Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 26 | typical | 14 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 20 | −15% | 8 | Airbag | Average |
| 2016 | 34 | 1.9× | 7 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2015 | 15 | −45% | 7 | Airbag | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median E400 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz E400 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz E400 recalls
Power train › Driveline › Universal joint
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the drive shaft as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 22, 2026.
Tires
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 Cabriolet, E 400 Coupe, 2019 E 450 Cabriolet, and E 450 Coupe vehicles. The tires were incorrectly marked with the wrong maximum inflation pressure and may not meet the strength requirements for the stated pressure.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Back over prevention › Display function
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air bags › Frontal
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz E400 should you avoid?
2016 — this year has the most complaints relative to other E400 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz E400?
2015 has the fewest complaints compared with other E400 years at the same age, followed by 2017. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz E400 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (47), electrical system (9) and steering (8). Airbag complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz E400 had?
27 recalls across 2015–2018. The model year with the most is 2018. See all Mercedes-Benz E400 recalls by year.
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.