2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, steering, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 252
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 8
- 12 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
AMG wheel inner-lip cracks
9,000–22,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical11No crashes
Electrical faults range from minor glitches to sudden shutdowns. Reported failures include an alternator that quit at 23,000 miles and shut the car off, and a stall in traffic where the steering froze and the brakes stopped working. Warnings that brake assist, blind spot assist and distance assist are inoperable come and go, and cruise control drops out with them. The digital instrument cluster goes blank, and one dealer quoted $6,100 to replace it. Backup camera screens go black while reversing, and repeat dealer visits have not fixed it. Other reports cite engine harness faults and rodent-chewed wiring.
Steering7No crashes
Three of the seven complaints are about waiting for a steering recall repair. Dealers said parts were not available, and none of these owners reported a steering failure. The rest describe a cracking noise in curves that mechanics could not find, and a clunk from the automatic steering wheel adjustment that the dealer would not replace until it failed. Some reports filed here are really about other systems: an E43 with cracked and bent wheels, and an E300 that stalled in traffic when the stop-start system misbehaved.
Engine6No crashes
Crankcase ventilation valve failures come up repeatedly. Symptoms are a check engine light with code P052E, oil leaks, and stalling on the road. Oil can seep into the engine harness, which raises the repair bill well past the valve itself, and one valve failed again after it had been replaced. Two fires are reported. One started in the engine bay while the car sat parked with the engine off. Another report describes a burning smell from the engine. Piston failure on the M247 engine is also reported, just after the warranty ran out.
Transmission5No crashes
The transmission drops into neutral and refuses to go into drive, sometimes in traffic, and one car was towed in with transmission failure. Shifts between drive and reverse fail now and then, so the car can move the wrong way if the driver does not notice. Fixes reported include a shifter module, a clutch position switch module, and an electronic valve body after the car went into limp mode at 83,000 miles. One complaint here is about the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and its high labor cost.
Body and structure4No crashes
On level ground, the front doors swing shut on people getting out, and owners report bruised legs. The hinges were replaced once under warranty, and the dealer later said they were operating as designed. A rear roof spoiler came loose, banged against the rear window, and flew off at 60 mph, hitting another car. It had already been reattached after earlier repairs. On the Cabriolet, cords holding the headliner to the roof fray, so the top cannot open or close, and the dealer fix has not lasted.
Seat belts4No crashes
Front seat belts fail to retract after they are unbuckled. Slack is left across the driver's chest and lap. In one case a dealer diagnosed a failed belt motor, which is part of the PRE-SAFE system. A separate complaint describes a passenger belt that will not latch into its buckle, and mechanics could not find the cause. Both problems leave occupants without a properly fitted belt.
Wheels and tires4No crashes
Alloy wheels on the AMG E43 crack along the inner lip during normal driving, which causes slow air leaks. Cracks are reported starting around 9,000 miles. One owner went through three front wheels and four front tires by 22,000 miles, and one crack ran several inches, close to a structural failure. A dealer welded a cracked wheel instead of replacing it. Front tires on these cars wore out in under 16,000 miles.
Airbags22 crashes
Two crashes ended with no deployment at all. In one, the car struck the side of another vehicle at 30 mph, the driver's face and chest hit the steering wheel, and two vertebrae were damaged. In the other, the car pushed forward while parking and went through a storefront, with a lane change warning showing at the time. Both cars were totaled. In the storefront crash, the dealer has not reproduced the problem and the manufacturer has not confirmed it.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints E-Class owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The digital dash, which shows my speed, mileage, engine temperature, rims and fuel level goes blank. Then comes on for a few seconds and goes dark again. Vehicle only has 43k miles. MB dealer said this is not uncommon condition with the 2018 mb e400. Car is not safe to drive. MB dealer wants $6,100.00 to replace the unit. A software reboot will not work.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Alternator failed on my E400 cabriolet 23,000 miles resulting in car shutting down while engine running. Required a tow to dealer service area, 35 miles away.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Two problems: 1. Axel grease found on carport cement multiple times. Mercedes refuses to look at the wheel bearings or axel. 2. Automatic steering wheel adjustment makes clunking noise. Mercedes refuses to replace until it fails. Both of those items should be covered under warranty which I think is why they refuse to fix them.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
added information: the issue is the piston, it went off due to a bad part. Mercedes Benz knew about the issue with the type of engine M247. there is a class action lawsuit pending. But I'm reporting this because i didn't know and it happened to me just a month out of warranty. Now, the dealership is asking me to pay for the labor. the dealership is House Of Imports in Buena Park. This has to do with the piston failure.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Recurrent crankshaft ventilation valve failures. Replaced 14 months ago and has failed again. This is a common and known issue with vehicles in E class from 2017 through 2019 and Mercedes has not issued a recall. Perhaps because it costs $3500 to replace it if out of warranty. Entire system replaced Feb 17, 2022 and has failed again (April 6th, 2023)
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
Vehicle went into limp mode at 83,000 miles and it was due to the electronic valve body failing within the transmission. Dealership mentioned it shouldn’t happen in a vehicles lifetime, this includes maintenance at the right interval (60,000 miles), which mine was. I was quoted roughly $3,800 by the dealership but after speaking with corporate it was brought down to $2,600.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
Mercedes Benz use low quality PCV regulator valve , it is a common failure problem, warranty will not be covered, Benz sells part replacement for around 350 USD and it require about 2000 in labor to be fixed on average
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
How the 2018 compares with other E-Class years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 7 E-Class years we cover, about 7.0 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical114
- Steering71
- Engine63
- Transmission52
- Body and structure40
- Seat belts41
Where the 2018 fits in the E-Class's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the third model year of the E-Class's fifth generation (2016–2023).
