Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems
Share of the 173 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E350 complaints by model year
Best E350 years: 2017, 2015, 2020. Years to avoid: 2014, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2006. Compare all years →
2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 recalls (4)
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.
Suspension › Rear
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 e350 4matic wagon vehicles manufactured from July 1, 2006, through April 30, 2009. A connecting rod for the load leveling rear suspension system May fail.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace all the connecting rods, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350:
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of…
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 86 →
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. In addition, the engine began to sputter while idling. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the fuel tank sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; and the mechanic discovered that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while refueling, the contact smelled an abnormal fuel odor. The contact stated that the odor was present whether the vehicle was turned off or running. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the vehicle failed to start the following morning. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Combels Customs - Collision Repair, Auto Body Shop, where the alternator and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the speedometer, the clock, and the infotainment system were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear suspension, and the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The contact was able to close the sunroof manually with assistance. …
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350W. The contact that she noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank components and fuel compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge failed to read properly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V303000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Seats
I drove a short distance and started to smell burning, and saw some smoke in the cabin. I immediately pulled over and shut down the car. I called my husband and when he arrived we discovered that my driver's seat back had burned through from the seat heater. Luckily I was not injured and the burning did not spread, I assume because I was able to stop quickly and get out.
2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver's seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph's Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver's seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat heater button. I was inside the vehicle during the failure, and the situation created a direct fire hazard; the seat could have ignited, and I could have caught fire. I don't know if the passenger seat heater is also affected, so passengers cannot safely use their seat warmer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms pre failure. Evidence Available: Video/photo of the aftermath (burned seat left side damage), the vehicle and damaged seat are available for inspection. Smoke in video/photo. …
2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 a good car?
Based on 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 E350 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the E350 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350?
The fuel & propulsion system — 86 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the electrical system (18) and seats (17).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350, the most recent from November 19, 2024 (sun/moon roof assembly). 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 E350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2015 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2006. See the full Mercedes-Benz E350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 19% 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.