Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2016 | 7 | 14% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 25 | 9% | 67,000 miles |
| 2013 | 18 | 11% | 100,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 4% | 92,000 miles |
| 2011 | 15 | 7% | 95,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% | 36,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 7% | 150,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the subframe was rusted. The dealer stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The rear subframe of the car (MB E350, 2015 with 81,000 miles) is completely rusted/corroded through creating an unsafe situation where the car pulled left on braking with resultant loss of control of the vehicle as it spun out. The brake lines are adjacent and are also currently being inspected by MB Open Road Service [redacted] in Bridgewater, NJ. It is a miracle we (my three grandchildren, my husband, and/or I) were not involved in a tragic accident. This manufacturing component failure has been widely reported in the USA and worldwide for years with recalls in other countries, but not yet in the USA. I also reported this by phone to MBUSA, but have yet to receive any information or confirmation of the issue in writing. As you can see from the photo (courtesy of Denson's Auto Repair who has seen this issue before), the subframe is completely corroded through. …
On 11/24/23 Mercedes Benz had replaced my subframe which was part of a safety recall. When I arrived home after picking up my vehicle, there was a loud bang from under the vehicle. I immediately called the service department and told them about what happened and also complained that the steering wheel was cocked to the left and pulling in that direction. My service advisor John advised me to bring it back the next day which I did. They never told me what caused the loud bang, but they did say another front end alignment was done. The vehicle still continued to pull and the steering wheel was still off center. On [redacted] I took my car to Mr. Tire for a tire rotation because the car continued to sway and jolt when going over bumps. It also made a popping noise when making a sharp turn. Then on [redacted] as I was driving, the car pulled or slid to the left. …
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while depressed, with the "Brake System" and "Low Brake Fluid" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the brake fluid was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred in less than 24 hours, and the same warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the technician was informed that there appeared to be a brake leak. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the technician discovered that the subframe was severely corroded, which had caused the brake failure. The contact informed the dealer that there was a class action lawsuit for the failure. The dealer acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle veered into another lane. Additionally, while her son was driving at high speeds, he detected a shimmy in the front end. While approaching a stop, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, after depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was jerking and steering to the left independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000. The contact stated that the rusty subframe was so bad that if a piece had broken off it could have punctured the gas tank. The contact paid for the repairs necessary to fix the issues.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hood
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 E350 Sedan, E350 4Matic Sedan, E350 4Matic Station Wagon, E400 Hybrid Sedan, CLS 550 CGI, and CLS550 4Matic, 2013-2014 E550 4Matic Sedan, 2013 E63 Sedan, E63 Station Wagon and CLS63, 2014-2015 CLS63 4Matic, E63 4Matic Sedan, E63 4Matic Sedan "S", and E63…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will attach four additional retaining clips to the rubber seal, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (25), 2013 (18), 2011 (15), 2010 (11) and 2012 (8) model years. Body complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E350 body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-088 (hood, Feb 13, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz E350 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (77 mentions), followed by the frame and members (11).
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.