Most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz B 250E complaints by model year
Best B 250E years: 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2017. Compare all years →
2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E recalls (3)
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021.
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…
Remedy: 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.
What 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E owners say
Engine & cooling
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealership in Littleton, where they diagnosed the problem simply as a "failed electric drive". They could offer no explanation as to why the drive failed, but offered us the option to replace it at a cost of over $16k. The vehicle's warranty had expired only 3 months prior, the vehicle only had 16K miles, and I had owned it less than a year, so this all felt very strange that such a major component would simply fail with no explanation. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle the lost automotive power and stalled. The message "Shut Off Immediately" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealership in Littleton, where they diagnosed the problem simply as a "failed electric drive". They could offer no explanation as to why the drive failed, but offered us the option to replace it at a cost of over $16k. The vehicle's warranty had expired only 3 months prior, the vehicle only had 16K miles, and I had owned it less than a year, so this all felt very strange that such a major component would simply fail with no explanation. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E. The contact stated that while reversing from the garage at 3-5 MPH, the contact depressed the park button. The vehicle attempted to go into the park position. There was an abnormal noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle went into lock mode. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gear box and drivetrain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Electrical system
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealership in Littleton, where they diagnosed the problem simply as a "failed electric drive". They could offer no explanation as to why the drive failed, but offered us the option to replace it at a cost of over $16k. The vehicle's warranty had expired only 3 months prior, the vehicle only had 16K miles, and I had owned it less than a year, so this all felt very strange that such a major component would simply fail with no explanation. …
In November 2024, the vehicle indicated "add coolant". The vehicle was brought to Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale for servicing. The dealership apparently added coolant without advising me that the B250-E has a 100% chance of failure to the Drive Unit / coolant intrusion unless a small part is replaced before coolant leaks into the inverter/entire engine. A few weeks later - the vehicle, while traveling on a highway, had a complete failure and essentially shutdown on moment's notice. It nearly caused a severe accident. Mercedes Benz USA and the MB Scottsdale dealership have refused to cover the cost of a repair (near $7,000) or replace the vehicle (that is completely inoperable). I was disturbed to learn that a failure rate to the Large Drive Module is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. This same problem exists for early Toyota RAV4 EVs and some Teslas. …
2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | FWD | 85 / 82 / 84 MPGe | 87 mi |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 B 250E rates use caution: 7.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the B 250E at the same age. It is one of the B 250E years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (10) and electrical system (8).
How many recalls does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E, the most recent from April 1, 2021 (shaft sector). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz B 250E?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017. See the full Mercedes-Benz B 250E years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.