2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300

Routine

Owners filed 32 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine6
000
Electrical System6
000
Unknown or Other4
001
Power Train3
000
Structure › Body2
000
Steering2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Seats1
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

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. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Electrical System › Software20V449000
Filed Jul 31, 202056 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.

Risk. Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

Seat Belts19V788000
Filed Nov 1, 201929,720 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.

Risk. The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack18V850000
Filed Nov 29, 20186,373 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.

Risk. A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables18V725000
Filed Oct 15, 20184,073 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.

Risk. If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification18V515000
Filed Aug 3, 2018345 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.

Risk. If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed May 15, 2026112,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz E Class. The contact stated that while driving stopped at a residential gate, the gear was shifted and skipped from g1 to g3., shifting itself to neutral. In another incident, when at a stop light or stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair for software update however the issue that was experienced with the vehicle stalling was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he thought the recall had to do with the issue he was experiencing but was informed by the dealer that it was a separate issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2026MD

Variable Valve Timing Camshaft KNOWN DEFECT rendering the car unusable at only 100K miles.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2025MS

The contact owned a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle leaving the parking lot pulled in front of the contact's vehicle, and the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's face and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained soreness on the face, and from the shoulders down to the lower back and legs. The contact was currently dragging one leg while walking. The contact had received dental and medical assistance. Additionally, the contact underwent an MRI. The contact was informed that the third and fourth vertebrae were damaged. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2025TX

The car did not give any warning before this issue came about. A matter of fact when I took it to the mechanic they were unable to do a diagnostic test because there were no error messages and check engine light never came on. After taking it to the dealership they were able to check the history and saw that the error code P061b00 shows that the clutch position switch module needs to be replaced. While driving in traffic the car went into N (neutral) and wouldn’t not go back in D (drive). It took several minutes of me trying to change gears but it eventually went into P (park). The vehicle is unable to change gears sometimes and this is unsettling because the safety of myself, my children and others is affected if I’m driving and the car goes into neutral all of a sudden with no warning or goes into park and is unable to move. This occurred several times within a two week span while my children were in the car and this could have ended very differently. I took it to a certified mechanic who provided an explanation based on the error code received and stated that this was a huge safety issues that needed to be addressed.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 15, 2025MI

Sunroof shattered.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2025VA

Check Engine Light, running fault code P052E71 - needs software update for N3/10 Engine control unit.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 12, 2025TX

Passenger seatbelt does not latch to the buckle. Therefore I am unable to have passengers in my vehicle. And when I do it becomes a huge safety issue. No mechanic can seem to figure out what is wrong with it.

Seats
Filed Jan 10, 2025IL

In April 2022, I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC from CarMax in Tinley Park, Illinois. After the purchase, I discovered several unresolved issues that compromised the vehicle's safety and reliability. Key components, including the battery and alternator, were defective. Mercedes-Benz confirmed the battery had not been replaced since 2018, despite CarMax’s assurance that it was new. This defect contributed to electrical system malfunctions, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, CarMax conducted substandard repainting on the backseat. The peeling paint transferred to my clothing while driving, causing financial losses and embarrassment. Issues with the rims were also mishandled, further compromising the vehicle's quality. CarMax failed to disclose unresolved safety recalls affecting critical vehicle systems, and their inadequate repairs and omissions put my safety at risk. These defects have caused significant inconvenience, financial loss, and concerns about the vehicle’s reliability. Despite requests, CarMax has not adequately addressed these issues. CarMax acquired the vehicle in 2021 from its first owner, who had purchased it in 2018. At the time of acquisition, the vehicle had been driven 45,069 miles. When I purchased it in 2022, the odometer read 57,925 miles, indicating that CarMax operated the vehicle for 12,856 miles. This period of use was later discovered to involve its usage as a loaner vehicle, a fact not disclosed during the transaction. U

Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2025CA

Added information: the issue is the piston, it went off due to a bad part. Mercedes Benz knew about the issue with the type of engine M247. there is a class action lawsuit pending. But I'm reporting this because i didn't know and it happened to me just a month out of warranty. Now, the dealership is asking me to pay for the labor. the dealership is House Of Imports in Buena Park. This has to do with the piston failure.

Power Train
Filed Nov 10, 2024CT

Vehicle went into limp mode at 83,000 miles and it was due to the electronic valve body failing within the transmission. Dealership mentioned it shouldn’t happen in a vehicles lifetime, this includes maintenance at the right interval (60,000 miles), which mine was. I was quoted roughly $3,800 by the dealership but after speaking with corporate it was brought down to $2,600.

Power Train
Filed Sep 13, 2024154,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while attempting to shift into drive, the transmission independently shifted to neutral. The contact attempted several times to shift into drive however, the transmission failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 7, 2023FL

The back-up camera failed while in the middle of reversing. Screen went completely black and unresponsive. Putting the car in Park then back to Reverse didn't work, screen still black. Tried turning off the car and turning it back on, screen still black and no back-up camera when I put the car in Reverse. I tried turning on / off the infotainment system and no change, screen still black. Later in the day when I got back in the car, the screen came up MUCH slower than usual, but did eventually come back up. This has happened multiple times and I've taken it to the dealer multiple times for this, but they've not been able to fix it.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 4, 2023TN

Mercedes Benz use low quality PCV regulator valve , it is a common failure problem, warranty will not be covered, Benz sells part replacement for around 350 USD and it require about 2000 in labor to be fixed on average

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2023NY

When taking curves the vehicle is making a cracking noise but, mechanic said they don’t see anything. My W213 Mercedes Benz E300 just like all other Mercedes is have a “Crankcase” issue, it failed the engine keep revving but, not catching speed. I’ve seen multiple Mercedes is having that issues and it’s very common. My vehicle computer communication system failed to communicate with the key sometimes won’t start and will run out of power overnight mainly happen during winter times and when it rains.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 5, 2023CA

According to the Mersedes dealer it is Engine Harness it is possible manufacture defect. Car has only 38900 miles on it.

Engine
Filed May 2, 2023CA

Yellow check engine light came on and a few days later the car stalled on the road potentially causing an accident. took it to a shop and it has a p052e (crankcase valve issue), then took it to mercedes and theyve confirmed that oil has been leaking and it needs a new cvp ($3000) AND oil has leaked into the engine harness ($4000) but a few other indie shops have mentioned that id probably also have to replace the thermostat because thats usually damaged as well. You can google this issue and see that its insanely common, dangerous, and a huge financial burden on mercedes owners. There should be an immediate recall. See the inspection here: https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/8RlVgZhzCNsvpezrI1ZEEtxKAPluMxrUUivaOkycfRg/detail

Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2023TN

Recurrent crankshaft ventilation valve failures. Replaced 14 months ago and has failed again. This is a common and known issue with vehicles in E class from 2017 through 2019 and Mercedes has not issued a recall. Perhaps because it costs $3500 to replace it if out of warranty. Entire system replaced Feb 17, 2022 and has failed again (April 6th, 2023)

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Jun 11, 2022MD

While the vehicle was parked, at approximately 6:15 pm on June 11, 2022 while I was retrieving my iPod that was on the cupholder of my wife’s car, I got cut on the back of my right hand by the chrome plating lining the top part of the cupholder. The cut was painful and was one centimeter long. After I got cut I noticed that the chrome plating around the cupholder was peeling off and was sharp to the touch. The peeling off was mainly on the middle to the left-hand side of the center console cupholder, it is razor sharp and very dangerous. Please warn other drivers about this danger. It would be especially dangerous if someone gets cut while driving the car. It seems other Mercedes Benz owners have had this issue too: Here - https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/724605-interior-chrome-trim-flaking.html And here - https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/810641-ashtray-cup-holder-trim.html This problem is similar to one I had experienced years ago on the door handle of a Hyundai Sonata I used to own, with peeling sharp chrome edge on interior drivers door handle - https://www.autoblog.com/amp/2009/05/26/hyundai-recalling-over-91-000-sonata-sedans-due-to-sharp-chro/

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 26, 202234,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, wind was entering through the passenger’s side sunroof. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Engine
Filed May 4, 202140,000 milesFL

MB 2018 E300 WOULD STOP WITH ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE STOP AND START SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE PROBLEM UNTIL I ALMOST GOT KILLED. CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AROUND (NOV 2020 OFF COMMERCIAL BLVD FORT LAUDERDALE FL BETWEEN 4 TO 6PM RAINY DAY RUSH HOUR ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO GET ON I95 AND CARE DIED ON ME AND I HAD TO WAIT 3 YOURS BECAUSE ONSTAR BUTTON WASN'T WORKING AND HAD TO CALL TOW USING MY PHONE ) I BEEN HAVING ISSUES STARTING BACK UP AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE PISTINES IN THE ENGINE AND CAR FINALLY BREAKS DOWN AND NEEDS NEW ENGINE FEB 2 MERCEDES NEVER HONORS THEIR WARRANTY AND FIXED MY ISSUE . ONE DRIVER WITH 2018 E300 MERCEDES BENZ LIKE MINE AFTER 23K MILES NEEDS A NEW ENGINE ALSO . BELOW I PAST THE LINK TO THE FORUM WITH OTHER MB CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THEIR E-CLASS MB ALL OF WHICH EXPERIENCE FAMILIAR ENGINE AND CAR START UP FAILURE. HTTPS://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/E-CLASS-W213/798120-2018-MERCEDES-W213-E300-NEEDS-NEW-ENGINE-23K-MILES-2.HTML CONFIRMATION CODE: [XXX] DATE AND TIME: JAN 6, 2021 9:00:00 AM VEHICLE: 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 VIN: [XXX] ADVISOR: [XXX] ARRANGEMENT: LOANER VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICES: ENGINE PERFORMANCE CONCERN (HESITATION, LACK OF POWER, POOR MILEAGE, ETC.) ' CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS AT REGULAR PERIOD CONFIRMATION CODE: [XXX] DATE AND TIME: NOV 25, 2020 10:00:00 AM VEHICLE: 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 VIN: [XXX] ADVISOR: [XXX] ARRANGEMENT: LOANER VEHICLE REPAIR SERV

20 of 32 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201929800Routine
2018 — this page32700Routine
20171321630Routine
20161100Routine
20092010Routine
20021000Routine
20012000Routine
199913000Routine
19989000Routine
19978000Routine
19961000Routine
19956000Routine

Compare every E 300 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 12, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.