Mercedes-Benz updated the E-Class for 2020, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2020 (not on a 2018)
- Design updates and new technology
- Improved performance options
Recalls to confirm (18)
Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V023000Wheels and tiresJan 2025
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 Cabriolet, E 400 Coupe, 2019 E 450 Cabriolet, and E 450 Coupe vehicles. The tires were incorrectly marked with the wrong maximum inflation pressure and may not meet the strength requirements for the stated pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles.".
Risk: Tires inflated to an incorrect maximum pressure may have insufficient strength, allowing the tires to fail and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025010008.
22V232000Backup cameraApr 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
21V217000ElectricalMar 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 E63S AMG, E63S AMG Wagon, 2019-2021 AMG GT63 4-door, and AMG GT63S 4-door vehicles. The starter motor positive cable may not have been installed correctly, potentially allowing the power supply harness wires to chafe.
Risk: Damaged wires may cause a short circuit and result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, a short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, correct the screw connections and position of the positive cable, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040013.
21V072000CommunicationFeb 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
21V058000ElectricalFeb 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
20V449000ElectricalJul 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
Risk: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
20V048000EngineJan 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 E63 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, and S63 AMG 4MATIC and 2019 G63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4MATIC, AMG GT63S 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engines. The oil feed line to the turbocharger may leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed line to the turbocharger, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020023.
19V788000Seat beltsNov 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
Risk: The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
19V676000Body and structureSep 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 E450 4MATIC Wagon, 2017-2018 E400 4MATIC Wagon, and 2018-2019 E63S 4MATIC Wagon vehicles. The rear spoiler may detach.
Risk: If the spoiler detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-849. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090008.
19V130000SeatsFeb 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, AMG C43 Coupe, C300 4MATIC Cabriolet, C300 4MATIC Coupe, AMG C43 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S Cabriolet and AMG C63 S Coupe vehicles and 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E400 4MATIC Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
Risk: If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatback on the affected vehicles and replace the seatback lock, as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on April 12, 2019 to notify owners. Owners will receive a second notification when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040007.
18V872000SteeringDec 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe and one C300 4Matic Coupe. The steering coupling may not have been correctly locked during manufacturing.
Risk: If the steering connection was not properly locked, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack may come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120010.
18V850000SteeringNov 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
Risk: A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
18V725000ElectricalOct 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.
Risk: If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.
18V609000SeatsSep 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E63S AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The front passenger seat can be adjusted beyond its intended limit.
Risk: If the passenger seat is adjusted beyond its intended limit, the occupant may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the adjustment range, and if needed, install a mechanical adjustment range limitation or update the seat control unit software, free of charge. The recall began October 31, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018090013.
18V513000Child SeatAug 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabrio and E400 4Matic Cabrio vehicles. The child seat anchoring system (ISOFIX) in these vehicles may not have been properly installed. As a result, in the event of a crash, the ISOFIX console may partially detach from the car body.
Risk: If the ISOFIX console partially detaches in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury for a child in a child seat.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ISOFIX console, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080015.
18V515000AirbagsAug 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
Risk: If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
18V207000SeatsMar 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG 4Matic Cabriolet and C63S AMG Cabriolet, 2017 C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe, 2018 E400 Coupe and E400 4Matic Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
Risk: If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatbacks, replacing the seatbacks lock, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018040007.
18V150000SeatsMar 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes Benz C43 AMG, C63S AMG, E63 S AMG Sedan, and E63S AMG Stationwagon vehicles fitted with AMG performance seats. The backrest rail and backrest fitting may not be properly welded on the driver and front passenger seats.
Risk: The incorrect welding may result in the seats failing in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds of the backrest frames, replacing the backrests as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 4, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060001.
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