2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350, 3% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 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.
“Electronic transmission : oct. 29, 2015. My car was parked in the garage. I opened the tailgate, put something into the trunk, pushed the electric button and the tailgate closed. I got into the car, started the engine, and the tailgate popped open. I backed up to clear the garage, stopped the car on my flat driveway, and put the transmission in park. I opened the door, walked around to the back of the vehicle, pushed the button again, and stood there watching the tailgate close, for good measure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10930095, filed 2016-12, 27,000 miles“The vehicle intermittently shifts itself from drive to park while moving forward while decelerating at slow speeds (approximately under 5 MPH.) there is a sudden jerk, and everyone / everything in the car is thrown forward as the vehicle jumps to a dead stop. This is quite dangerous and further, can probably cause rapid deterioration of the vehicle. The issue was first presented in january 2017 to the mercedes dealership in reno, nv who could not duplicate the problem, but charged ~$140 for the analysis. They stated that there was no record with mb of such an issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10969441, filed 2017-03, 62,000 miles“Hello, I was driving one night I hit the brake and the car lost control ..I was able to drive home afterward I took the car to a shop and after inception They found the rear K sub frame rusted and broken. The car in excellent shape with no rust or corrosion in any other area. The car has 108k miles and always parked indoor.”
NHTSA complaint #11456111, filed 2022-03“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would occasionally become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the power steering fluid was previously refilled. The air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an unusual amount of smoke coming from under the hood occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid might have leaked. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11606731, filed 2024-08, 108,000 miles“Submission from constituent re acceleration issue with 2011 E350 blue tech mercedes benz. The consumer stated the vehicle did not respond to accelerator input. The problem was intermittent.”
NHTSA complaint #10690370, filed 2015-02Related 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350
108 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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