Mercedes-Benz E250 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
29,210 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 to 2016 model years. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 13 complaints (38.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 38.5% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 15.4% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 15.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 7.7% |
| Engine operation | 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 |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Service Brakes: 2; Steering: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 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 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 2
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 5 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 |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2014: 1; 2015: 2; 2017: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 2; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior 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 10733426 · 2015-07-11 (July 11, 2015)
THE CAR HAS A ECO SYSTEM WHICH MAKES THE ENGINE STOP WHEN YOU COME AT COMPLETE STOP TO SAVE FUEL. WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, THE CAR STARTED WITH A HUGE JERK AS IF THE GEAR BOX IS BROKEN. NOW IT IS GIVING TWO DIFFERENCE MESSAGES: 1. AUXILIARY BATTERY MALFUNCTION 2. PRE-SAFE FUNCTIONS LIMITED (SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL) THE CAR IS JURKING HEAVILY. I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES DEALER IN PLEASANTON, CA. THE SERVICE AGENT ASKED ME IF I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THEM. I TOLD THAT I DID BY AN S550 FROM THEM BUT NOT THIS ONE SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE SPECIF…
Owner-reported narrative. 38,420 miles reported. Look up ODI 10733426 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11563640 · 2024-01-04 (January 4, 2024)
Purchased and installed OEM diesel fuel filter made by Mann part WK820/17 or 171103 on [XXX] and drove for 9500 miles. On [XXX] I checked fuel filter as I could smell diesel fuel near the car for the last 2 weeks. Fuel filter heating element/H2O sensor was cracked and seeping fuel once fuel pump was turned on. Unit is available for inspection Safety issue-leaking fuel No inspection by police, manufacturer. I did contact RM EUROPEAN Auto Parts in Colorado who sold the part and am waiting to hear back. No warning lamps or CEL illuminated, onl…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11563640 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11620210 · 2024-10-16 (October 16, 2024)
Brake lines are rusted and corroded. It appears that the rust may have spread from rust on the rear subframe. The rear subframe warranty was extended for premature rust and failure, but the brake lines are not covered. This could have led to a dangerous situation. I've never had a vehicles brake lines rust like this. They should also extend the warranty coverage to cover rusted brake lines.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11620210 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11020765 · 2017-08-31 (August 31, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ E250. WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DISENGAGED SIMULTANEOUSLY AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF EUGENE, OREGON, LOCATED AT 2200 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 9740[phone removed]), BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS WEAK. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF …
Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11020765 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10966688 · 2017-03-18 (March 18, 2017)
THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AND I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A TURN EXCEPT BY SUBSTANTIAL MANUAL FORCE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY AND AT 20/25 MPH ABLE TO PULL IMMEDIATELY OFF THE ROAD. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT AND SAID THAT IT WAS A COMPUTER SYSTEM ISSUE AND THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF IT BUT HAD NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS. AND APPARENTLY THEY HAVEN'T DONE SO YET OR NOTIFIED THE NTSB BECAUSE NOTHING SHOWS ON THIS WEBSITE. THE OCCURRED OVER 6 MONTHS AGO SO I AM SHOCKED THAT IT HASN'T BEEN DEALT WITH.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10966688 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11660857 · 2025-05-14 (May 14, 2025)
Panoramic Sunroof bonding and bolts loose causing constant horrific cracking/clanking sounds due to shifting of glass. Possible frame and airbag damage, possible glass falling, possible injury/accident/death. Can cause issues with airbags deploying and water leaks. Mercedes mechanic said it's the worst case/noise he has heard in any Mercedes. Same make/year/model has been recalled in other plants. Also, walnut trim has faded tremendously.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11660857 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2 |
2014: 3; 2015: 5; 2016: 2