Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 23% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 13% | 48,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% | 84,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% | 24,000 miles |
| 2014 | 15 | 5% | 57,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% | 20,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 3% | 62,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 8% | 103,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 157,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% | 72,000 miles |
| 2007 | 21 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 37 | 9% | 73,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% | 10,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Engine misfires, lower engine power, and a lit check engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Mercedes-Benz issued an Emission Service Campaign (No. 2021070006, internal code 21P1590208) to replace out-of-spec ignition coils on 657 vehicles from model year 2021, including the E-Class. My VIN was not included in the recall campaign but my vehicle is experiencing these exact symptoms as referenced in the first sentence. My vehicle has 48,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while shifting between the lower gears, the vehicle would shift roughly resulting in the vehicle jerking while driving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
When I try to put the vehicle in park the car is stuck in drive or reverse. If the car is in reverse or if the vehicle is in drive and you use the gear selector to put the vehicle in park or change and gear the vehicle does not change the gear. I bought this vehicle certified preowned from Mercedes-Benz dealership in July 2019 the vehicle has less than 4000 miles on it since I bought it certified and this issue has occurred. This is a safety issue which could have injury and or death. The Mercedes-Benz dealer is stating there was a fault code with the shifter attached to the steering wheel and need to replace the entire module due to an electrical fault. The dealership is refusing to honor disrepair under a safety maintenance from the manufacture. I have escalated this matter to Mercedes-Benz executive relations. This issue has been ongoing for the past several months since last year.
Have purchased a 2014 mercedes E350 59k miles. This vehicle has an issue as so do many Mercedes with their rear subframes rotted out at the control arm bracket which causes the rear link/thrust arm to detach from the subframe/axle carrier and posses a danger when breaking due to the rear spindle assembly flexing throwing the wheels out of alignment and could be at risk for a car crack. This vehicle has already been in a minor crash as a result of this issue. I personally have not brought it to Mercedes to get it diagnosed inspected or the police law enforcement but there are many cases online on the Mercedes Benz forums to which this has also happened to. This issue applies to other Mercedes models ranging from 2010 all the way to 2016. Videos of the exact vehicle brought to an independent shop available upon request.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the rear axle frame cracked, and the contact felt as if the vehicle was going to flip over. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear axle frame was cracked, and that the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown Technical Service Bulletin; however, the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
My vehicle was pulling in the rear when braking. My mechanic informed me that it was a rotted undercarriage. When I called Mercedes they informed me that there is a problem with many models of Mercedes with this. They told me there is a warranty to cover it. This is a very dangerous condition. There should be a recall on all impacted vehicles. This safety failure and lack of transparency by the company (reportedly known for years) puts owners and motorists at risk. Please investigate. To make matters worse, the Dealers are unresponsive and slow to provide service and help. One dealership, Mercedes in New London CT has ignored my repeated phone calls and emails trying to clarify and schedule service. I went to another dealership Mercedes in Warwick RI. …
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the shift lever would not operate, and the vehicle could not be shifted into gear to be driven. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence by AAA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 420,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2025 E 350, E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, and E450 4MATIC station wagon vehicles. The camber strut bracket may have been improperly welded onto the rear axle carrier, possibly resulting in separation of the bracket from the rear axle carrier.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will replace the rear axle carrier, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 22, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (37), 2007 (21), 2014 (15), 2010 (14) and 2012 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz E350 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 24V-941 (axle assembly, Dec 18, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz E350 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (14 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (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.