2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,550miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350, 4% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,550 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“Driving on the highway heading home, I hear something pull a loose and a sizzling sound. Pulled over to check tires, they were ok. Pulled back onto the highway and heard loud sounds of metal as though everything under my car was breaking apart. Pull over again put the car in park and the noise stopped. Opened door and notice smoke (thought to be fluids) and felt heat on the floor board. Open door again and saw fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11352831, filed 2020-09, 134,000 miles“Transmission was not shifting properly. The mercedes dealership says that the radiator leaked water into the transmission causing damage to the transmission and possibly the torque converter. Our mercedes only has 44,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11366677, filed 2020-10, 44,100 miles“My vehicle was pulling in the rear when braking. My mechanic informed me that it was a rotted undercarriage. When I called Mercedes they informed me that there is a problem with many models of Mercedes with this. They told me there is a warranty to cover it. This is a very dangerous condition. There should be a recall on all impacted vehicles. This safety failure and lack of transparency by the company (reportedly known for years) puts owners and motorists at risk. Please investigate. To make matters worse, the Dealers are unresponsive and slow to provide service and help. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561703, filed 2023-12“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the shift lever would not operate, and the vehicle could not be shifted into gear to be driven. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11445921, filed 2022-01, 45,000 miles“When driving on a highway, heard a clunk and lost all power. Not much traffic and was able to pulled over to side of road. Mechanic reported that front drive shaft failed. Not sure of exact details but could have involved the bolts in the driveshaft shearing off. Apologies for the late report, did not know owners could make these reports.”
NHTSA complaint #11539315, filed 2023-08Related 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…
- 10205156Aug 26, 2016Intial startup not possible after replacement of transmisson 725.0 or of electrohydraulic controller unit.
- 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…
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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350
47 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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