What 54 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-benz E-class

While traveling at highway speeds with adaptive cruise control safety systems engaged, the vehicle failed to detect a hazard immediately ahead in its lane. The Forward Collision Warning failed to alert the driver, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) failed to initiate automated emergency deceleration. Manual emergency braking was attempted by the driver in the final milliseconds, but the vehicle's braking system failed to sufficiently decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a high-energy frontal collision. Despite severe structural deformation concentrated entirely on the front fascia and crumple zones, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) completely failed and no airbags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the neck, back, and ribs. The vehicle has been declared a total loss by insurance and is available for inspection at a salvage facility. The manufacturer was notified over a month ago (Case #21986205) but has failed to pull the Event Data Recorder (EDR) telemetry or provide an engineering review timeline. No prior warning lamps or system malfunction messages were present before the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11741091

Backgroud: Recall #26V216 recalls classes of Mercedes vehicles for U-Joint failures. My vehicle - 2019 E460 4Matic Wagon is included in this class under the notice (Vehicle #6 [XXX] ) Issue: I took my vehicle to the dealer on Monday, 5/11 because of a hard knocking sound when I de/accelerate. Dealer inspected and noted that my Ujoint has failed. The estimate is $8100 for repairs. MB and dealer have both indicated that my VIN is not covered by the recall but have not explained why. My car is currently unsafe to drive and therefore non-operational. I have not approved repairs because of the substantial cost and resolution of whether covered by Recall warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11738092

As I was entering the vehicle and getting into my seat, my right ring finger became caught in the passenger-side window as it was closing. The window failed to stop or reverse upon encountering my finger, which is a critical safety function designed to prevent exactly this type of injury. Instead, the window continued to close with full force, crushing my finger and holding it trapped. The pressure was so severe that it ripped my nail and nail bed out and caused a displaced fracture.

NHTSA ODI 11732369

I parked the vehicle in a parking lot. I walked away and it immediately started smoking. Shortly after that, flames appeared coming from the hood. Shortly after that, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ODI 11726787

I brought my car in for routine service and was told I needed a rear main seal. I had the car inspected when I purchased it appx 13k miles ago because I saw online there was a lot of people having this issue with their vehicles. It’s a known manufacturer defect. At that time there was no issue. Now at 40k miles it began to leak. This is round about the mileage most people have experienced this issue. A car with 40k miles shouldn’t have a defect like this that could cause the vehicles oil to leak out the seal and destroy the motor. I believe MBUSA should be replacing all of these seals on all of the affected vehicles. A consumer shouldnt be charged $6500 at 40k miles to repair a seal that is failing on so many vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11708627

Report of Unresolved Recall Issue Dear NHTSA Team, I am writing to report an issue concerning an open safety recall on my 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300. I have received official notification that there is an active recall on this vehicle. However, when I brought the car to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Harlingen, Texas, the dealership refused to perform the recall repair and instead attempted to charge me for it. As this is a safety matter, I wanted to bring it to your attention so that you can take any necessary steps on your end. I appreciate your assistance in ensuring that all safety recalls are properly addressed. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11705557

High pressure fuel line is weeping gas and making the cabin smell like fuel when heat is on. Smell is strong and is a safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11704063

I have a 2019 Mercedes E300. My backup camera is cutting out while still in reverse. There is an open saftey recall for that specific year, make and model. Campaign #2022060007. Mercedes has told me there is no open recall for my vin even though I am experiencing the same saftey issue. The Issue has been diagnosed by an independent shop. It is a software update not a part that needs to be replaced. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or others. There has never been a warning light on for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11676232

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, the screen occasionally turned off, compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V232000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669516

I was driving about 30 mph and getting on to the highway. Once I got on a beep came on from the car and every single warning light came on the car. Check engine all warnings including emergency brake collision warning the list goes on and on. I immediately got off the highway and once I got to a complete stop the car was barely accelerating. I wasn’t able to shift gears from drive I was stuck in drive. Couldn’t park the car reverse or anything. I had to turn the car off. The car didn’t turn on and then after 5 minutes it turned back on. This is 1 week after me receiving the car back for the same issue. This was the 2nd occurrence of this and when I dropped it off at the dealer they had it for 2 weeks and they “fixed” the issue. There is obviously something wrong with the car and has several problems.

NHTSA ODI 11668083

The primary failure involved the electrical system and speed control, which posed a significant safety risk to myself and other drivers. The issue first presented itself when I noticed intermittent warning lights and error messages flashing on the dashboard, including indicators for the electronic stability program (ESP), steering assist, and lane tracking features. These malfunctions created erratic driving conditions, including unexpected acceleration delays and inconsistent cruise control behavior. Approximately one week before the vehicle was repossessed, I reported the issue to the dealership and requested inspection. However, I was not provided a definitive diagnosis or service record confirming evaluation or remediation. The vehicle was subsequently remotely disabled without proper notice or opportunity to repair, placing me at risk by stranding me in an unsafe location without functional transportation. This vehicle may have also been equipped with over-the-air control features or aftermarket immobilizers unknown to me at the time of financing. To date, I have not been able to inspect the system because the vehicle was taken from my possession under a disputed contract. I believe the problem has not been properly addressed or documented by Mercedes-Benz, and the vehicle is not currently available for inspection as it remains in the control of the finance company. Prior to this incident, no physical warning lamps were persistent, though the vehicle intermittently displayed electronic system errors, especially during startup or inclement weather. This complaint is being submitted due to serious concerns about vehicle safety, electronic control vulnerabilities, and potential manufacturer negligence. I request that NHTSA initiate a review of the E-Class E450A systems involved in driver assistance, electrical integration, and potential remote immobilization tied to finance enforcement.

NHTSA ODI 11658594

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle, compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rearview camera display. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 10,300.

NHTSA ODI 11651738

Rear camera door doesn't open to allow camera to work

NHTSA ODI 11631855

AI am getting this "P052E" code on a 2019 Mercedes E300 - malfunction with Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.

NHTSA ODI 11626300

The rear backup camera failed. There are recalls on my vehicle year make and model but not my VIN number. I have the same issue as the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11617047

Transmission wireharness

NHTSA ODI 11609719

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V445000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11609752

My tempered glass sunroof exploded while driving at 70 MPH on a clear, sunny, 86 degree afternoon sending the glass shards throughout the interior of the car. No warning or damage to the vehicle roof preceded the explosion. There was a very loud noise followed by the safety glass raining down on myself and my wife. It occurred while driving on the expressway and no other vehicles were involved. There are only glass fragments for inspection and I will take it to the dealer in the morning. I have pictures of the aftermath if requested.

NHTSA ODI 11609279

transmission harness is broken its safety issue. I went to Mercedes dealership multiple times and they do not repair it. I don't feel safe with this car and I do not use it so I always walk or take a bike or uber work so I lost money and time.

NHTSA ODI 11608100

The driver and passenger seat belts do not retract at all.

NHTSA ODI 11605526

Crankcase ventilation system error - triggered a P052E Code (PCV). This seems to be a common issue. This causes issues with the fuel mixture.

NHTSA ODI 11584334

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side and the front driver's side rims were fractured. The dealer replaced the rims. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated while driving on another occasion. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger's side rim was fractured. The tire dealer welded the rim. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a tire mechanic, where the rear passenger's side tire and rim were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 29,180.

NHTSA ODI 11578920

Engine stalled in the middle of the high way, possible problem with timing chain

NHTSA ODI 11574086

On May 23, 2023, the audible and visual seat belt alerts activated to notify me that the driver and/or passenger that the seat belt was not properly secured. However, both the driver and/or the passenger had the seat belt on at all times the car was moving. We tried unbuckling then re-buckling to the seat belts to see whether this would affect the alerts, but it did not. We took the car to the Mercedes-Benz dealership on May 31, 2023, but they could not replicate the problem and it resolved on its own. At the time of this first occurrence, our car had 25,053 miles. Our car now has about 32,000 miles. This past weekend, on February 3, 2024, the problem recurred and the visual and audible alerts continue to be activated. I did a web search and I noticed there is a recall for my model, make and year (2019 Mercedes-Benz E300), for what appears to be the SAME problem, but for some odd reason, my car is not on the recall list. The NHTSA campaign number is 19V-788. Both the audible and visual seat belt alerts remain activated and we are extremely concerned that this could lead to an improperly functioning system in the event of a crash. We had voiced these concerns to the dealership in May 2023, but they said they were not able to do anything because they could not find a faulty code. They told us to bring the car back in if the issue arose again. Please add our VIN to this recall. In the meantime, we have scheduled an appointment with the dealership to look at this problem again. Also, I took videos of these occurrences that I am happy to share, but it appears I am unable to upload them below. I took screenshots instead and uploaded them, along with the invoice statement from when we took the car to the dealership in May 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11569998

Variable timing Valve Malfunction , causing metal shaving to get in to the engine Causing a engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11551057