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KLUNK
KLUNK

2018 Mercedes-benz E-class

The Verdict

82 Smooth Ride

The 2018 Mercedes-benz E-class has 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (33 complaints) and engine (14 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 82/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Mercedes-benz E-class, consider the 2021 model year which has 70% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2021 has 70% fewer complaints

View the 2021 Mercedes-benz E-class dashboard →

82

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20021641783
2003591224522218
200448711833412
20053094383628
200648663635731
20074742034619
2008625211308
20092219512
201074151123916
20118314141489
20124621106557
2013503666287
20149652885810
20152581671
201631535126
2017437386613
201833411146
20192838123
2020110172
202151383
2022122252
202381392
20241011250

By Category

Body
33
Engine
14
Electrical
11
Transmission
6
Brakes
4

By Severity

1
34
2
27
3
2
4
5

Worst Problems

Complaints

Transmission 2

I am filing this complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 26V216 for my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC, VIN [XXX]. On XXX, the recalled driveshaft/universal-joint component failed, rendering the vehicle undriveable. At essentially the same time, the steering became effectively frozen and I could not steer normally. The recall materials I received warned of sudden loss of drive power, but did not warn of possible steering loss. The recall notice did not give an actual earliest repair date. Instead, it stated that I could take the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for repair at no cost. My disabled vehicle was taken to Mercedes-Benz of Orland Park on XXX, and I was provided a loaner that day. I was then told the corrected remedy was unavailable and might not be available until approximately XXX. The dealer discussed repair costs of approximately 9,000-10,000, plus about 6,000 more if steering damage is confirmed. I was also told an available/older OEM driveshaft could potentially be installed if I paid for the repair while the corrected recall remedy remained unavailable. The dealer later requested return of the loaner while my vehicle remained undriveable. I escalated the matter to Mercedes-Benz USA and sent a formal demand on XXX, with a three-day response deadline. As of XXX, I had not received a substantive resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate the unavailable free remedy, adequacy of the recall notice, proposed paid repair, remedy delay, whether steering loss is an undisclosed consequence of Recall 26V216, whether stronger interim warnings were required, and whether Mercedes-Benz should provide continuous alternate transportation until the corrected remedy is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

5mo ago
Engine 2

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

7mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side headlights intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

8mo ago
Body 2

The driver-side seat belt retractor on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 (W213) has failed to fully retract, leaving significant slack across the driver's chest and lap. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed seat belt motor. This component is part of the vehicle's electronic PRE-SAFE system. Because the belt no longer retracts into its stowed position or maintains tension, the vehicle is in a state of non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209 (Seat Belt Assemblies). Specifically, it fails to meet the retraction requirements necessary to ensure the webbing properly locates on the occupant's body. Furthermore, the failure of the motor disables the PRE-SAFE tensioning function, which is a critical safety system. Despite being a safety component and the vehicle being less than 10 years old, the manufacturer has refused to remedy this safety defect under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A non-retracting seat belt is an unreasonable risk to safety as it increases the probability of injury or ejection during a crash.

8mo ago
Body 1

The rear backup camera intermittently will open for a second, display the rear view (when in reverse), then immediately closes. This often happens after the trunk has been opened / closed, as when we go shopping and put items in the trunk. Sometimes it resets when you turn off the ignition and restart the car.

9mo ago
Body 1

I am filing a complaint regarding the loss of safety-related and remote vehicle features on my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 due to discontinued cellular connectivity between Mercedes-Benz and T-Mobile, effective 12/31/2025. This vehicle is paid for, has low mileage, and is otherwise in excellent condition. However, Mercedes-Benz has notified owners that key features will stop working, including remote start and safety-related services accessed through the Mercedes-Me app. As a consumer, I pay a monthly subscription for these services. This is the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle I have owned where features were removed after purchase due to technology decisions made by the manufacturer and its partners. In addition, the app has been unreliable for a significant period of time, often failing to function properly even while the subscription was active. Rather than correcting the issue, the service is now being eliminated entirely. As a woman who travels, the loss of safety features is a serious concern. These systems were a factor in my decision to purchase this vehicle and brand. The removal of functionality reduces vehicle safety, usefulness, and value, leaving the consumer to absorb the loss or install third-party systems. I am not seeking reimbursement. I am seeking accountability. Vehicles should not lose safety or core functionality while still within their reasonable service life. Consumers should not bear the consequences of manufacturer technology decisions made years after purchase. I believe this issue impacts many owners and raises concerns about vehicle safety, consumer protection, and long-term support of installed systems.

10mo ago
Electrical 4

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.

13mo ago
Electrical 2

The digital dash, which shows my speed, mileage, engine temperature, rims and fuel level goes blank. Then comes on for a few seconds and goes dark again. Vehicle only has 43k miles. MB dealer said this is not uncommon condition with the 2018 mb e400. Car is not safe to drive. MB dealer wants $6,100.00 to replace the unit. A software reboot will not work.

13mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Majesty Solus, Tire Size: 245/40/ZR19, DOT Number: 1Y07TYCJ9. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that tread on the front tires were blistering. The cause of the failure had not yet been determined. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front tires had failed and needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tires were replacement tires. The tire failure mileage was 4,000. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

16mo ago
Engine 2

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.

16mo ago
Body 2

Sunroof shattered.

17mo ago
Engine 2

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

19mo ago
Body 1

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.

21mo ago
Electrical 1

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. Upon taking possession of the vehicle, I became aware of several safety issues that were not disclosed, including unresolved recalls affecting key components of the vehicle. Despite the critical nature of these recalls, CarMax sold the vehicle without addressing these defects or informing me of their existence. Omission of Material Safety Information: CarMax failed to disclose the vehicle’s use as a loaner car and any associated wear and tear, which likely exacerbated the safety risks.

21mo ago
Engine 2

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.

21mo ago
Body 2

The emergency applied braking system was applied while driving the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG on a city street, with no other car or obstacle in the way of the car. Fortunately, there was no other vehicle behind us when this happened. I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic who found no fault codes in the OBD system. He did update the system software of the car at that time.

23mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

23mo ago
Body 2

This is NOT about my car with the VIN that I described. It is to report that my car saved my life thanks to ability to brake by itself when detecting accident. 2 months ago I almost collided with Tesla Cybertruck!. The reason that I almost was hit was that Tesla driver didn't yield at the intersection, and I did not see the fast-coming truck AT ALL because of how it is designed. I'm referring to lack of larger front, side and rear reflectors, etc. Existing lights are tiny, hidden and invisible at certain angles and lighting. Driver did not turn headlights on making this truck totally invisible because of its color, stainless steel that's grey and matching the color of light at that time of a day. I am very surprised that a vehicle like Tesla Cybertruck received certification to be driven on US public roads since it does not have a single reflector, red or orange, on either side or the rear/ front of the vehicle that's easily visible at all times and weather conditions endangering all public on the road. I would like to file a formal complaint against Tesla, DOT, NHTSA. Please inform me about the formal way of filing a complaint and all necessary forms that I will need to do so. This is in the best interest of all drivers, passengers and anybody who may get hurt or killed by this non-compliant vehicle. I have contacted Tesla via letter about 2 months ago but have not received any response from car Manufacturer who ultimately is responsible for designing dangerous vehicle, and DOT and other Agencies for issuing certification for a non-compliant vehicle. [XXX] [XXX] ph. [XXX] email; [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

25mo ago

68 total

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