2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 8%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350, 8% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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“I backed the car out of the garage at my condominium building in sarasota and placed the car in park to remove something from the windshield (I believed the car was in park -- but it could have failed to engage it or I possibly nicked it on my way out of the car). I started to move out of the car, while my right foot was on the brake -- about 90% of my body weight was out of the car and then I took my right foot off the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10550105, filed 2013-10, 30,000 miles“Rear differential pinion bearing. The rear differential is making a howling and loud noise. The car only had about 60k miles and the bearing failed. This is a known issue for this model and other mercedes models as well. I got quoted around $3000 to fix this. This should not be an issue on a $65,000 car at this many miles. Mercedes benz needs to do a recall on the red differential since they fail at a very low mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #11024199, filed 2017-09, 60,000 miles“Faulty valve body on a car with less than 50k miles. Car has been maintained as per dealer recommendations. Transmission fluid had been recently changed 4 months prior. Transition failed in a life threatening manner while driving on a highway. Total loss of control of driving capabilities. Problem resulted in a total of $5585.29 in a rebuilt transmission and new valve body. Upon researching this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 722.9 transmission. A recall should be issued.”
NHTSA complaint #11056242, filed 2017-12, 47,162 miles“2010 mercedes 350 e class 4 matic drive system defaults into second gear after each start cycle. This results in a compromise of torque when pulling into traffic whole fully loaded on a hot day.”
NHTSA complaint #10341717, filed 2010-07, 1,000 milesRelated 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…
- 11023193Sep 17, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 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…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 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
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 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350
68 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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