2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Complaint Log

I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2010 E350 (VIN # [XXX] ). I have taken great pride in owning and maintaining this vehicle, and I want to share my concerns based on my recent experience. I have consistently kept this car well-maintained, following all recommended service schedules and ensuring that any necessary repairs were handled promptly. Up until now, I have not experienced any significant issues with the vehicle. It has been reliable, well cared for, and in excellent condition. Recently, when the brake line indicator came on, I immediately took the vehicle to a mechanic to have it inspected. I was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty and that there was a leak present. Upon further inspection, the mechanic identified that the leak was coming from the rear of the vehicle. It was then determined that the issue involved the rear brake line located near the gas tank. This is extremely concerning, not only because it directly impacts the safety of the vehicle, but also because, based on the research I have conducted, this appears to be a common issue with this particular model. Given that this is a critical safety component, it is troubling that such a failure would occur despite the vehicle being properly maintained. Based on what I have researched, I feel that I have a valid complaint. This does not seem to be the result of neglect or lack of care, but rather a potential defect or known issue associated with this vehicle. As an owner who has taken every step to properly maintain and care for this car, it is both frustrating and disappointing to now be dealing with such a serious problem. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed thoroughly and that an appropriate resolution be provided. I believe it is reasonable to expect accountability for an issue that appears to be both common and safety-related. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a fair resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Car was found to have the rear subframe corrosion for issue. But also the brake lines were corroded very badly. They should be covered under the rear subframe extended warranty replacement. The rear brake lines are an frequent issue and almost always shows up when the subframe begins to rot. Also the pattern of the corrosion seems to be consistent across multiple incidents. Look at photos I uploaded and the Reddit post; identical. Look at this post from Reddit, almost identical corrosion on the rear brake lines as mine. Furthermore, it always is the rear brake lines, almost never the front. This is a manufacturer issue that needs to be looking into. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

It seems like brake lines corroded and need to be replaced. Same issue in this car with subframe and that was taken care of by the extended warranty but brake lines were not part of extended warranty? That should be investigated further. Rear subframe rust out and brake line corrosion are obviously related but Mercedes is only addressing subframe. Why? A lot of people have this issue and it's a huge safety concern.

while driving once I start braking once the car is around 3mph it shifts from drive into Park and abruptly comes to a stop. Sometimes I am able to put it back into Drive sometimes I have to turn the car off and reinsert the key just to get it back into drive. Normally happens after an hour or so of driving the when I try to come to a complete stop the car will automatically shift into park. This is very dangerous as it can ruin the transmission also the person driving behind me can run into the back of my car. Is there any recall for this issue

All of sudden blind spot inoperable , turning signal to Rt. , signal goes LT. OR TURNING SIGNAL TO LT. , SIGNAL GOES To RT.

My brakes failed, the rear brake lines had corroded.

fast acceleration then slow down goes into limp mode . happens when passing a car or taking off fast like entering into traffic . very dangerous. will be calling mercedes benz tomorrow. bought car used approximately 4 months ago. thanks

My brakes went out while I was driving my family on a road trip. After getting towed I inspected the brake lines and they are absolutely destroyed. This is clearly a design flaw by Mercedes. This needs to be recalled. You have to drop the rear subframe to repair this. Absolutely ridiculous.

does the engine in this car have a correct balance shaft?

Smell gasoline on driver side. Can’t fill tank up or the smell is unbearable. Gas consumption is high. Engine light is on , suspension make a lot of noise, and ticking on driver side.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife was able to stop the vehicle from crashing into a concrete curb. The contact stated a nearby independent mechanic assisted the contact, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured brake line due to corrosion. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear brake line due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a year ago the rear subframe fractured due to corrosion. The contact stated that the rear subframe was repaired under an unknown recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The contact parked the vehicle and opened the hood. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed pieces of the serpentine belt on the engine. The contact turned the vehicle off. The contact went to a nearby Auto Parts store and purchased a new serpentine belt. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that upon checking the data on the instrument panel, the contact became aware of several error messages. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and the steering wheel functionality returned. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated; however, the coolant level was checked and was sufficient. Additionally, the contact stated that the drive assist warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics regarding the drive assist warning light; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

Mercedes had a recall for rusty subframe but the rear break lines are rusting out as well and it should be a recall just like the subframe. I have brake line leaking now and it will cost around 2500-3500 to fix per mercedes

When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive

I was involved in a head on collision when a motorist driving in the wrong lane hit the front of my car in the evening of 10/2/24. The impact was huge and my car was totaled. However, my airbag did not deploy and I hit my chest and knees very hard against the steering wheel and dashboard. Airbag deployment is a basic safety feature during an accident particularly in a luxury vehicle like Mercedes Benz that is known for its safety record.

