NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400.
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.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
A separate airbag recall covers a different failure mode: the pelvis airbag or front passenger airbag inflator may not ignite in a crash, leaving occupants without that protection. Two recalls carry fire risk: a starting current limiter can overheat and melt surrounding components, and on certain coupe and convertible models, the left catalytic converter sits too close to the composite underbody panel, which can melt from the heat. On wagon variants, the rear spoiler can detach while driving and become a hazard for other vehicles. The automatic crash notification system may send emergency responders to the wrong location after a collision. Finally, the horizontal aim screws on the headlights may not be properly sealed, allowing the aim to shift and leaving the road ahead underlit at night.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
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A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear spoiler may detach from the vehicle due to mounting issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the spoiler mounting and correct it as needed 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 headlight adjustment screws lack proper sealing, allowing them to be readjusted unintentionally and causing the headlights to misalign.
What the fix does
Dealers will install properly sealed caps on the headlight adjustment screws to prevent unintended readjustment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the engine or transmission won't start, the starter motor keeps trying to turn over. This repeated effort can cause the starting current limiter to overheat.
What the fix does
A dealer will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter motor to protect against overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pelvis air bag or front passenger air bag inflator may fail to ignite during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left catalytic converter may not have enough space between it and the composite underbody panel underneath the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the underbody panel and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.