2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems
Compared with other Mercedes-Benz E350 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
26/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Mercedes-Benz E350 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 8 of its 173 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Fuel smell and leak after refueling (tank or sending unit) (81 complaints, median 88,337 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 173filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 86,688miles, 134 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about the 2008 E350 are dominated by fuel odors and leaks that owners most often notice right after refueling, with the smell strongest when the tank is full and fading as fuel level drops. The second recurring theme is a driver's seat heater that overheats and burns through the seat cover, followed by scattered reports of bent or cracked wheels on rough roads and occasional stalling or electrical faults at higher mileage.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak after refueling (tank or sending unit)
- 81 complaints (47%)
- median 88,337 mi at 7.2 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,759 (median of 17 quotes)
- filed 2010–2024
Owners commonly describe a strong gasoline odor inside and around the car right after filling the tank, strongest at full and fading once the level drops to about three-quarters. Several say the smell reaches the garage or house, and some report visible fuel pooling on top of the fuel sending unit or under the rear seat. Complaints describe diagnosis as a leaking fuel tank, a cracked pump or sending unit, or a failed tank seal, with repairs quoted from several hundred to a few thousand dollars; some reference an extended warranty on fuel tank components. Reported broadly from about 50,000 to 150,000 miles, typically right after refueling or while the tank is near full.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel tank, pump or sending unit has been replaced or covered under any extended warranty, and check for fuel smell in the cabin and around the left rear wheel area shortly after a fill-up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Filled my tank, parked in my garage, gas smell was all over garage and all over inside the car.the car was leaking gas from under the back seat, in the sending unit. This is really dangerous and shameful of mercedes benz to have this defect, which I later found out from a lot of posting online.”
NHTSA complaint #10726435, filed 2015-06, 123,134 miles“I purchased the vehicle used in may of 2014 from a non-mercedes dealer. Towards the end of december of 2014, I noticed a strong odor of gas in our garage every time I filled up the tank. The odor would dissipate after the gas level went down but the strong odor returned every time I filled up the tank. I did notice moisture on the garage floor but it would evaporate by the time I drove back into the garage so I didn't think much of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679538, filed 2015-01, 71,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge misreading and stalling / no-start
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 116,000 mi at 11.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report the fuel gauge moving erratically or never dropping below half, in one case the car running out of gas while showing a range remaining. Others describe the engine losing power and stalling at speed or failing to restart, which several complaints attribute to the fuel pump after diagnosis by a dealer or independent shop. Some note the crankshaft sensor was replaced first without resolving the stalling. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 150,000 miles, often while driving or after several failed restart attempts.
What to check: Check that the fuel gauge responds smoothly through a full-to-empty cycle and ask whether the fuel pump, sending unit or sensor has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2008 mercedes E350 pzev model and the issue I came across is a major one. These models in particular have a big reputation on failing fuel pumps, and to make things worse on the pzev versions it can not be fixed unless the whole fuel tanked is swapped with a new one. The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank and its sealed just so there's no way of fixing the issue, on the other hand the non-pzev models have a replaceable pump which reduces the work and money to fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11321416, filed 2020-04, 162,443 miles“Car was being driven on a busy city street, stopped for red light, when I went to accelerate I had to pump the pedal-to be safe I decided to turn onto street at intersection where I was stopped at light, car came to a dead stop in middle of street. This was very close to the freeway on ramp that I was going to. Another 1/2 mile and had I not decided to turn off on to the side street the car would have stopped in the middle of a freeway with probable fatalities. Car had to be towed to repair shop. Fuel pump is inside gas tank in this model. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164142, filed 2018-12, 102,607 miles - Wheels
Bent or cracked wheels and tire damage
- 12 complaints (7%)
- median 31,000 mi at 3.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2016
Owners report bent or cracked rims, often after hitting a pothole or bump, that cause thumping noises, slow air loss, or tire blisters and blowouts. Several complaints mention replacing multiple wheels and tires, and some say a dealer covered repairs under warranty while others were told the damage stemmed from low-profile tires. One complaint concerns a blowout at highway speed with no apparent road hazard. Mostly reported at low mileage, under about 70,000 miles, often on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
What to check: Inspect all four wheels for bends, cracks or curb damage and check tire condition, and consider whether the wheel size suits the roads you drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have owned this vehicle for 2.5 years. Since may of 2013 I have had to replace three wheels (rims). It has gotten to the point where they are so hard to locate I have had to purchase after market wheels. Once the crack was rather large and the last two were noticed when I replaced the tires on the vehicle. They were smaller and eventually would not hold air in the tire. This has to be a flaw in the product.”
NHTSA complaint #10551792, filed 2013-11, 69,000 miles“Small pothole hit. Rim destroyed along with tire. I have put approximately 12 tires and three rims on this vehicle in two years. After a search I now find out that rim and tire problems are very common on these cars. My wife has driven for over 40 years and never had a tire/rim problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10488128, filed 2012-12, 33,251 miles - Seats
Driver's seat heater burns through seat cover
- 19 complaints (11%)
- median 82,000 mi at 9.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2025
Owners describe the driver's seat heater overheating and burning a hole through the leather on the left side of the seat back or cushion, sometimes with a burning smell and smoke that prompts pulling over. One complaint notes a prior repair at a dealership that later recurred. Owners generally ask that the heating element be repaired or replaced rather than just covering the damaged area. Reported from about 64,000 to 130,000 miles, usually while the seat heater is switched on during normal driving.