The turn signal light malfunction , when i turn the signal light to Rt. the dashboard signal light going LT. , and when turn to the lt. the dashboard signal going RT. This happen accidentally , not all the time . but when it happened it was very risky. At the same time a dashboard massage appear and reading (( Blind spot warning disabled)) First time happened to me; i pulled over , turned the engine off , turned it on again , problem resolved. First thing i did i made i search online , i found that many people are mentioning this problem . and some made a diagnosis of steering control unit malfunction . One person called the dealer , test the vehicle , and made a recall .he gave gave a phone number to call 18003676372. My son called that number and asked for this particular recall , and mb of USA denied any recall for this problem.

THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE MAIN FUSE BOX CHART.

August 2024, while driving on a 4 lane highway at 65 mph, a warning appeared on gauge cluster saying that Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control inoperable. This caused the car to reduce power, requiring me to quickly pull over. The car continued running but I was limited on mph and gear selection (aka Limp Mode). I turned the car off, allowing the systems to reset. After driving approximately 1 miles, the same warnings appeared. Fortunately, I was within a mile from home at the time so I was able to "Limp" the car home. The next day, I checked the car again by driving in my neighborhood with the result. I had the car transported on roll back to Express Oil and Tire in Barboursville, WV as my "local" MB dealer is an hour away. They checked the car and the Engine Control Module was defective and needed replacement. The cost of the service including new MB parts and programming would be $2,495. I tried for 2 months to secure funding to fix the car to no avail. I had the car towed on roll back again but back to my house. The car has sat since then.

Smell gasoline when tank get filled up. Engine light is on , suspension make a lot of noise , power steering pump also

This is in regard to E350 2010. Gas smell after tank fill up (only when full). Fuel pump cover on the driver side under the back seat. The tank cover (plastic) breaks and leaks. Similar problem was noted on previous models (2009) and recall was issued. [XXX] Very hazardous (Flammable and combustible) and the dealer stated that it is a common problem. I removed the back seat and is gasoline leaking and accumulating above the cover. Similar problem occurred on the cover on the right side and was replaced. The plastic cover on both sides breaks and leaks gasoline into the car. Should be recalled and replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering wheel stopped turning. Steering pump has failed. My 17 year old daughter got so scared while driving it. Very dangerous. Always got serviced on time. It has only 76500 miles on it. The mechanic has no idea how this happened. Cost to repair is $4500 and he is thinking maybe there is a recall for it . It got towed to the shop and it had a full service done 2 weeks before . I am glad my daughter was not driving on the highway at the time of this incident

Rear subframe corrosion and failure. Based on my queries this apparently a common issue. I am adding my report to add weight to this common issue. Vehicle is approximately 13 years old, is in good condition, and has not suffered any accidents affecting the rear subframe. Overall only minimal rust or corrosion is found during a visual inspection while on a lift. This vehicle has passed annual inspections as required by Virginia state law. The rear subframe has rusted from the inside. This corrosion was not visible from the outside, which is why it was not found in the annual inspections. Due only to this internal corrosion, the left-hand (driver) side of the rear subframe has broken loose where the rear wheel's control arm is attached. This removes one of the rear wheel's primary attachment points, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Rear suspension control arm bracket rusted, broken off from frame of vehicle makes a slight to moderate sound when driving or going off bumps I avoid rough surfaces, I drive at a respectable speed ,I never came across as long I owed this vehicle.

My rear sub frame has major corrosion and is broken on the driver side, the passenger side about to go soon. My vehicle only has 154000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake line fractured and the low brake fluid warning light illuminated; however, the contact stated he was able to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the subframe was fractured, which caused the brake line to fracture and fail. The dealer repaired the subframe under the recall and charged a fee for the brake line repair. The contact stated that the mechanic stated that the brake line fracture was caused by the subframe fracture. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer only authorized the repair of the subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 181,250.

Per the technician: "the rear subframe is rusted out and the lateral strut arm is starting to break away". Because of this issue, the car unknowingly presented a safety risk to occupants and other drivers. A failure of the subframe or connected components could have resulted in a serious accident. Photos are attached. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. There were no warning indicators to this issue. The issue was found only because the car was being serviced for brake pads. Mercedes Benz USA customer care said there was no recall or other warranty covering the issue and said the vehicle was outside their "good will assistance program". The vehicle is no longer able to be driven.

Steering wheel lock mechanism failed

Rear subframe has rusted to the point car is no longer safe to drive. This is apparently effecting many Mercedes’ vehicles and many unsafe cars are currently on the road.

Rear Sub-frame rusting/rotting

During maintenance check, mechanic indicated rust on the rear subframe that can lead to failure. Failure on this car would cause a puncture of the fuel tank due to car design. Upon further research, this is a well known issue with MB and is covered as a recall in all countries other than the US. Please encourage Mercedes Benz to do the right thing and issue a recall for this defective component, to avoid serious accidents.

The subframe on the back of the car starts to rust and potentially just breaks without warning which can cause loss of control of vehicle. This is an ongoing issue for all w212 Mercedes models.

REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD TO PARK IT UNTIL I HAD IT FIXED. THE SUBFRAME HAD BEGUN FLEXING AS I DROVE AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350W. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a gasoline odor within the interior of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel filter flange. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 94,000.

