Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 31% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 38% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 29% | — |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% | 0 miles |
| 2014 | 21 | 8% | 29,000 miles |
| 2013 | 15 | 9% | 40,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 10% | 82,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
| 2010 | 16 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 14 | 8% | 123,000 miles |
| 2007 | 33 | 9% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 72 | 18% | 92,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 (VIN [redacted] ) developed a serious engine issue involving cylinder misfire and check engine light. The dealer diagnosed it as a leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 4, related to TSB LI01.30-P-072328, which documents valve seat wear in M260 engines. This is a known defect acknowledged by Mercedes in technical bulletins, and other customers in the U.S. have received warranty extensions or goodwill coverage. I was denied coverage even though this is a manufacturer defect that can lead to misfire, power loss, and potential stalling, posing a safety risk on the road. Mercedes-Benz USA refuses to cover the repair (~$7,600+), even though it relates to a factory-documented problem. I'm requesting that NHTSA investigate this engine defect, as it may qualify for a safety recall or mandatory extended warranty coverage.
There was smoke coming from from the engine compartment and spontaneous fire started while the car was at a stop light. The car was totally damaged. The car has less than 15000 miles driven. It is still under warranty. Information was sent to Mercedes-Benz USA with a certified mail and immediately via email from the dealership. Also was reported where the vehicle was stored if they wanted to investigate the engine. Benz USA just wanted me to fill out their standard report form. The towing company also told me that they had to tow another Benz not long ago from engine fire.
Over the last couple of days, my car has displayed the "Engine Warning" message intermittently. I took this to the dealership for inspection and received the following fault code: P06DA00 - Inoperative Oil Pump Valve. For a car with low mileage, this could potentially be a car issue. The estimated total cost for labor and parts is over $5k. I think there are more cars affected.
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.
Dealership stated on 6/4/24 extensive rust and perforations on rear vehicle sub frame that can cause risk to driver of accident or injury. MBUSA is offering to replace sub frame part # 212 350 38 05. However dealership advised MBUSA is not offering to replace corroded brake lines or brake fluid exchange, and would need to come out of pocket. MBUSA failed to notify me of safety defect. Vehicle was purchased from MB of Arlington, VA in 4/2019 however dealership sold vehicle that is dangerous to drive. The vehicle also has additional safety defects such as a passenger tail light that does not work, and a license plate light not functioning. Dealership wants an additional $1500 to replace these (2) lights. Vehicle has low mileage at 60,000 and was purchased with 35,000 under MB CPO program. …
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine that lasted for approximately 3 seconds when first started. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was a common issue, and that the vehicle operated as designed. The contact stated that the failure might be related to the timing chain or the lifters. The contact stated that there were no issues while driving the vehicle, only whenever the vehicle was first started. The contact stated that after the engine had warmed up to operating temperature, the sound was no longer heard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. …
I brought in my car to M1 Mercedes, Fremont, CA for service after "check engine" light was on and running rough on idle. I told them I started using ethanol (E85) fuel recently but my car is spec for that. The shop replaced spark plugs and ignition coils but the issue didn't go away. While the car is parked overnight at the shop garage, on Jun 21, 2022, around 11pm, the engine exploded. The incident was caught on camera by the shop. The intake manifold was blown open. The car was tolled to Fletcher Jones Mercedes Fremont, CA (authorized Mercedes dealer) for diagnostic. However, they didn't offer any solution or attempt to find out what caused the explosion. They offered to replace the intake manifold for $1200. I declined as I believe this is a serious safety issue. What happen if it explodes again? Since the cause of the explosion is not found and address. …
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (72), 2007 (33), 2012 (21), 2014 (21) and 2010 (16) model years. Engine complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E350 engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 22V-168 (software, Mar 18, 2022); 20V-364 (turbo/supercharger, Jun 22, 2020); 15V-505 (engine, Aug 11, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz E350 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (8 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (2).
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.