Most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year
Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls (1)
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class:
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the…
What 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
This isn't a complaint, it is a request for consideration of or assistance for the replacement of the gasoline tank for my vehicle. When I took ownership from the previous owner, the first time I filled up the gas tank, the vehicle was emitting a strong gasoline odor. I took the vehicle to the Mercedes Benz certified service representative here because this is where the previous owner always had this vehicle serviced. There were no records showing this problem being looked into, and when I asked the previous owner, he said he never filled up the gasoline tank, always putting in $15 - $20 or so at a time, therefore he never smelled the gasoline odor. The Mercedes Benz certified service representative informed me that this model along with 2005 and 2007 models had similar problems with the gasoline tanks. …
I'm writing to lodge a complaint concerning a dangerous fuel leak into the cabin of my parents' 2006 Mercedes Benz e 350 (VIN [redacted]), which has resulted in gas soaking the rear insulation pad, sound pad, & rear seat cushion, all of which are "soaked" in gas (per the repair recommendation from mb of san diego). I should add that the car only has about 55K miles. My mom is 76 and my dad is 82. They don't drive much-- just local errands. The only reason my mom caught this one was the strong gas smell in the cabin. I am writing to you directly for the following reasons: 1.this relates to your on-going investigation #pe12-001. 2.the fuel leak presents a dangerous risk of fire and risk of gas fume inhalation to the driver and passengers. …
2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 E Class rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the E Class at the same age. 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class?
The fuel & propulsion system — 6 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (2) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). 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 E Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 11% 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.