Mercedes-Benz E300 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz E300 has 16 recalls, all affecting the 2016–2017 model years, with the most serious being a damaged shift lever module on 2017 models where the transmission may not engage the gear selected, leaving the vehicle unable to move as intended and raising the risk of a crash.

Three separate issues on 2017 models can disable electric power steering without warning. Water intrusion into the power steering control unit on 4Matic variants can shut off steering assist, a transistor in the steering control unit can overheat and do the same, and a small number of 2017 units have improperly welded contact pins in the steering module that can lose connection and cut assist entirely. Any of these leaves the driver steering a much heavier wheel than expected.

Airbag reliability is another recurring concern on 2017 models. The passenger seat sensor can be incorrectly installed, causing the system to misread an adult as a child seat and deactivate the front passenger airbag in a crash. Separately, the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly if the occupant is sitting on the edge of the seat or has the seatback reclined. There is also a recall covering the passenger airbag inflator initiator, which can fail to ignite and leave the bag undeployed in a crash.

On 2017 models, the starting current limiter can overheat and melt surrounding components, creating a fire risk. The rear bench seat frame on 2017 sedans can contact and damage the fuel pump wiring harness, potentially stalling the engine. Two eCall system recalls affect 2017 models: one where the system can report the wrong crash location to emergency responders, and another where the system can fail to connect to emergency services at all. The widescreen instrument cluster on 2017 models can go blank at startup or reset while driving, removing speed and warning information from view. On 2017 models with LED headlights, the low beams may be misadjusted and fail to illuminate the road adequately, and a separate compliance issue means the horizontal aim adjustment screws on those headlights may lack the required tamper-resistant sealing caps. On 2017 models that have had the instrument cluster replaced, the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light may not function. The roof-mounted spoiler on 2016–2017 models may not be properly secured and can detach at speed, becoming a road hazard.