Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% | 24,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 14% | 19,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 50 | 18% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 32 | 20% | 37,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 9% | 160,000 miles |
| 2011 | 14 | 6% | 36,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 8% | 86,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 86,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% | 106,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2006 | 54 | 14% | 133,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 33% | 85,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 10% | 125,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving my husband's 2016 E350 at 45 mph when the car accelerated. I attempted to control the speed by braking but the brake did not respond well. The steering wheel was also loose. The car sped up and turned left to the opposite side of the road, crossed the two lanes and hit the fence followed by a tree. The car was totaled, and the tree broke down at its branches. I survived the crush with two fractures on my back and on my left thumb.
My vehicle was moving thru intersection when another vehicle ran a red light. I hit the brakes, but still crashed into side of other vehicle at 20-25 MPH. My vehicle had front end damage and was a total loss. I was wearing a seat belt, but it did not hold me to the seat. I hit the steering wheel with my chest and had to go to hospital for x-rays. Also, the steering wheel air bag did not deploy. The dealer said I was not going fast enough to deploy air bag. That is not true.
I was driving the car and when applied the breaks noticed that they weren't working. It was close to be an accident with the car in front of mine, but I was able to maneuver the car. When I stopped noticed that the break fluid container was almost empty and the fluid was leaking under the car. I brought the car to the Mercedes Benz dealership and they said that it was "normal corrosion" that caused the break lines to be totally rusted and leak. They also mentioned that "it was pretty common to happen in those cars during summer". I had no option but to pay several thousand dollars for the replacement of the rusted and corroded brake lines. It is clear that Mercedes Benz doesn't care about the safety of the passengers, and even worse, profiting from a defect in the materials that they use for the brake lines. …
Rear brake lines rusted out on top of rear subframe which is rusting out and caused immediate brake failure . Our lives and the lives of other were at risk because we were driving on highway and suddenly brakes went to floor and had complete loss of brakes There were no prior warnings no way to prevent this ...i see there is a recall on the subframe but not on the brake lines even though ive now read of this happening to many people
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. …
Vehicle subframe corrosion (manufacturer extended warranty offered). Rear brake lines corroded/leaking. Vehicle leaks fuel; steel fuel line corroded. Vehicle has about 105k miles. Minor fire started when yard maintenance came in contact with fuel saturated ground where vehicle had been parked/moved out of the way just prior. With rear suspension subframe springs corroded, vehicle bottom can contact road surface while driving, scraping steel exhaust with fuel present. EXTREMELY dangerous. Local Sunbury Ohio Mercedes dealership inspected then offered subframe replacement. Stated it was leaking fuel and not hydraulic fluid we originally thought. Brake, suspension and fuel line corrosion repairs were quoted in excess of $4,000, which was a "great deal" according to them "because the subframe would already be removed and would make it much easier."
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 when the vehicle was taken for a routine inspection, the dealer diagnosed that the rear brake lines were rusted through. The contact was informed that the rear brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
NHTSA investigations
Rear brake line failure
On April 10, 2020, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Surjit Singh alleging premature corrosion of the rear brake lines in his 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan. The petitioner states that he was recently informed by a Mercedes dealer service department that his car had severely rusted brake lines that need[ed] to be replaced immediately at a cost of about $3300.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (54), 2014 (50), 2013 (32), 2012 (20) and 2010 (14) model years. Brake complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E350 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Mercedes-Benz E350 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 E350 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (2 mentions), followed by the power assist › vacuum › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (1).
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.