NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the rear axle frame cracked, and the contact felt as if the vehicle was going to flip over. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear axle frame was cracked, and that the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown Technical Service Bulletin; however, the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
I received a letter from Mercedes stating there was concern over 2010 to 2014 (est) that should be checked after 10 years. I can not find that letter. I have a 2014 EClass 350 model. Can you please tell me what is was? Thanks
Rear subframe rusted was covered under an extended warranty (after a lawsuit), but the rear brake lines are also very rusted and not covered by warranty. Rear springs also broken (rusted) and bolts seized.
The rear brake lines on my 2014 Benz E350 was blowout while stopping at a traffic light. After inspection, the both rear brake lines were rusted
All of a sudden my brake error lights went on while driving to work. By the time I could stop at a garage on the way my brake fluid was very low and more was added. Had to again add more when I got home just so I could take the car to my repair shop. Independent repair specializing in mercedes identified 4 leaks in rear brake lines. Pictures show that all leaks are at or adjacent to clips attaching to the car. Something is wrong with the design or materials for this to happen consistently in the same car. Mechanic said this isn't expected until cars get at least 100k and shouldn't be consistently in the same connections. The fluid was draining so fast that if someone were driving a longer distance they may not have the ability to refill before brake failure. This is a safety hazard to have so many material failures at the same area of the brake lines.
While driving in traffic there were loud popping and crackling sounds from the rear speakers. Then smoke appeared and an acrid burning smell. The smoke and loud sounds continued after I pulled over and turned the key off. I removed the fuses for the sound system and it remains inoperable. I went home and searched for this problem on the web and discovered that it is a common problem on 2014 Mercedes E350's. Despite this being cited as a common problem by owners, there is no recall. I called Mercedes-Benz USA and they reported that they were not aware of this problem. This event was very alarming and could have caused an accident when the smoke was coming into the passenger compartment. I believe it qualifies for a recall.
Brake pedal went to floor and brake function became significantly impaired and dangerous. Took car to local shop who diagnosed as failed rear brake lines, and most of the entire length of the rear lines were in very bad condition. Car only has 104k on it. It doesn't take much searching on the internet to see how widespread of a problem this is, and even the dealer admits they do multiple of these per week on the W212 (and a few other platforms are affected). The front lines seem to be in good shape so there does seem to be a design issue here.
Suspension Rear Sub-frame rusted through, rear Lower control arm disconnected from rear sub-frame due to rust/corrosion. It is available for inspection. While braking at highway speeds the car fishtailed and I almost lost control of the vehicle. This has not been confirmed or inspected by any service, Insurance or Police entity. No warning lights, messages etc. Brakes: Rear brake lines are severely corroded in the same area as the rear sub-frame. Electrical System: Battery continuously discharges and is dead after 5 hours.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the rear driver's side control arm was severely corroded and had detached from the subframe. The contact was also informed that the failure caused premature tire wear on both rear tires. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the subframe and rear driver's side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Brake line failure , i have a 2014 E350 that the rear brake lines failed , all rusted and corroded , mercedes should extend the warranty on brake lines as they did with the subframe , this is a major safty concern , when you buy a mercedes you expect you are buying a top of the line car not all plastic .
My 2014 Mercedes started getting a fault light with multiple performance issues. Mercedes dealer where I can carry out my routine maintenance diagnosed the issue to the electrical harness being contaminated with engine oil and it needed to be replaced on the engine because of a known issue whereby oil from the upper camshaft sensors seep into the harness and makes its way to ECU and causes possible failure of the engine control, which could lead to shutting down or worse, incorrect engine timing which would lead to incorrect detonation at the compressors and subsequently engine failure at critical operational phase. This below link and attached document describes the issue well. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed, causing a stopping distance delay. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear metal brake tubes were corroded, which caused brake fluid to leak. The mechanic replaced the rear brake tubes. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. The VIN was not available.
Both driver and front passenger headrest airbags have deployed for no cause. This is is the second time this has occurred on both sides. No collision occurred in both incidents. First time it occurred under warranty and Mercedes fixed the issue. This time it occurred again and the car is not in warranty. Without functional headrest airbags the safety is greatly compromised for the occupants of the car and can lead to fatal incidents. It seems like a recurring problem with this model as it has occurred twice over 9+ years and both times there was no collision etc.
