2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
12 distinct recall campaigns
38,601 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 13 complaints (30.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 23.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 15.4% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 15.4% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 7.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 7.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
Electrical System: 4; Engine: 4; Power Train: 3; Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera: 2; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2023: 1; 2024: 5; 2025: 4; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11629406 · 2024-12-07 (December 7, 2024)
FIRE FIRE FIRE Information light came on just saying 12 Volt Battery. I sat in the car letting it idle for about 3 minutes. It began to smoke and then burst into flames. I called 911 got the fire department here but by the time they were here there was not much left. The car essentially burned to the ground and insurance has declared it a total loss. Car was in my driveway, was certainly a danger to me, to my house and to my neighbor's cars and house.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11629406 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11649636 · 2025-03-21 (March 21, 2025)
1) Rear view camera sometimes working, some times not working. (Message reads “system inoperative “ 2) Forward view camera also affected. 3) display shown “12V battery low in battery “ 4) Not long ago, just had vehicle suddenly vibrating vigorously while backing up from parking and during driving. Gas paddle not responding when stepping down, ( vehicle was then towed to dealer and they updated some kind of electrical thing)
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11649636 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11672435 · 2025-07-10 (July 10, 2025)
The Mercedes E350, with 22,000 miles suffered a catastrophic transmission failure while driving on the highway. I managed to exit the highway but the car could not be moved and left me stranded.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11672435 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11708688 · 2026-01-04 (January 4, 2026)
With the car only have about 15,000 miles the transmission has failed . I have seen there have been recalls of other models with similar complaints of transmission failure .
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11708688 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11571057 · 2024-02-09 (February 9, 2024)
The engine is misfiring and not powering correctly during driving. Car is failing to take off and today almost caused an accident due to the car would not pull off from the traffic light with oncoming traffic due to loss of power. Safety was at risk due to an accident was almost caused due to car not moving in on coming traffic Dealership is citing that is needs to have a cylinder replaced but will not tell me why it needs to be replaced, why this has happened or what could have been done pre maintenance to avoid this issue Check engine light …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11571057 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11673376 · 2025-07-14 (July 14, 2025)
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 (VIN [XXX] ) developed a serious engine issue involving cylinder misfire and check engine light. The dealer diagnosed it as a leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 4, related to TSB LI01.30-P-072328, which documents valve seat wear in M260 engines. This is a known defect acknowledged by Mercedes in technical bulletins, and other customers in the U.S. have received warranty extensions or goodwill coverage. I was denied coverage even though this is a manufacturer defect that can lead to misfire, power loss, and potential s…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11673376 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11578960 · 2024-03-22 (March 22, 2024)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle the emergency brake independently seized. The contact stated that the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle would not drive forward or backward. The contact contacted the dealer and a service technician was dispatched to the location. The service technician connected the vehicle to the diagnostic equipment. The contact was advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed brake…
Owner-reported narrative. 24,001 miles reported. Look up ODI 11578960 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11567020 · 2024-01-22 (January 22, 2024)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had e…
Owner-reported narrative. 53,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11567020 at NHTSA ↗