Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems
Share of the 51 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 →
2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 recalls (5)
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
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.
Electrical system › Software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz E350, E400, E400 4Matic, E63 4M S AMG, E350 4Matic, E63-4M S AMG, 2015 CLS400, CLS400 4Matic, CLS550, CLS63-4M "P" AMG, and CLS550 4Matic vehicles manufactured April 16, 2015, to April 22, 2015.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber seal, in the engine compartment, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. MBUSA's number is 2015080001.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test, and the mechanic stated that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts availability. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 63,000.
I was driving on North Shepherd Drive in Houston, TX, at a speed of approximately 35 MPH. While I was lightly braking to slow down for an upcoming intersection where I wished to turn, the car flashed 2 error lights--Frontal Collision Avoidance System Inoperable, and Traction Control System Inoperable. At that moment, the car began to accelerate out of my control. It began to accelerate at a pace comparable to a full-throttle acceleration. At that moment, I turned off the vehicle and coasted to the side of the road. After a moment, I turned the car back on, electrical components responded as normal. However, there was a fluttering movement on the RPM levels on the tachymeter--even at idle levels.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver's side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger's side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was then taken to a collision center where it was diagnosed that the windshield bonding had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to a recall for potential reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the seal around the windshield. The contact stated that upon manually pushing the windshield, the windshield was movable. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a windy sound coming through the windshield while driving. The vehicle was taken to Dunaway Glass Repair Company, where the windshield was being replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added to a recall for potential reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was an oil burning odor present inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine drive belts were faulty, and corrosion was present on the motor mounts. The vehicle was not yet repaired. In addition, the HVAC system was faulty causing mold and mildew to build up inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 55,000.
2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 a good car?
Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 E350 rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350?
The electrical system — 9 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (7) and body & structure (7).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350, the most recent from November 1, 2019 (communication). 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 68% 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.