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U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350: complaints, problems and recalls

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.

Owner-reported patterns

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.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues323.1%
Transmission and shifting215.4%
Engine operation215.4%
Braking behavior17.7%
Fuel system concerns17.7%

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.

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
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System4
Engine4
Power Train3
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera2
Back Over Prevention: Warnings2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

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.

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
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

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.

2023
1
2024
5
2025
4
2026
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20231
20245
20254
20263

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.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11560848 · 2023-12-19 (December 19, 2023)

When in reverse, sometimes the rearview camera image does not come and and the parking sensors do not work. An inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver’s view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. This has been happening over the last 2 years infrequently. When the issue was brought up at the dealer during service, their recommendation was to bring the vehicle in immediately at the time it occurs, but I haven't been able to do so with work. Now this issue is happe…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11560848 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 ↗

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 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 11589422 · 2024-05-18 (May 18, 2024)

I was parking and the 360 view sensor did not come up. When I tried to back out and move forward again, I realized the back up camera would not come on. I turned the car on and off and then tried again to reverse to engage the camera but was instead given a message that says system inoperative.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11589422 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Recall history

12 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

20V673000 · Seats

Reported: 2020-10-30 (October 30, 2020)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350 and E450, 2019-2021 AMG E53 and 2020-2021 AMG E63 vehicles. The front passenger seat may be missing the mechanical seat adjustment range limit stop, allowing the seat to move outside of the acceptable range in relation to the air bag.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat is adjusted beyond the acceptable range in relation to the air bag, there could be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash with air bag deployment.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the mechanical seat adjustment range limitation for the front passenger seat and install it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-368-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110013.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V216000 · Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust | Seats

Reported: 2021-03-26 (March 26, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, E63S AMG, 2020 E63S AMG Wagon, and 2020-2021 E53 AMG vehicles. The passenger seat limiter may allow the seat to be positioned too close to the air bag.

Consequence: A seat too close to the air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the frontal passenger air bag.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the passenger seat limiter, free of charge. The recall began April 29, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040002.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V228000 · Back Over Prevention:Warnings:External/Pedestrian Alert | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2021-04-01 (April 1, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, and AMG E63 vehicles. The parking control unit may fail to display the rearview camera image and cause the parking sensors to misidentify or fail to detect objects.

Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver's view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: All affected vehicles are still within MBUSA's control. MBUSA will replace the parking control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V230000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | Seats

Reported: 2021-04-01 (April 1, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V483000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor

Reported: 2021-06-25 (June 25, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V527000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact

Reported: 2021-07-12 (July 12, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

Consequence: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V189000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

Reported: 2022-03-25 (March 25, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Consequence: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V232000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2022-04-08 (April 8, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

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

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V445000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2023-06-26 (June 26, 2023)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

NHTSA campaign record ↗