MERCEDES-BENZ E350 · model year

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350

218 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008MERCEDES-BENZE350 carries 218 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 13 crashes, 16 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 E350 is fuel/propulsion system with 65 filings, followed by fuel system, gasoline (20) and seats (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2008 E350. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

218
Complaints
13
Crashes
16
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

218 filings

Crashes Reported

13 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM65
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE20
SEATS17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
ENGINE13
WHEELS10
AIR BAGS8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
TIRES6
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
SUSPENSION5
STEERING4
POWER TRAIN4
SERVICE BRAKES4

Recalls (4)

22V95400023/12/2022

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

19V91800020/12/2019

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/

24V87400019/11/2024

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

12V26400012/06/2012

SUSPENSION:REAR

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 E350 4MATIC WAGON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2006, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009. A CONNECTING ROD FOR THE LOAD LEVELING REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY FAIL.

Recent Complaints

20251231ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car displayed all of the issues listed below for the Electrical system recall. The fuel gague went "blank", other gagues acting irradical, the check engine light stay on, etc. My car make and model fall under this recall but have been excluded. I had to pay out of pocket $4678.50 to replace the entire fuel tank due to this and the Manufacture (Mercedes Benz) is refusing to reimburse me. (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

20251231FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car displayed all of the issues listed below for the Electrical system recall. The fuel gague went "blank", other gagues acting irradical, the check engine light stay on, etc. My car make and model fall under this recall but have been excluded. I had to pay out of pocket $4678.50 to replace the entire fuel tank due to this and the Manufacture (Mercedes Benz) is refusing to reimburse me. (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

20251220FireSEATS

2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was inside the vehicle during the failure, and the situation created a direct fire hazard; the seat could have ignited, and I could have caught fire. I don’t know if the passenger seat heater is also affected, so passengers cannot safely use their seat warmer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms pre failure. Evidence Available: Video/photo of the aftermath (burned seat left‑side damage), the vehicle and damaged seat are available for inspection. Smoke in video/photo. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed?: I’ve not attempted to reproduce the problem for safety reasons, and it has

20251220FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was inside the vehicle during the failure, and the situation created a direct fire hazard; the seat could have ignited, and I could have caught fire. I don’t know if the passenger seat heater is also affected, so passengers cannot safely use their seat warmer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms pre failure. Evidence Available: Video/photo of the aftermath (burned seat left‑side damage), the vehicle and damaged seat are available for inspection. Smoke in video/photo. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed?: I’ve not attempted to reproduce the problem for safety reasons, and it has

20251220FireUNKNOWN OR OTHER

2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was inside the vehicle during the failure, and the situation created a direct fire hazard; the seat could have ignited, and I could have caught fire. I don’t know if the passenger seat heater is also affected, so passengers cannot safely use their seat warmer. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms pre failure. Evidence Available: Video/photo of the aftermath (burned seat left‑side damage), the vehicle and damaged seat are available for inspection. Smoke in video/photo. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed?: I’ve not attempted to reproduce the problem for safety reasons, and it has

20250522AIR BAGS

While driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 on 5/21/2025 around 1:50pm, the transmission suddenly failed while I was traveling at approximately 75 mph was on highway 76. As a result of the failure, the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly.

20250522POWER TRAIN

While driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 on 5/21/2025 around 1:50pm, the transmission suddenly failed while I was traveling at approximately 75 mph was on highway 76. As a result of the failure, the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly.

20250213STRUCTURE:BODY

The trunk safety release inside the trunk will not open the trunk. It is an electrical switch and not a cable pull release. If you get in the trunk and the battery is low, you cannot get out. There is not a passage between the rear seat and the trunk. There is not a manual release for the trunk. The only way to get inside is cutting through the trunk lid or deck.

