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Mercedes-Benz E350Model year report

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Problems

Compared with other Mercedes-Benz E350 years

Typical for this model

53/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2009

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
184filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
59,978miles, 76 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2010 E350 most often report the Takata airbag inflator recall and the long wait for parts, followed by a fuel odor around the tank under the rear seat and a rear subframe that rusts and fractures. Many complaints also describe the transmission shifting itself into park at very low speed. Reports cluster in the 50,000-100,000 mile range, with the corrosion-related complaints tending to appear on higher-mileage cars in salt-belt states.

  1. Fuel system

    Fuel smell / leak at the sending unit under the rear seat

    • 22 complaints (12%)
    • median 80,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2026

    Owners report a strong gasoline odor inside or behind the car, often strongest when the tank is more than about three-quarters full, with residue visible on top of the fuel pump assembly under the rear seat. Complaints describe replacing the fuel filter, the plastic retaining ring and seals without fully curing the smell. One owner reports the engine losing power on the highway when a transfer pump in the split tank stopped moving fuel between sections. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 140,000 miles; many filed years after purchase.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Fill the tank and check for a fuel smell in the cabin and trunk, and inspect the top of the fuel sending unit under the rear seat cushion for staining. Ask whether the fuel filter unit warranty extension applies to this VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The vehicle emit a fuel odor from the rear. This is due to fuel leaks coming from the gas tank assembly. Mercedes benz had these issue from 2003 to 2009 e class. My car make is 2010- E350 having the above problem besides takata air bag. What are my options? The dealer doesn't care of the issue. Will benz resolve the issue ?”

    NHTSA complaint #11067063, filed 2018-02, 100 miles

    “Gas leak smell coming from driver side rear of the car. Car only has 40,000 miles. I believe my car has the same problem as with other mercedes class action lawsuit 2003-09 Mercedes-Benz e-class, 2006-11 cls-class fuel odor . Please reopen the investigation to include E350 2010 model as well.”

    NHTSA complaint #11088863, filed 2018-04, 40,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Takata airbag inflator recall and parts wait

    Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe being notified that the airbag inflators needed replacement, then waiting months for parts to become available. Several say they limited driving or stopped using the car while waiting. Others report SRS warning messages on the dash and quote repair costs for individual airbag components; some complain that a dealer would not replace the driver-side airbag. Complaints also mention that a crash occurred without the airbags deploying. Reported across the mileage range, from a few thousand to over 100,000 miles, mostly filed between 2016 and 2018 during the recall campaigns.

    Recall 18V043000Recall 16V363000Recall 16V081000

    What to check: Check with a dealer whether both the driver and passenger inflators were replaced under the recall, and ask for the completed recall paperwork. Look for any SRS warning messages at startup.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall- sold vehicle in december of 2016 due to worry of airbag deploying and flying metal killing me, which isn't safe as it was recalled and there was no remedy at the time, which substanially lowered the value. Would like to be compensated for loss in value. Have all documentation, please let me know what you need. Thank you”

    NHTSA complaint #11043609, filed 2017-11, 97,070 miles

    “Takata recall please see attached pdf for my written explanation. For some reason your system would not accept what I had typed here, even though it was well under 1900 characters. Thank you.”

    NHTSA complaint #11043938, filed 2017-11, 27,905 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission shifts itself into park at low speed

    • 13 complaints (7%)
    • median 105,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2025

    Owners describe the car abruptly shifting into park by itself while still rolling at walking pace, or when shifted into drive or reverse from a stop, sometimes with a hard jerk. A few mention it happening when the car is hot. Complaints report that diagnostics at a dealer showed no stored codes; one owner says the dealer tied the fault to the electronic ignition switch. Reported between about 65,000 and 170,000 miles, typically at speeds under 5 mph.

    What to check: Drive slowly in a parking lot and come to a full stop several times, then shift between drive and reverse, and note whether the car ever jumps into park on its own.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “If I'm coming to a stop at a light or a stop sign, the car throws itself into park before I come to a complete stop. It has happened intermittently. It happens in speeds of less than 5mph. When I turn the car off and restart the vehicle. The problem goes away. There isn't a specific temperature or time of day when it occurs. It just happens intermittently. I have also read a tech service bulletin on this issue for other mercedes owners.”

    NHTSA complaint #11376246, filed 2020-11, 135,400 miles

    “Sporadically the car goes into park while the vehicle is in motion. This happens with a sudden jerk and is dangerous to the occupant and also to other vehicles as it comes to a sudden halt in the middle of the road. This is definitely a safety issue and can even be fatal/or cause serious injuries to the occupants of the vehicle and to the occupants of other vehicles. At other times it will keep shifting to park when the driver puts it into reverse or drive when stationary. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11006614, filed 2017-07, 65,000 miles
  4. Suspension

    Rear subframe rust and fracture

    • 24 complaints (13%)
    • median 132,500 mi at 12.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2021–2026

    Complaints describe severe rust at the rear subframe welds, in some cases found during inspection or after the rear wheels began to steer differently during braking. Several owners report a fractured brake line alongside the subframe damage, with the brake pedal going toward the floor. Owners describe being told by dealers or mechanics that the corrosion is advanced and needs prompt repair. Reported mostly between about 68,000 and 180,000 miles, on older cars in states where road salt is used.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the rear subframe and its welds inspected from below for rust, especially on a car from a salt-belt state, and check the rear brake hard lines for corrosion at the same time.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes- Benz E 350. The contact stated that while driving there was an undetermined abnormal noise detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was informed the sub frame was corroded The independent dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified electronically however no response was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11436456, filed 2021-10, 171,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the rear wheels were going in a different direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspensions had rusted and fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,060.”

