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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2011

Mercedes-Benz E recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 30 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz E, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The 2011 model year drew the most complaints (10), and Fuel System, Gasoline is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz E VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 30 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2004–2011)
  • most complaints: 2011 (10 for that model year)
  • top component: Fuel System, Gasoline (5 complaints)
  • latest recall 11V496000 (reported Oct 3, 2011)
  • 4 complaints reporting a crash (13.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 3 complaints reporting an injury (10.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz E complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2011 model year has the most complaints: 10 of 30, or 33.3%. Next come 2008 (7) and 2005 (5). The fewest are for 2010, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz E owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2004–2011Column chart of 30 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2011 with 10. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2004: 2 complaints220042005: 5 complaints520052006: 1 complaint120062007: 2 complaints220072008: 7 complaints720082009: 2 complaints220092010: 1 complaint120102011: 10 complaints102011
Mercedes-Benz E complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz E complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200420000
200550000
200610000
200720000
200872010
200920000
201010000
2011102020
All model years304030

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz E components

top 12 · NHTSA categories

Fuel System, Gasoline is the component named most often, in 5 complaints (16.7% of all 30), followed by Air Bags (4) and Power Train (4).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz E complaints (top 12)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz E complaints (top 12)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline516.7%
Air Bags413.3%
Power Train413.3%
Tires413.3%
Electrical System310.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System310.0%
Vehicle Speed Control26.7%
Equipment13.3%
Fuel System, Other13.3%
Service Brakes13.3%
Steering13.3%
Suspension13.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz E recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name E, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2006 to 2011. The 2011 model year appears in the most campaigns (4).

  • 6 recall campaigns
Mercedes-Benz E recall campaigns covering each model year
2006: 1 campaign2007: 2 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: no campaigns2010: 1 campaign2011: 4 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 11V496000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Diesel

    Model year 2011

    Mercedes-Benz usa (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from July 2010 through February 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from April 2010 through April 2011, ML-class (W164 platform), manufactured from January 2010 through March 2011, GL-class (X164 platform), manufactured from March 2010 through March 2011, and model year 2012 s-class (221 platform) vehicles. The diesel fuel filter may leak from the area around the heating component.

    Consequence:
    Diesel fuel may be deposited onto the highway and create the potential for a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2011. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz usa at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 11V213000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model year 2011

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 e-class model W212 and S212 vehicles manufactured from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010. Insufficient adhesive between the vibration damper and its inner mass damper ring could cause a sudden separation of the inner mass damper ring from the vibration damper.

    Consequence:
    While working in the engine compartment during engine operation, the damper ring could strike and injure the person repairing the vehicle or a bystander.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace parts as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 8, 2011. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V540000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Other › Fuel Filter

    Model year 2011

    Mercedes Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 m-class, model W164, GL-class, model X164, e-class, model W212, r-class, and model V251VEHICLES. The o-ring may not have been properly lubricated in all cases. Lack of lubrication can lead to leakage of the fuel filter.

    Consequence:
    Diesel fuel may be deposited on roads and making those roads slippery, increasing the potential for a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372. This campaign has been superseded. Please see recall campaign 11V-496.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 10V459000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump

    Model years 2010–2011

    Mercedes Benz is recalling certain model year 2010 c-class, model 204, e-class, model 212, and model year 2010-2011 e-class coupe/cabriolet model 207 vehicles. The power steering system in the subject vehicles may fail due to the loss of power steering fluid.

    Consequence:
    Owners may not have sufficient control of the vehicle in areas, such as parking lots, where maximum power steering is required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will check and retorque the connection fitting free of charge. The safety recall began on October 31, 2010. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 08V303000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2007–2008

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling MY 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, MY 2005-2009 SLK-class, MY 2005-2008 c-class, MY 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLK-class, MY 2003-2008 e-class, MY 2004 and 2008 CL-class, MY 2008 CLS-class, MY 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, MY 2003 g-class, and MY 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 SL-class vehicles. A software calibration number (SCN) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect SCN coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recode the SCN free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 08V006000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel

    Model years 2006–2008

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with diesel engines, the crankshaft sensor could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor.

    Consequence:
    When this happens, the vehicle may lose power rather than enter a limp-home mode. In addition, the vehicle cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. The recall began on February 4, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz E questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz E, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The most recent, 11V496000, was reported on October 3, 2011 and is filed under “Fuel system, diesel”. The 2011 model year is covered by the most campaigns (4).

Which Mercedes-Benz E model year has the most complaints?

The 2011 model year, with 10 of the 30 complaints in NHTSA’s file (33.3%). The next are 2008 (7) and 2005 (5). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz E complaint?

Fuel System, Gasoline is the component named most often: 5 complaints, or 16.7% of all 30. Air Bags (4) and Power Train (4) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz E?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz E complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 30 complaints, 4 report a crash, 0 a fire, 3 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.