What to check: With the seat heater on, watch for hot spots or a burning smell on the driver's seat, and inspect the seat back and cushion for burn marks or previous repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel pump and sending unit is cracked causing fuel vapor to enter cabin. Also driver seat heater is over heating causing considerable discomfort and cannot be used. When I started to research these issues I found numerous other complaints for the same problems had been previously reported but I have not received a recall notice.”
NHTSA complaint #11316866, filed 2020-03, 152,000 miles“The driver side seat heater when turned on has begun to burn through the seat itself causing a hole the size of now a nickel (lower left hand side of the seat). Happened just before thanksgiving and again when my wife was driving the car and forgot there was an issue. The smell and the smoke from the burning seat made her pull the car over. When this first happened, it actually burnt a whole in my jacket as well. All images have been attached. …”
NHTSA complaint #10937563, filed 2016-12, 96,000 miles
Buying note. Check fuel odor and leaks carefully after a fill-up and ask about any fuel tank or sending unit work, since that is the most common complaint area for this model year. Also test the seat heater, the sunroof cycle and the wheels and tires, and confirm whether outstanding recalls have been completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 173 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. 134 of the complaints include a mileage, and 19% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 86,688 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 92 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Mercedes-Benz E350 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 26 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system86 50%
- Seats20 12%
- Electrical system18 10%
- Engine13 7.5%
- Wheels10 5.8%
- Air bags9 5.2%
- Other or unknown7 4.0%
- Body and structure6 3.5%
- Tires6 3.5%
Also reported: Brakes (5), Suspension (5), Transmission and drivetrain (5), Vehicle speed control (5), Exterior lighting (4), Steering (4), Engine cooling (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Fuel tank: strong odor of fuel after filling up tank from rear of car, fuel tank area. Google suggests possible manufacture's recall. With heat emitting from exhaust area, could potentially lead to fire... I'm afraid for my wife and kids's safety. Is there currently an active recall? If so, TSB # please. If not, please duly note issues mentioned. Thank you. Nathan.”
NHTSA complaint #11124332, filed 2018-09, 150,000 milesSeats: “Driver's heated seat burning?!? I've owned this vehicle since late may of '18. On tues. 11/06/18 after work, I started the car and began driving home. Turned on the heat and the driver's heated seat (it's 30 degrees and snowing here in mn). I take-off and not a minute later I smell what seems to be an electrical fire/smoke. There was likely even a whiff of smoke present. Thankfully I immediately figured it was unfortunately coming from my car and that the heated seat was likely the culprit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150390, filed 2018-11, 109,000 milesElectrical system: “Takata recall . I got my mercedes 2008 fully by mercedes service center on 12may16. Following is the report of the service done. 140405 1.7c performed short test. Performed back to new special reset service light inspected interior components and seat belts for proper function, checked exterior lights for proper function, cleaned area of wind deflector and checked wiper blades. …”
NHTSA complaint #10873766, filed 2016-06, 140,404 milesEngine: “I was driving the vehicle on the interstate when the instrument panel lights flashed, and the car lost power temporarily. I was able to restart the car and check engine light remained on. Mechanic identified fault codes as p2006 (intake manifold runner control stuck closed bank 1), and p0015 (camshaft position b - timing over-retarded (bank 1).”
NHTSA complaint #11341355, filed 2020-07, 123,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
19% of the 134 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 119,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Class · wagon 4 dr w/sab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| E-Class · sedan (side air bags) RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2008 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E350 RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| E350 4matic 4WD/AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| E350 4matic (wagon) 4WD/AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V874000Nov 19, 2024Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz E350 2006–2009, E320 2003–2009, C230 2002–2007 +20 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- 22V954000Dec 23, 2022Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz E350 2006–2009, C230 2002–2007, CLS550 2006–2011 +18 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- 19V918000Dec 20, 2019Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Mercedes-Benz E350 2006–2009, E320 2003–2009, C320 2001–2005 +21 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models…
- 12V264000Jun 12, 2012Suspension › RearCovers: Mercedes-Benz E350 2007–2009
Mercedes-benz is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 e350 4matic wagon vehicles manufactured from july 1, 2006, through april 30, 2009. A connecting rod for the load leveling rear suspension system may fail.
Recall details for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 92 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11032875May 19, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely…
- 11032518Apr 25, 2026Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Body and structure, Seats…. The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday…
- 11031882Apr 17, 2026Body and structure. The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday…
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical…
- 11029062Feb 25, 2026Exterior lighting. Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 9,600 | 4 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 6 | — | 3 | 5 | 26 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 14,403 | 3 | 5 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 13 | 38,600 | 12 | 5 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 8 | 42,363 | 6 | 5 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 7 | 20,000 | 0 | 5 | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 51 | 38,212 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 31 | 25,000 | 6 | 4 | 23 | 6 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 278 | 46,600 | 8 | 4 | 23 | 82 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 164 | 44,550 | 6 | — | 23 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 217 | 69,700 | 7 | — | 22 | 57 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 223 | 59,200 | 5 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 184 | 59,978 | 4 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 64 | 81,500 | 4 | — | 19 | 6 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 173 | 86,688 | 4 | — | 19 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 350 | 76,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 400 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 15 | 85,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2004 | 10 | 135,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 7 | 76,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz E350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350?
Complaints about the 2008 E350 are dominated by fuel odors and leaks that owners most often notice right after refueling, with the smell strongest when the tank is full and fading as fuel level drops. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak after refueling (tank or sending unit); Fuel gauge misreading and stalling / no-start; Bent or cracked wheels and tire damage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?
NHTSA recorded 173 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 86 complaints (50% of the total), followed by seats with 20.
Has the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 (E350, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 reported?
Among the 134 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 86,688 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 119,000 miles; 19% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.