2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 Problems
- Complaints
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The part named most often is air bags, with 22 complaints (65% of the total), followed by steering (4) and brakes (2). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 55% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 159 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the inflator module filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Air bags22 65%
- Steering4 12%
- Brakes2 5.9%
- Engine2 5.9%
- Electrical system1 2.9%
- Fuel system1 2.9%
- Other or unknown1 2.9%
- Body and structure1 2.9%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I bought this car used from mercedes benz in may 2019, and decided to rent it on turo to pay monthly payments of the loan, but turo rejected it as it has a recall on it, --------------------------------------------------- Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling certain my 2010-2017 c-class, glk-class, sls-class and e-class coupe Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with passenger-side frontal airbags affected by the defect decision of tk holdings, inc. ( takata ). …”
NHTSA complaint #11318300, filed 2020-03Steering: “I was waiting at a light when the message “steering wheel malfunction” can up. I was forced to turn left, which I did with great difficulty as the power assist stop working. I managed to go straight 3 blocks despite the hard steering with my emergency lights on at 5 mph and turn left two short blocks to get home. I was in my car with my two children. If this would have happened in the highway, I am certain that it would have resulted in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11462520, filed 2022-04Engine: “Mercedes Benz has a recall on several models including E-Class (E 200, E 220, E 280, E 350) experiencing timing chain problems. The timing chain is an important component of the engine, as it helps to coordinate the timing of the engine’s various parts. I am currently having the same issue, but my model is an (E400) which has not been included in the recall. It appears that my timing chain failing, which is causing a number of problems with the engine, including reduced performance and fuel efficiency, and if MB does not recall this model, I am facing complete engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11624470, filed 2024-11Mileage when problems were reported
55% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,000 and 62,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Class · wagon 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| E-Class · sedan 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| E-Class · wagon RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| E-Class · sedan RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E400 RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| E400 4matic 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
| E400 4matic Coupe 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| E400 Convertible RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| E400 Coupe RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
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
- 21V638000Aug 13, 2021Air bags › FrontalCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2015–2016, E350 2011–2014, C250 2012–2015 +3 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior…
- 19V787000Nov 1, 2019CommunicationCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2015–2016, C300 2013–2017, E350 2013–2016 +62 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle…
- 19V010000Jan 9, 2019Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2015–2017, E550 2010–2017, GLK350 2010–2015 +7 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec…
- 17V627000Oct 6, 2017Air bags › FrontalCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2015–2017, C300 2012–2018, AMG C63 2012–2018 +21 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG…
- 17V241000Apr 11, 2017Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2016, GL450 2016–2017, GL350 2016–2017 +12 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, E400 4Matic Coupe, GL63 AMG, GLE350, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE43 AMG Coupe 4Matic, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLE63S AMG 4Matic and GLE63S AMG Coupe…
- 16V899000Dec 14, 2016Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Mercedes-Benz E400 2015–2016, E350 2014–2016, SL550 2013–2015 +3 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured…
See all 7 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 → · 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. 159 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038187Sep 26, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For…
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11037616Sep 4, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For…
- 11036190Aug 6, 2026Electrical system. Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11036077Aug 5, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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 direction of travel. Note: Sound…
- 11033185May 26, 2026Electrical system. Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster.
- 11033050May 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Body and structure. Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E400
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 23 | 15,000 | 13 | 5 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 20 | 3,500 | 8 | 5 | 23 | — | Falling |
| 2016 | 34 | 40,000 | 7 | 4 | 23 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2015 | 15 | 15,000 | 7 | 4 | 23 | — | Falling |
All Mercedes-Benz E400 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 22 complaints (65% of the total), followed by steering with 4.
Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 (E400, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 12,000 and 62,000 miles; 55% 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.