MERCEDES-BENZ E350 · model year

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350

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

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009MERCEDES-BENZE350 carries 76 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 4 fires, 7 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 2009 E350 is fuel/propulsion system with 27 filings, followed by air bags (6) and fuel system, gasoline (5). 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 2009 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.

76
Complaints
4
Crashes
4
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

76 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
AIR BAGS6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
ENGINE5
SEATS4
SUSPENSION3
SEAT BELTS3
WHEELS2
STRUCTURE2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
SERVICE BRAKES2
POWER TRAIN2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
TIRES1

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

20260112ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The sale was a private sale. The contact's friend, a dealer, requested a Carfax report, which indicated that mileage was last reported at 200,000. In addition, the Carfax report indicated that the last reported repair service was performed in 2014 and the mileage then was 66,000. The contact stated that the advertisement reported the mileage at 88,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20221110FireSEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact felt heat coming from the rear of the front driver seat and noticed smoke coming from the rear of the seat, causing the back of the driver’s seat to catch on fire. The contact was to pull over and noticed that the back of his shirt had caught on fire as well, the contact was not injured. The contact was able to stop the fire by pouring water on the seat. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed, but the front driver seat was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and they agreed to replace the front seat. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Mileage: 38,000

20220714FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started sputtering and stalled. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence five days later. The contact used an OBD reader to determine that the failure was associated with the fuel system. The contact replaced the fuel relay and fuses, fuel pump and fuel filter herself; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

20220404FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle has a very profound strong gas smell inside and out of the car. Upon further research, it has been notably stated that this particular vehicle model from years 2003-2009 had the same common issue that when refueling and topping off at full tank capacity, there is a fuel leakage seeping from the top of the gas tank which sits underneath of the back passenger seat. Apparently there is a health hazard recall listed upon this vehicle for this issue but when I called my local mercedes benz dealer they said that there was no recall with this issue and refused to acknowledge the problem. But in fact there are many videos of evidence online illustrating and showing other same vehicle owners addressing the fuel tank leakage from within underneath the back passenger seat, and there is also many written testimonials cases stating the existance of the same issue. I really do hope this issue gets addressed asap for which i do fear for my family's safety and mine. Thank you in advance f

20220321ENGINE

CRANK SHAFT BALANCER WHICH IS SO COMMON AND AN ALMOST $9000 REPAIR. CAR RUNS BUT CAN'T SMOG OR SELL BECAUSE IT THROWS CODES P0016 P0017. THERE IS NO WORD ON MANY CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. HOW DO WE FIX. THIS IS A ONE OWNER CAR WITH PROBLEM FOR LAST 50K MILES AND NO SOLUTION.

20220126FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving immediately after refueling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

20211009FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’m smelling gas fumes inside and outside of the car. I heard there was a 15 yr warranty on E Class with this issue.

20210315POWER TRAIN

(1) WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE LANE. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF LOSING STEERING FLUID. WHAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN? (2) THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO TREMBLE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDSUCH AS IN SLOW STREET TRAFIC.

Mileage: 157,382

20210315STEERING

(1) WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH IN THE LANE. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF LOSING STEERING FLUID. WHAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN? (2) THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO TREMBLE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDSUCH AS IN SLOW STREET TRAFIC.

Mileage: 157,382

20210303FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SERIOUS SMELL OF GASOLINE DURING AND AFTER REFUELLING. OCCURS WHILE STATIONARY.