20250113SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the vehicle failed to start the following morning. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Combels Customs - Collision Repair, Auto Body Shop, where the alternator and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the speedometer, the clock, and the infotainment system were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear suspension, and the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The contact was able to close the sunroof manually with assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 08V303000 (Electrical System), 24V874000 (Visibility) and 12V264000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact

Mileage: 116,000

20250113ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the vehicle failed to start the following morning. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Combels Customs - Collision Repair, Auto Body Shop, where the alternator and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the speedometer, the clock, and the infotainment system were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear suspension, and the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The contact was able to close the sunroof manually with assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 08V303000 (Electrical System), 24V874000 (Visibility) and 12V264000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact

Mileage: 116,000

20250113VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle overnight, the vehicle failed to start the following morning. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Combels Customs - Collision Repair, Auto Body Shop, where the alternator and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the speedometer, the clock, and the infotainment system were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear suspension, and the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The contact was able to close the sunroof manually with assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 08V303000 (Electrical System), 24V874000 (Visibility) and 12V264000 (Suspension). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact

Mileage: 116,000

20240927FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is a PZEV vehicle. When the car is filled over 3/4th of the way, the driver's side near the back tire starts to leak the fuel. There was no warning lights, just the smell and the leaks. It's obvious why this is a safety hazard. This was not inspected by anyone other than myself as it was quite obvious after removing the back seat and accessing the sending unit location. This started after I resolved a fuel pump issue (back in March, resolved this month) Mercedes refused to handle ($3k) and noticed on or around 9/24/24.

20240828VISIBILITY/WIPER

panoramic sunroof stuck will not close. generally dealer purportedly recalled select vehicles acknowledging issue, however oem states this particular vin is not included in recall, not making any sense, if they acknowledge problem but decline to resolve for others

20240716VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the sunroof was working prior to the recall repair. After the recall repair, the contact opened the sunroof to check the operation of the sunroof; however, the sunroof failed to close as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the sunroof was manually closed and the contact was informed that the sunroof should not be opened. The sunroof was not repaired. The contact called the dealer several times but was unable to speak with the Service Manager. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,876.

Mileage: 86,876

20240509ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX] I was driving and the vehicles stalled in the middle of the street, I couldn’t start it back. I managed to contact AAA and had the vehicle towed to my home because it around 6pm and auto repair shops were closed. Next morning I had AAA towed the vehicle to a local auto repair shop and they told me that fuel pump failed. It would have been very dangerous if we were driving on the freeway, not to mention I had my 85 year old mother in the passenger seat. Please help me as I am sure what I need to do now. It’s a Mercedes-Benz model E350 2008. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . My car has 87,200 miles. Thank you in advance for all your helps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240509FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On [XXX] I was driving and the vehicles stalled in the middle of the street, I couldn’t start it back. I managed to contact AAA and had the vehicle towed to my home because it around 6pm and auto repair shops were closed. Next morning I had AAA towed the vehicle to a local auto repair shop and they told me that fuel pump failed. It would have been very dangerous if we were driving on the freeway, not to mention I had my 85 year old mother in the passenger seat. Please help me as I am sure what I need to do now. It’s a Mercedes-Benz model E350 2008. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . My car has 87,200 miles. Thank you in advance for all your helps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240509UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On [XXX] I was driving and the vehicles stalled in the middle of the street, I couldn’t start it back. I managed to contact AAA and had the vehicle towed to my home because it around 6pm and auto repair shops were closed. Next morning I had AAA towed the vehicle to a local auto repair shop and they told me that fuel pump failed. It would have been very dangerous if we were driving on the freeway, not to mention I had my 85 year old mother in the passenger seat. Please help me as I am sure what I need to do now. It’s a Mercedes-Benz model E350 2008. I can be reached at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . My car has 87,200 miles. Thank you in advance for all your helps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240412FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Smell of gasoline in the cabin and real bad outside of car

20231215FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. In addition, the engine began to sputter while idling. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the fuel tank sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; and the mechanic discovered that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 140,000

20231010ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350W. The contact that she noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank components and fuel compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge failed to read properly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V303000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

Compare 2008MERCEDES-BENZE350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 have?
The 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 has 218 NHTSA complaints, 13 crashes, 16 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350?
Yes, the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350?
The most-complained component for the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 65 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and SEATS.
Is the 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.