This page covers 7 recalls, 161 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
Airbag-related complaints dominate the 2013 E350 owner report picture, making up the single largest category by a wide margin. Owners most commonly describe unexpected airbag warning light illumination and concerns about whether the airbags would deploy correctly, with some reporting the light staying on persistently without any apparent triggering event. Service brakes are the second most-reported system, and a notable cluster of owners describe corroded brake lines and subframe rust, several mention discovering the issue only when a mechanic flagged it, with no prior warning lights or obvious symptoms. A few owners in this group report the vehicle became difficult to control before the problem was identified. Engine complaints are fewer but include reports of oil wicking through cam sensor harnesses into the engine control module. Sunroof water leaks and a single report of a sticking accelerator also appear, though those are isolated relative to the brake and airbag patterns.
161
Total Complaints
15
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 has 7 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Several other recalls also involve the airbag system. A software fault can prevent airbags from deploying in a crash, and on coupe and cabrio variants, an incorrect passenger airbag may have been installed during a prior repair, meaning it may not perform properly when needed. There is also a separate concern where the driver airbag can deploy without warning while the vehicle is being driven, raising the risk of a crash. On the structural side, a rubber seal near the hood can fall into the engine compartment and contact exhaust components, which can start a fire. Finally, a software issue in the emergency call system can cause it to report an inaccurate vehicle location, which may slow emergency response after a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may be incorrect, possibly installed during a prior repair, and may not function properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A rubber seal at the back of the engine bay may stick to the hood when opened, then fall into the engine bay when the hood closes.
What the fix does
Dealers will attach four additional retaining clips to the rubber seal to keep it secure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