There is an ongoing issue with the front and rear air shocks. They don't inflate properly. Sometimes they inflate and sometimes they don't. This is a risk because my suspension system is not stable. The problem has been confirmed by Astorg Mercedes-Benz. Yes, the problem has been inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. There was no indication beit warning lamps, messages, etc., before the issue happened.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring and shifted LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V168000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical Stability Control, Engine, and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

FUEL SMELL IN CABIN FROM REAR FUEL PUMP. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE W212 HAVE BEEN HAVING AS WELL ACCORDING TO MBWORLD.ORG FORUMS. I AM FRIGHTENED THAT ONE SPARK MAY CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO EXPLODE, I ALSO CANNOT ALLOW MY 5 YEAR OLD SON TO RISE IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT HIM TO BREATHE THE FUEL FUMES. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN POSSESSION OF DEALER BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO A GOODWILL REPAIR FOR IT. THEY ARE CHARGING FOR INSPECTION WHEN IT IS NOT MY FAULT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

My car has this issue that when I am slowing down it will automatically shift to park and will not let me shift to drive until I turn the car off and on. When rolling to a stop, I've had a few instances where the car shifts to park and the car behind me almost hits me due to the car shifting on its own and not allowing me to proceed with the flow of traffic. This puts not only me, but the person behind me at risk. I took the car to a mechanic and he stated that there was no recall for this issue but that I should contact you (NHTSA). The mechanic stated that the component that might be failing is the electrical ignition switch, basically telling the car that there is no key in the ignition. There are no warning lights or any other indication. This has happened to me a multiple times. When this happens, since I am not at a complete stop, it shifts to park and grinds my transmission. This causes the car to abruptly stop without having my foot on the brake to warn the drivers behind me.

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the rear subframe fractured. The contact went across the highway but was able to regain control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 149,200.

During braking a knocking noise happen due to a dislodged or broken bracket from rear suspension cross member. And has appeared to rusted from the inside out. Mercedes was notified and was inspected by a local Mercedes dealership. Vehicle cannot be safely driven.

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 60 MPH, a warning message indicating that the brake fluid level was low was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brake fluid was replaced and the warning message disappeared. The contact's mother was able to continue driving. The contact and his father later inspected the services brakes. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard. Additionally, the contact noticed that the brake fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,788.

Even though the my Mercedes is a 2010, it has forty three thousand miles and garaged for it's lifetime. The brakes lines are rotted and leak. This is a serious safety issue and should be looked into. I'm sure I'm not not the only person with this issue. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Very strong exterior exhaust odor, like gasoline, consistent and always prevalent but more so when fuel is at half or above. Afraid may spark if near open flame

I WAS DOING ROUTINE MAINTANCE WHEN I NOTICED MY REAR LEFT TIE ROD THAT CONNECTS TO MY LEFT WHEEL WAS CRACKED BY THE REAR SUB FRAME WHICH LED TO A SAFETY ISSUE CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SHOP FOR INSJRANCE INSPECTION

My family has owned this vehicle since 2013 when it was purchased from the local Mercedes dealership as certified pre-owned. In the past few years, we have had to have several of the rear brake lines replaced due to rust. The last time, we were told by the mechanic that the complete rear subframe would have to be replaced due to rust. Specifically the attachment points from the subframe to the rear suspension have completely rusted through. I contacted the dealership where the car was purchased. They stated they are aware of this issue on almost all of the cars of that period but offered no solution other than a repair of $5,000. Many of the cars of that era and class have serious rust issues but Mercedes chooses to do nothing about it. This is a serious safety issue because the entire rear suspension and brakes attach to the subframe and could come loose at any point while driving. I would like this to be repaired by the manufacturer. Thank you

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the rear wheels were going in a different direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspensions had rusted and fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,060.

Have strong odor of fuel in cabin and outside driver's side rear of vehicle that has been increasing in intensity over the past couple of months. I removed the rear seat bench and the access cover for the fuel pump under the driver's side rear seat and found pooled fuel on top of the pump as well as a lot of dirt and grime showing that it had been a problem for some period of time. I dried up the fuel but the problem continues, and continues whether or not the tank is full or less than 1/2 full.

Rear control arm attachment to subframe snapped off at the weld during breaking

Driving Home Late Going 75 mph in Michigan when hitting brakes the car became unstable felt like it wanted to spin out of control. Hitting brakes at speeds above 30mph made car want to spin out of control.. Took car to MB dealer. Told them car was unsafe to drive and almost killed self hitting brakes.They test drove car and confirmed issue. MB mechanic put car on lift found the left control arm trailing arm bracket welds had rust of the rear suspension cross member subframe!! This has rendered car unsafe and Unoperational !! NHTSA needs to get involved force recall ! We are lucky to be alive!

Car shifts into park when I stop, does not happen all the time, no check engine light, no warning, don't know it shifted until I try to move forward. last time I drove the car it did it as I was stopping, made a funny grind noise, no warning lights or bells will contact dealer. this is very dangerous

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted to PARK before the vehicle came to a full stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the failure was related to TSB - LI54.25-P-056472. The contact was informed that the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired and the TSB was not associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.