Rear brake lines are rusting out prematurely caused by a defective rear sub frame
My vehicle is having the same issue as follows in quotes from a Mercedes recall Campaign No.2017020018 (attached) : Replace Steering Column Module. Here is the description of the problem from that Mercedes recall "This Recall Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (‘DAG’), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain E-Class vehicles (213 platform) the column-mounted shift lever module might become inoperative due to possible damage to the internal circuit board. As a result, the vehicle might not move forward or rearward with the shift lever as selected by the driver. However, both the auto-P function and automatic parking brake will continue to operate as intended and prevent the vehicle from moving forward or rearward. If the vehicle does not move forward or rearward with the shift lever as selected by the driver, there is an increased risk of a crash" In my own words, on an intermittent basis, I could be in reverse, move the steering column shifter to drive, but the vehicle remains in reverse. Or, I could be in drive, put the steering column shifter in reverse, but the vehicle remains in drive. This problem is intermittent. It could happen many times in one day, and then not happen again for many weeks.
Purchased and installed OEM diesel fuel filter made by Mann part WK820/17 or 171103 on [XXX] and drove for 9500 miles. On [XXX] I checked fuel filter as I could smell diesel fuel near the car for the last 2 weeks. Fuel filter heating element/H2O sensor was cracked and seeping fuel once fuel pump was turned on. Unit is available for inspection Safety issue-leaking fuel No inspection by police, manufacturer. I did contact RM EUROPEAN Auto Parts in Colorado who sold the part and am waiting to hear back. No warning lamps or CEL illuminated, only the smell of fuel with top of filter and engine coated in diesel fuel. (Tried to upload photos but "Upload Files" button just goes blank.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The contact stated the fuel appears to be leaking from the electrical heating element. possibly where the rubber has split open.
Car unexpectedly swerves while driving!!
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)
- On 12/28/2023, Car developed a brake fluid in the rear near the differential after sitting, unused, for 3 weeks. - Car is available for inspection. - Brake system operates with diminished capacity. - An appointment has been scheduled with an independant repair center. - The brake warning light illuminated and a brake fluid warning message appears when the vehicle is started.
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.
I’m getting a pre-safe inoperative message on my dashboard all the time, the Mercedes dealership is telling me the driver side seat belt needs to be replaced. This is a safety issue. This vehicle has 40,000 miles on it and it’s a family car that was extremely expensive this is unacceptable, Mercedes should pay for the seat belt replacement.
The subframe corroded causing an unsafe potentially hazardous condition. Also the brake line was were corroded causing imminent brake failure. The rear springs rusted from the corrosion subframe defect..Mercedes required 2800 dollars from me to remedy the problem
RE: VIN# [XXX] I am the owner of the above referenced vehicle, a 2014 E350 4matic sedan, showing 98,000 miles on the odometer. On Friday [XXX] I was alerted by Mercedes Benz of Portsmouth, NH that the rear brake line on my vehicle had ruptured. I asked if I could see the failure, and they were happy to show me. I was dismayed at what I saw and took photos which I have included here. The extensive amount of corrosion was shocking. I also own a 2003 chevy plow truck that was driven on salt covered roads that did not require brake line repair for 18 years. I would not expect brake hardline failure at 9 years for a Mercedes product. Disappointed that my car was not able to be driven, I asked for a price for the repair. It was explained to me that Mercedes could not repair just the area of the failure, but instead had to replace the entire line. I understood this as the line was impaired in other areas as well, and posed a safety issue. The quote for the repair was $3,500.00 dollars. The quote represented approximately one third of the vehicle's value, I opted to have it towed and repaired the failed sections myself. (photos of cutout failed sections enclosed here). The car is now drivable, however the remainder of the hardline is still very corroded in other areas of the vehicle. Because of this I would respectfully ask that Mercedes Benz please correct this ongoing safety issue at their cost. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My Cars Fuel Sender/Pump unit is leaking and it was diagnosed by Mercedes-Benz of chandler. I will attach report for same. they have given estimate for 1800 to repair it. this is common problem across multiple Mercedes vehicles and they have done recall on other models on this but they have excluded my model. since the Problem is generic to many mercedez vehicles they should honor this in safety recall. please see this article about this recall on other models. they have highlighted to me that its a safety issue as there is strong fuel odor from car on this. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Rear brake hard lines are corroded and leaking. Loss of rear brakes and fluid while driving. Rear subframe corrosion is being addressed by recall/warranty extension but this coverage has not been extended to the premature failure of brake lines. The rest of the car is not rusted or corroded, only rear brake lines and recalled rear subframe are rusted and corroded. Attached photos show the condition of brake lines and additional photo shows the rest of the car in a rust free condition.
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.
Car control was diminished and braking caused car to pull hard. Creaking noise from rear end. Removed rear wheel to find frame had perforation where rear wheel has linkage to frame.
While cruising , car stalled after it beeped intermittently for a few minutes . On checking , the shop found that ignition switch assembly module has failed & stopped working . Strangely , the Mercedes-Benz dealer on Montgomery Road , Cincinnati refused to fix this , though the car was initially towed to them . This is suspicious action on the part of Mercedes-Benz dealer . The dealer acted as if they do not want this problem to become public .
Motor mounts and transmission mounts continue to fail at intervals or 13,000 miles and again at 16,000 miles. Vibration of transmission is scary. Mercedes has replaced the mounts many times. They refuse to install new Transmission mount now after only 16,000 miles on the replacement. I have contacted MBUSA and they are telling me , they will not help with these substandard parts. Very well-known issue.
Electrical burning smell and buzzing coming from car entertainment system speakers. Did not stop even when entertainment system was turned off. Had engineer diagnose and issue is the rear subwoofer. Had to remove fuse or disconnect cables to stop issue.
Rear electrical sunshade stopped retracting causing poor visibility at night.
The rear subframe of my vehicle failed at the lower trailing arm mounting point (passenger side). This resulted in the car swerving to the right when I applied pressure to the brake pedal, which was worse at higher speeds. This had been getting progressively worse for a few weeks until I almost spun out on the highway while braking. The next day, I randomly got a flat tire on the rear right side while driving at 30MPH near Valley Street in Providence. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. I immediately replaced the tire and brought it to Midas on Mineral Spring Ave in North Providence, RI, so that they could inspect the vehicle. They discovered that the rear subframe was almost completely disconnected at the lower trailing arm mounting point due to excessive rust that had wore a hole in the part from the inside-out, which was not visible at the time of the last inspection. Midas immediately informed me that the car was unsafe to drive more than the distance back to my house. They also informed me that 3 tires needed to be replaced, including the flat, as a result of excessive wear on the inner wall and the inner edge of the tread. None of these three tires had reached the wear bars yet, and Midas confirmed they would not have had to be replaced if not for the subframe defect. I had the car towed to Mercedes-Benz of Warwick after Midas replaced the 3 tires (RL, RR, FR) because I heard that Mercedes had recently extended the warranty period for rear subframes (only months after a class action lawsuit was filed about the issue). Mercedes inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue, and is currently replacing the rear subframe under the new extended warranty program for rear subframes. However, they refuse to reimburse me for the other issues directly caused by the corroded rear subframe (which they admit liability for when they replace the part free of charge), stating they have been instructed by corporate that related issues are not covered.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the brake lines were extremely rusted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: DP20004. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Power steering went out while driving/malfunctioned. This apparently affects other E-Class models, but mine is not among those listed in the recall.
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
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact was informed by his wife of the failure, but recently the fuel odor had become more prominent. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed about a fuel leak. The fuel tank access underneath the rear seat had leaked fuel into the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The vehicle was inspected during an alignment at a dealership. The sub-frame has rotted out. The car was swaying to the side. I believe this car is dangerous to drive. The repairs are around $5000.00 dollars. There should be a recall on this Mercedes Benz E-Class 350 SUB-FRAMES. It is not safe to be on the road. The dealer is no longer around. The manufacture of this car and so many other Mercedes Benz with the ROTTEN RUSTED SUB-FRAMES should be held responsible to pay for the damages and or replacements. Before someone DIES on the road. A recall for this vehicle needs to be done ASAP! Please HELP! I have a picture of the rotted sub-frame and paperwork .Not sure how to upload Why are other countries recall for free and not the USA?