    NHTSA complaint #11465892, filed 2022-05, 68,060 miles
  5. Engine

    Check engine light and camshaft adjuster fault

    • 10 complaints (5%)
    • median 49,892 mi at 6.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2024

    Complaints describe the check engine light coming on and going off repeatedly over days, with the car otherwise running normally. Owners report being told the cause was a faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid, with repair estimates running into the thousands. Others report the engine going into limp mode under hard acceleration, losing power until the car is restarted. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 130,000 miles.

    Recall 22V168000

    What to check: Ask for recent service records and whether the camshaft adjuster solenoids have been replaced, and have a scan tool check for stored engine codes rather than relying on whether the light is currently off.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I bought a 2010 E350 mb in november of 2015 as a birthday gift. My 3rd week of own it the check engine light came on and keeps going on and off. Brought it back to the dealer where I bought it and told me to bring it to mb. Turn out to be heck engine light due to faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid on Mercedes-Benz E350. Why is their no recall on this, it cost $8,000.00 to get it fixed?”

    NHTSA complaint #10819257, filed 2016-01, 49,900 miles

    “My 2010 E350 check engine light comes on and off but mostly on for 5 days out of 1 week, 2 days off. Been doing this since I got it bought it in nov of 2015. I was told by other owners that this may cost up to $8/12gs to get it fix. Why there wasn't a recall for this? Please expand, anyone??????”

    NHTSA complaint #11024785, filed 2017-09, 49,000 miles

Buying note. Check that the Takata inflator recalls were completed and inspect the rear subframe and brake lines for rust before buying, since those two items are the most consequential in the complaints. Have a pre-purchase inspection read engine codes and test low-speed shifting, and confirm the fuel filter warranty extension status with a dealer.

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 184 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. 76 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,978 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 183 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 53 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.

Also reported: Exterior lighting (5), Seats (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Electronic stability control (3), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Lane departure (2), Engine cooling (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “Takata recall in dec 2017 I was notified that my airbag initiators required replacement and parts would be available by march 31,2018. According to mercedes they have no idea as of today (10/22/2018) when the parts will be available. I have intentionally avoided driving the vehicle for almost one year because of the hazard that exists with the airbag. ( I have driven the vehicle less than 1500 miles since last december) this situation is unsatisfactory. My patience has ended. Other than selling the vehicle, what are my options now ?”

NHTSA complaint #11141796, filed 2018-10, 38,000 miles

Fuel system: “Strong fuel vapor odor from vehicle when more than 3/4 full. Residue on top of fuel system components under rear seats. Still present after replacing fuel filter, plastic seal-retaining ring and both seals. Recall for fuel system issued one model year prior and one model year after.”

NHTSA complaint #11378119, filed 2020-12, 95,000 miles

Other or unknown: “I was driving my 2010 mercedes E350 sedan at highway speeds, when out of nowhere the sunroof just shatters into pieces. There was no large object that came towards me. I had my screen pulled over, so thankfully most of the glass didn't come in the car. I pulled over to see what happened and called the toll road authority. They summoned an officer to help me. The officer searched the area of the freeway for any object that could have caused this, and found nothing. …”

NHTSA complaint #11065391, filed 2018-01, 74,500 miles

Electrical system: “Check engine light comes on than off for a few day at a time. It cost $10,000.00 to have it replace. Don't have any issue with the car not starting or stalling. Car works great. Why is their no recall for this? Thousand of people who pay good morning for a great car, like mercedes. We need a recall for this> hello!!!! Plus, the wood trim are fading, I trade to get the dealer to replace it and they wont $3,500.00 to do so.”

NHTSA complaint #10855487, filed 2016-04, 49,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

43% of the 76 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 87,000 miles.

17%0–107%10–2520%25–5017%50–7520%75–10014%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (76 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 59,978 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’11’14’1746’20’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
E-Class · sedan 4WD/2WDnot rated4 / 4——5 · 9.9% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2010 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, 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 2010 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
E350 RWD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic182621$3,900
E350 4matic 4WD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic172419$4,350
E350 Coupe RWD3.5L 6-cyl7-speed automatic172620$4,100

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

Recall details for the 2010 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. 183 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 183 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E350

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202459,6004———Too new
20236—3526—Too new
2022914,4033526—Not enough data
20211338,60012525—Not enough data
2020842,3636526—Not enough data
2017720,00005——Not enough data
20165138,212542328 · FewerFalling
20153125,00064236 · FewerRising
201427846,600842382 · MoreStable
201316444,5506—2354 · TypicalStable
201221769,7007—2257 · TypicalStable
201122359,2005—2050 · TypicalStable
201018459,9784—2153 · TypicalStable
20096481,5004—196 · FewerFalling
200817386,6884—1926 · FewerFalling
200735076,0005—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200640090,0004—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20051585,0000———Falling
200410135,0000———Not enough data
2003776,0000———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 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350?

Owners of the 2010 E350 most often report the Takata airbag inflator recall and the long wait for parts, followed by a fuel odor around the tank under the rear seat and a rear subframe that rusts and fractures. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell / leak at the sending unit under the rear seat; Takata airbag inflator recall and parts wait; Transmission shifts itself into park at low speed.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?

NHTSA recorded 184 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 68 complaints (37% of the total), followed by fuel system with 20.

Has the 2010 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 (E350, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 reported?

Among the 76 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,978 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 87,000 miles; 43% 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.