Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the camshaft adjusters and crankshaft position sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn't not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is unable to change gears sometimes and this is unsettling because the safety of myself, my children and others is affected if I'm driving and the car goes into neutral all of a sudden with no warning or goes into park and is unable to move. …
yellow check engine light came on and a few days later the car stalled on the road potentially causing an accident. took it to a shop and it has a p052e (crankcase valve issue), then took it to mercedes and theyve confirmed that oil has been leaking and it needs a new cvp ($3000) AND oil has leaked into the engine harness ($4000) but a few other indie shops have mentioned that id probably also have to replace the thermostat because thats usually damaged as well. You can google this issue and see that its insanely common, dangerous, and a huge financial burden on mercedes owners. There should be an immediate recall. See the inspection here: https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/8RlVgZhzCNsvpezrI1ZEEtxKAPluMxrUUivaOkycfRg/detail
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the transmission. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle had self-corrected the issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with solenoid failure in the valve body. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while accelerating from the complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs, ignition coils, and the fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that there was low compression on cylinder #1, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Unintended sudden acceleration resulting in crash, resulting from oil into intake from seal on turbo charger. Car had been routinely serviced 5 days prior, with error message on air mass sensor. Part was replaced. This error message also occurred 15 months before, and was also replaced then. Car had been running normal prior to both servicing. No engine indicator warnings ever came on prior to crash. Seat belt apparatus also broke upon impact on drivers side when my head struck it.
I was driving in the middle lane of a 3 lane eastbound interstate 10 in gulfport, ms in a light rain ( it had been heavy 2 hours before ) with cruise control on at 65 MPH. I had just come over the lorraine cowen (spelling?) exit and a little after the car was on the flat road, the car without warning spun 180 degrees and we were backward on the interstate. Seeing the tracks on the shoulder the next day, the car came off the interstate backwards at about a 15 to 20 degree angle, spun another 270 degrees at the lower extent of the cleared embankment, and went into the woods. It miraculously missed all large trees and the 3 passengers sustained no injuries at all. No air bags deployed as there was no severe impact, the most severe area of impact damage being somewhile in the ride hitting the left rear door area more severely, as the largest dent was there. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E300 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (39) and 2018 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercedes-Benz E300 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz E300 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › diesel (3 mentions), followed by the engine › other fuel types › turbo/supercharger (2).
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.