Mercedes-Benz · E-Class · 2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
5
Recalls
88
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 5 recalls and 88 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (24 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is air bags with 24 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class currently shows 5 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 88 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are air bags (24), unknown or other (6), steering (6).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Recalls
- 5
- Complaints
- 88
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.9% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 19V787000November 01, 2019
COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Remedy Status
MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
NHTSA ID: 17V627000October 06, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Remedy Status
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA ID: 17V177000March 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Remedy Status
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA ID: 16V899000December 14, 2016
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
Remedy Status
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA ID: 15V505000August 11, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz E350, E400, E400 4Matic, E63 4M S AMG, E350 4Matic, E63-4M S AMG, 2015 CLS400, CLS400 4Matic, CLS550, CLS63-4M "P" AMG, and CLS550 4Matic vehicles manufactured April 16, 2015, to April 22, 2015. The integral steel cable that secures the rubber seal to the bulkhead might have been damaged due to the supplier rework of the rubber seal. In the event the rubber seal is not properly secured around the engine compartment, it is possible for the rubber seal to temporarily stick to the hood when it is opened and then may fall into the engine bay when the hood is closed.
Remedy Status
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber seal, in the engine compartment, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. MBUSA's number is 2015080001. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339.
Owner Complaints
88 totalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 22, 2025
Fuel odor is very apparent (while idle) but difficult to identify location. Same models seem to have recalls for fuel injectors/rails but not this specific VIN. I believe the issue might be of similar recall. I will have the car diagnosed soon.
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there w...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS,SEATS
Oct 9, 2025
Passenger seat capacity sensor fault. Will not activate passenger side air bag. Checked with obd scanner
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Oct 14, 2024
Since May 2024, I had taken my car in for repairs at 3 different shops for same exact issue diagnosed as leak from air intake system. It has been repaired 7 times since it first occurred in May 2024, and unfortunately it is still not resolved. This is a potential danger to the dr...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Oct 8, 2024
Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedomet...
Preview excerpt
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 10, 2024
The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car
ENGINE
Jun 10, 2024
Mercedes Benz has a recall on several models including E-Class (E 200, E 220, E 280, E 350) experiencing timing chain problems. The timing chain is an important component of the engine, as it helps to coordinate the timing of the engine’s various parts. I am currently having the...
Preview excerpt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Jun 4, 2024
Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 20, 2024
I believe there is faulty wiring in the door speaker front passenger side. It causes crackling and humming. It lessens some when you turn ECO off. Concerned it could ignite a fire. Once told by dealer it’s caused by rain going into the door. Next time told that just to look a...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 88 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Mercedes-Benz models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mercedes-Benz E-Class Years
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.162c2015 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.6r57c2018 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.65c2014 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.8r297c2019 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.7r52c2013 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.6r185c
More 2016 Mercedes-Benz Models
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.13r310c2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.12r136c2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.2r103c2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.8r61c2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.4r51c2016 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassAnother 2016 Mercedes-Benz option for same-year comparison.5r29c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
NHTSA has received 88 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are air bags (24 reports), unknown or other (6 reports), steering (6 reports).
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.