Mercedes-Benz E 450 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 has 34 recalls spanning the 2019–2024 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2024 models where the transmission wiring harness runs too close to the driveshaft, can sustain damage, and cause a sudden loss of drive power while moving.

On 2024 models, two additional electrical grounding issues exist: improperly secured 12-volt and 48-volt ground connections in the wiring harness can overheat and start a fire, and defective 80-amp fuses can fail and cut drive power or disable airbags and the instrument cluster without warning. A software error in the MBUX multimedia system on 2024 models can also deactivate the cross-traffic automatic braking function, removing a layer of crash protection in low-speed situations.

The 2022–2023 model years share a fuel pump defect that can shut down without warning and cut drive power while driving. On 2023 models, a software error causes the door exit warning system to fail silently, giving no audio or visual alert when a passing vehicle approaches an opening door. The 2021–2023 model years have a 48-volt ground cable in the engine compartment that can overheat due to a loose connection and start a fire.

Several 2021 model year recalls involve occupant protection. Side crash sensor connectors can work loose and delay airbag and seatbelt activation in a side impact. Seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. The front passenger seat on some 2021 examples is missing a mechanical stop that prevents the seat from moving too close to the airbag, raising injury risk during deployment. Rear seatbelt retractors can deactivate early and fail to lock a child safety seat securely. On 2021 Cabriolet variants, rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted and can detach in a crash. The rearview camera and parking sensors on 2021 models can also fail together, leaving the driver with no rear image and unreliable object detection when reversing.

Going back to 2020, the left-front seatbelt on certain E450 Coupe models may contact sharp metal components and fray, weakening its ability to restrain an occupant. On 2020 models with electrically unlatching rear seatbacks, the left-rear latch may not hold under load in a crash, allowing cargo to intrude into the cabin. A fuel injector seal defect on 2020 models can leak fuel near hot engine components and create a fire risk.

The 2019 model year carries several issues. A software defect can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. On rear-wheel-drive 2019 Coupe and Cabriolet variants, a steering rack defect can cause the steering to bind or become unresponsive. The automatic emergency braking radar system may fail to apply braking as expected. Seatbelt pretensioners and the PRE-SAFE tensioning function may not activate in a crash. On 2019 wagon variants, the tailgate-mounted rear spoiler can detach at speed and become a road hazard. Tires on 2019 Cabriolet and Coupe models were marked with an incorrect maximum inflation pressure, meaning tires inflated to the stated limit may lack sufficient strength and can fail while driving.

Across the 2019–2022 span, two separate emergency call system recalls cover situations where the eCall system either transmits an inaccurate vehicle