NOTICE GIVE, BUT NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX - THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE

NHTSA ODI 11071564

MY ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING STOP WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. ON DASH"POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION-CHECK USER'S MANUAL" I WAS ABOUT GET CRASH, LUCKLY . PULLED OVER SAFELY. BARELY CAN TURN THE POWER STEERING. I TRY TO DRIVE NEXT DAY,STILL NOT WORKING.

NHTSA ODI 10971543