What 66 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-benz E-class

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz E Class. The contact stated that while driving stopped at a residential gate, the gear was shifted and skipped from g1 to g3., shifting itself to neutral. In another incident, when at a stop light or stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair for software update however the issue that was experienced with the vehicle stalling was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he thought the recall had to do with the issue he was experiencing but was informed by the dealer that it was a separate issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738071

Variable Valve Timing Camshaft KNOWN DEFECT rendering the car unusable at only 100K miles.

NHTSA ODI 11724676

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side headlights intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720741

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 ODI 11715242

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 ODI 11710180

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 ODI 11705220

The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle leaving the parking lot pulled in front of the contact's vehicle, and the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's face and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained soreness on the face, and from the shoulders down to the lower back and legs. The contact was currently dragging one leg while walking. The contact had received dental and medical assistance. Additionally, the contact underwent an MRI. The contact was informed that the third and fourth vertebrae were damaged. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11689774

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 ODI 11688398

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 ODI 11670209

The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn’t not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is unable to change gears sometimes and this is unsettling because the safety of myself, my children and others is affected if I’m driving and the car goes into neutral all of a sudden with no warning or goes into park and is unable to move. This occurred several times within a two week span while my children were in the car and this could have ended very differently. I took it to a certified mechanic who provided an explanation based on the error code received and stated that this was a huge safety issues that needed to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11665796

Sunroof shattered.

NHTSA ODI 11661309

Check Engine Light, running fault code P052E71 - needs software update for N3/10 Engine control unit.

NHTSA ODI 11646753

Passenger seatbelt does not latch to the buckle. Therefore I am unable to have passengers in my vehicle. And when I do it becomes a huge safety issue. No mechanic can seem to figure out what is wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11635486

In April 2022, I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC from CarMax in Tinley Park, Illinois. After the purchase, I discovered several unresolved issues that compromised the vehicle's safety and reliability. Key components, including the battery and alternator, were defective. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the battery had not been replaced since 2018, despite CarMax’s assurance that it was new. This defect contributed to electrical system malfunctions, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, CarMax conducted substandard repainting on the backseat. The peeling paint transferred to my clothing while driving, causing financial losses and embarrassment. Issues with the rims were also mishandled, further compromising the vehicle's quality. CarMax failed to disclose unresolved safety recalls affecting critical vehicle systems, and their inadequate repairs and omissions put my safety at risk. These defects have caused significant inconvenience, financial loss, and concerns about the vehicle’s reliability. Despite requests, CarMax has not adequately addressed these issues. CarMax acquired the vehicle in 2021 from its first owner, who had purchased it in 2018. At the time of acquisition, the vehicle had been driven 45,069 miles. When I purchased it in 2022, the odometer read 57,925 miles, indicating that CarMax operated the vehicle for 12,856 miles. This period of use was later discovered to involve its usage as a loaner vehicle, a fact not disclosed during the transaction. Upon taking possession of the vehicle, I became aware of several safety issues that were not disclosed, including unresolved recalls affecting key components of the vehicle. Despite the critical nature of these recalls, CarMax sold the vehicle without addressing these defects or informing me of their existence. Omission of Material Safety Information: CarMax failed to disclose the vehicle’s use as a loaner car and any associated wear and tear, which likely exacerbated the safety risks.

NHTSA ODI 11635362

added information: the issue is the piston, it went off due to a bad part. Mercedes Benz knew about the issue with the type of engine M247. there is a class action lawsuit pending. But I'm reporting this because i didn't know and it happened to me just a month out of warranty. Now, the dealership is asking me to pay for the labor. the dealership is House Of Imports in Buena Park. This has to do with the piston failure.

NHTSA ODI 11634616

The emergency applied braking system was applied while driving the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG on a city street, with no other car or obstacle in the way of the car. Fortunately, there was no other vehicle behind us when this happened. I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic who found no fault codes in the OBD system. He did update the system software of the car at that time.

NHTSA ODI 11625193

Vehicle went into limp mode at 83,000 miles and it was due to the electronic valve body failing within the transmission. Dealership mentioned it shouldn’t happen in a vehicles lifetime, this includes maintenance at the right interval (60,000 miles), which mine was. I was quoted roughly $3,800 by the dealership but after speaking with corporate it was brought down to $2,600.

NHTSA ODI 11624425

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 ODI 11617993

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while attempting to shift into drive, the transmission independently shifted to neutral. The contact attempted several times to shift into drive however, the transmission failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614515

The seat belts do not retract when taking them off.

NHTSA ODI 11569129

Mercedes AMG wheels crack under normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11566148

The back-up camera failed while in the middle of reversing. Screen went completely black and unresponsive. Putting the car in Park then back to Reverse didn't work, screen still black. Tried turning off the car and turning it back on, screen still black and no back-up camera when I put the car in Reverse. I tried turning on / off the infotainment system and no change, screen still black. Later in the day when I got back in the car, the screen came up MUCH slower than usual, but did eventually come back up. This has happened multiple times and I've taken it to the dealer multiple times for this, but they've not been able to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11559062

Mercedes Benz use low quality PCV regulator valve , it is a common failure problem, warranty will not be covered, Benz sells part replacement for around 350 USD and it require about 2000 in labor to be fixed on average

NHTSA ODI 11558454

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 ODI 11556284

On August 12, 2023, my husband pulled into the E43 into the garage with my two kids. When my son got out of the car, he noticed smoke coming out of the front of the car and notified my husband. He popped the hood and tried to put it out with the fire extinguisher but the smoke got overwhelming and he called 911. Fire department came and put out the fire. After the incident we did a search to see if there was a recall we missed but we only found an article published by Mercedes in December 2021 acknowledging their cars may catch on fire but no recall was done.

NHTSA ODI 11548118