2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 173 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,888miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350, 3% of the 173 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,888 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission in my car will intermittently shift into low gear while diving. The car suddenly looses power while at highway speed. The check engine light came on and now the transmission won't shift out of first gear. I'm told by the Mercedes-Benz dealer that the transmission must be replaced and I have to pay for it, $7000! This is a serious safety issue and I should not have to pay for their failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10456264, filed 2012-04, 88,021 miles“Rear differential noise diagnosed as failing pinion gear. This car has been driven carefully. The milage is 63,000. Rear differential problems appear in various forums and may occur more commonly than is currently known by the NHTSA. Similar/same may also be occurring in chrysler products. The rear differential will need a rebuild or replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11172794, filed 2019-01, 62,500 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, she heard a roaring sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,888.”
NHTSA complaint #11501074, filed 2023-01, 71,888 miles“While driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 on 5/21/2025 around 1:50pm, the transmission suddenly failed while I was traveling at approximately 75 mph was on highway 76. As a result of the failure, the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly.”
NHTSA complaint #11662587, filed 2025-05Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single 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…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint 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…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10056470Jul 24, 2014Xentry (mercedes): combination of fault codes p060c00 and/or p060600, causing various transmission symptoms due to central processing unit, software induced internal control unit…
- 10038971Apr 20, 2011Mercedes-benz: rattling noise at the shift rod.
- 10038976Apr 7, 2011Mercedes-benz: the vehicle jerks or has hard skipping shifts. There are many possible fault codes. The torque converter lockup clutch has a clogged filter.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 11% |
| 2021 | 3 | 23% |
| 2020 | 1 | 13% |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 15 | 5% |
| 2013 | 7 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 3% |
| 2010 | 14 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 21 | 6% |
| 2006 | 37 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350
86 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology