Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and with an abnormal sound coming from the gear shifter. The contact stated there was a failure with the transmission and the vehicle would not exceed 65 MPH. The transmission was replaced. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer; however, several voicemails left for the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
30 aug.16 took my 07 E350 with 29427 miles to the dealership because the check engine light came on and the car was hard starting. After arriving I informed the service writer the car had shut down while driving. We were proceeding through a busy major intersection when the car shut down. Luckily it started so we could safely exit the busy major intersection. After a diagnostic test was ran, I was informed the crankshaft hall sensor was defective. Additionally, the engine control unit, engine wiring harness, crank sensor and various other components are oil soaked. I notified Mercedes Benz to be told the car was out of warranty. Mercedes Benz should be held accountable for the unsafe defective materials they use. The above issues are a danger to the occupants and general public as well. The defective oil soaked wiring harness is can cause a fire. …
While driving on freeway, engine suddenly revved high and almost red-lined on RPM gauge. Exited freeway and RPM (while lowered) was still high. A 3rd party mechanic diagnosed transmission valve body failure and advised on replacement. This must be a a known issue because mechanic asked that in order to replace the part a valid personal id must be recorded as part of the parts replacement per Mercedes.
The automatic transmission would not shift properly. Very dangerous. It is a seven speed automatic transmission but seemed to stay in a high gear so the vehicle did not accelerate. It would not go into reverse. It occurred on a major highway. The me dealer said the repair will be about $2300 this should be a recall. Safety hazard.
The front inner tires get cupping over the time, I have to replace them every 10,000 miles. All the suspension parts are new put still the problem going on. It is a manufacturing problem with the heavy engine get the load on the power train and with the time it losing and make the tires cupping from the inner side.
At about 87,000 miles, the car is essentially useless because of a known defect. The balance shaft, engine intake manifold and transmission conductor plate need to be replaced. Mercedes will not take responsibility even though there was a class action lawsuit.
The engine dies suddenly while driving. Cause unknown. Car will restart without trouble, but the suddenness of the problem is really startling and could be very dangerous on the freeway or on a winding road at speed.
In 2011, I purchased my vehicle from a dealership as certified/preowned at 46,717 miles. Regular maintenance was kept up at the dealership. In 2015 at 74,563 miles, I brought my vehicle in for 2 problems: a check engine light had come "on" and my vehicle was experiencing vibrations from the power train when turning and shuddering when making sharp turns at low speeds. The check engine light was a result of a balance shaft engine problem which was, at the time, in a class action suit regarding this problem for these vehicles. The manufacturer agreed to pay a portion of my repair for the balance shaft issue. The second problem turned out to be a transfer case issue. The dealership stated I had a bad transfer case and they recommended I have the transfer case replaced. At the time, I could only budget myself for the balance shaft repair and 4 new tires. …
I bought this car about 4 months ago. This car has been serviced religiously at the local Mercedes dealer and there has been "no know problems". On a Thursday I noticed the car shifting a little funny so I had my husband drive it just to be sure. He noticed the same erratic shifting. On Saturday I dropped the car off at the Mercedes dealer (same dealer it has always been serviced at). When I parked the car I wanted to check each gear just to make sure and what do you know...it would not shift into reverse. Later that day I had to call Mercedes to find out what was going on with the car and they proceeded to tell me the car had metal shavings in the transmission pan and would need a new transmission. The quote for a new transmission is $5800!!! I don't understand how the car did not give me any warning nor an indicator light. …
No warning of any kind, nor any event of any kind. One minute, everything is fine. The next, the transmission fails. Transmission failure has happened 3 times in the past 10 months. Car is a 2007 Mercedes. On all 3 occasions, I was driving on multiple lane interstate. One 2 of the incidents, the car suddenly went out of the drive gear into what felt like neutral. It stayed there for 10 or 15 seconds and then resumed in drive on it's own. Possible consequences of very serious accident. On the 3rd incident, I was at a stoplight and when starting on the green light, the car would not come out of 1st gear. Just dropped car off today for this and don't know results yet. What was done to correct: on both of the first 2 occasions, software was updated. There were other things done which bizarrely somehow relate to the transmission. I have no parts. …
Transmission complaints in other E350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350, 6% of the model year's 350 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 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.