The subframe of my vehicle is prematurely rusting, creating the risk of unpredictable, catastrophic failure. This failure could cause loss of control of the vehicle and severe injury and/or death. The vehicle is available for inspection. My independent mechanic is aware this is a known problem with these vehicles, and has been monitoring mine, and his mother’s, for damage. By August 2023, my vehicle will fail Pennsylvania’s safety inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any entity other than my mechanic. There is no warning, from any system of the vehicle, of the deterioration, extent of deterioration, or impending failure of the subframe.
While driving down the road at 60mph, I hit the brakes to slow down. I heard a pop and thunk from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it was some boxes in the back of my car and forgot about it. I then brought my car into the dealer for an engine computer update and during the inspection they found that the passenger rear control arm mount broke away from the sub frame and that the rear brake lines were heavily rusted. They quoted a new rear subframe and brake lines. If I was on the freeway and this happened or I had to take evasive maneuvers I most likely would have crashed. The mechanic told me the weld broke where the control arm mounts to the subframe. He inspected the rest of the vehicle and everything looks good. On a less than 9 year old vehicle the subframe should not have rusted enough to break. Especially on a safety issue like the suspension and brakes. Mercedes should have done a better job with their welds and with their rust proofing especially on safety components.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the Push to START button failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact was only able to start the vehicle using the key fob. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where she was informed that due to an apparent electrical failure, the vehicle would also fail to start with the key fob. The contact was informed that the failure was unrepairable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact has stated that they continue to have issues with their vehicle. The relationship with their local dealership has been unpleasant as they do not have a remedy for the vehicle, yet they often state that there is nothing wrong with it.
I notice a strong smell of gas inside my vehicle immensing from the back seat area of my car.and it's stronger everytime bi fill up the gas cap is placed back correctly and no top off ever
I own a 2014 E350 mercedes benz the transmission was recalled a while back but long story short my car has all the same exact problems a lot of e350 owners are having with the conductor plate witch causes rough shifts between 1st and 3rd gear car went to Mercedes’ for more testing now I’ve got a 13000 dollar estimate and problem is even though the vin doesn’t show it was recalled for that reason the problem is spread world wide cuz my car only has 60000 miles and every one’s Mercedes’ is giving same exact problems not just mine so it has to be a recall
The contact’s wife owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear of the vehicle was swerving. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, the rear of the vehicle shifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Parking brake pedal assembly failed. Yes it's available for inspection. My home is on a hill, a functioning parking brake is required to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Personal mechanic identified issue and replaced part. There were no warning lights or lamps indicating an issue.
Brake line to rear completely rusted through. Lost brake control while driving. Upon further inspection, the entire rear subframe has significant rust damage that warrants replacement.
Driver's side rear subframe has rusted to the point metal is split open. This was found during routine maintenance service at dealer. While braking the vehicle pulls to the left. If not replaced, wheel can fall off.
The car lost the brakes as I was driving. This was very sudden and there was no prior sensor indication. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake line broke and leaked the brake fluid as I was driving, causing the car to loose braking ability. Inspection of the brake line also showed severe rust in multiple parts of the brake line.
Our mechanic reports a dime-sized rust hole in the rear subframe.
--Rear sub-frame broken. Part is available upon request. --Rear of car swerved when turning and breaking, probably due to control arm dislocation. --Dealer is aware of problem and has in fact replaced many sub-frames. --The dealer has inspected the sub-frame and determined that it is broken. --No warnings prior to failure.
I own a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350, 4matic. that yeah car has approximately 64,500 miles on it. I recently Took it in for service and was advised that the rear subframe has a whole rusted through on the left side. The dealers advice was to replace the rear subframe. I was advised that it is not presently a safety issue, but it was going to be a safety issue as the rust continued. I was dubious about this advice, so I took the vehicle to a second dealer, who also identified the rust issue in the same area. Both dealer representatives advised that they had seen these issues before with the 350 class, and that there had been many complaints about them. I am aware that MB has replaced subframes on this group of cars in Germany and in Canada already—this is a well-known issue. The repair will cost between 3,800-5,000, but my real concern is that the subframe will fail and cause injury or death before it can be repaired. I do not believe this to be ordinary wear and tear as the car is relatively young, and rust is a very controllable problem with current vehicle technology. I am concerned that the scope of this problem is widespread, as both dealer representatives said that they had seen many cars with this issue. It needs to be recalled and repaired before people are injured or die.