Mercedes-Benz E400 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz E400 has 14 recalls covering 2014 through 2017 model years, with the most serious being a Takata-style passenger airbag inflator defect on 2015-2017 models where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.

The 2017 model year carries the heaviest recall load. A separate airbag issue on 2017 models involves the passenger airbag or pelvis airbag failing to deploy in a crash, leaving occupants without that protection. On 2017 Wagon trims, the rear spoiler can detach at speed and become a road hazard. Also on 2017 models, a starting current limiter can overheat and melt surrounding components, raising the risk of fire. On 2017 Coupe and Convertible trims, insufficient clearance between the left catalytic converter and a composite underbody panel can cause the panel to melt and ignite. The emergency call system on 2017 models can send responders to the wrong location after a crash.

The 2015-2016 model years have a few overlapping concerns. Electric power steering assist on 2015-2016 vehicles can cut out if connector pins in the control unit lose contact, leaving the driver with significantly heavier steering. There is also a recall covering 2015-2016 Coupe trims where an incorrect passenger airbag may have been installed during a prior repair, meaning the bag may not perform correctly in a crash. The emergency call system on 2015-2016 models can report an inaccurate vehicle location due to a software fault with the date and time, potentially delaying emergency response.

The 2016 model year has two additional issues: water intrusion into the power steering control unit can deactivate steering assist, and a rubber engine seal can fall into the engine compartment and contact hot exhaust components, creating a fire risk. The 2015 model year shares the power steering connector issue noted above.

On 2014 models, the driver airbag can deploy without warning, raising the risk of a crash and injury. The 2015 model year has a hood rubber seal that can drop into the engine bay and contact exhaust parts, also a fire risk.