Mileage: 133,000

20210226AIR BAGS

I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND WE KEPT COMMUNICATING FOR ABOUT 4-5 DAYS. DURING THAT TIME THE SELLER CLAIMED HE WAS THE 2ND OWNER AND THAT WAS GREAT. THEN HE POSTED PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THE CAR IN A VIDEO AND IT LOOKED IN PERFECT CONDITION. THEN AFTER DRIVING 3 1/2 HOURS TO MEET THE SELLER AND HE LIED ABOUT THE YEAR OF VEHICLE. THE DAMAGES WERE FAR BEYOND SHOWN ON THE VIDEO AND PICTURES. THEN THE MAJOR ISSUE WAS THAT THERE WAS AN WARNING LIGHT STATING THE DRIVER SRS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, I ASKED THE SELLER MOHUMMED. WHAT THIS IS AND HE SAID ITS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT SOMETHING I CAN FIND IN THE TRASH CAN. ALSO THERE WAS SEVERE OXIDATION ON THE ROOF AND HE WAS NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THE PRICE AT ALL. THEN WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW MANY OWNERS HAD THIS VEHICLE AND HE SAYS HE'S THE SECOND OWNER AND I WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS BECAUSE THIS CAR WILL OF HAD 7 OWNER AFTER ME, I DID CALL HIM AND HE CLAIMED HE TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAGS DON'T WORK!!! I WAS VERY UPSET DUE

20210226SERVICE BRAKES

I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND WE KEPT COMMUNICATING FOR ABOUT 4-5 DAYS. DURING THAT TIME THE SELLER CLAIMED HE WAS THE 2ND OWNER AND THAT WAS GREAT. THEN HE POSTED PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THE CAR IN A VIDEO AND IT LOOKED IN PERFECT CONDITION. THEN AFTER DRIVING 3 1/2 HOURS TO MEET THE SELLER AND HE LIED ABOUT THE YEAR OF VEHICLE. THE DAMAGES WERE FAR BEYOND SHOWN ON THE VIDEO AND PICTURES. THEN THE MAJOR ISSUE WAS THAT THERE WAS AN WARNING LIGHT STATING THE DRIVER SRS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, I ASKED THE SELLER MOHUMMED. WHAT THIS IS AND HE SAID ITS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT SOMETHING I CAN FIND IN THE TRASH CAN. ALSO THERE WAS SEVERE OXIDATION ON THE ROOF AND HE WAS NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THE PRICE AT ALL. THEN WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW MANY OWNERS HAD THIS VEHICLE AND HE SAYS HE'S THE SECOND OWNER AND I WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS BECAUSE THIS CAR WILL OF HAD 7 OWNER AFTER ME, I DID CALL HIM AND HE CLAIMED HE TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAGS DON'T WORK!!! I WAS VERY UPSET DUE

20210226SEAT BELTS

I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY AND WE KEPT COMMUNICATING FOR ABOUT 4-5 DAYS. DURING THAT TIME THE SELLER CLAIMED HE WAS THE 2ND OWNER AND THAT WAS GREAT. THEN HE POSTED PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THE CAR IN A VIDEO AND IT LOOKED IN PERFECT CONDITION. THEN AFTER DRIVING 3 1/2 HOURS TO MEET THE SELLER AND HE LIED ABOUT THE YEAR OF VEHICLE. THE DAMAGES WERE FAR BEYOND SHOWN ON THE VIDEO AND PICTURES. THEN THE MAJOR ISSUE WAS THAT THERE WAS AN WARNING LIGHT STATING THE DRIVER SRS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, I ASKED THE SELLER MOHUMMED. WHAT THIS IS AND HE SAID ITS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND IT SOMETHING I CAN FIND IN THE TRASH CAN. ALSO THERE WAS SEVERE OXIDATION ON THE ROOF AND HE WAS NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THE PRICE AT ALL. THEN WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW MANY OWNERS HAD THIS VEHICLE AND HE SAYS HE'S THE SECOND OWNER AND I WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS BECAUSE THIS CAR WILL OF HAD 7 OWNER AFTER ME, I DID CALL HIM AND HE CLAIMED HE TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAGS DON'T WORK!!! I WAS VERY UPSET DUE

20210218AIR BAGS

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

20210218EXTERIOR LIGHTING

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

20210218UNKNOWN OR OTHER

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

20210216FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT AND I ADDED SOME EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING SOME CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, AND A RESPONSE TO THEM BY THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT IM LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA AND FOR CONTACT ME +[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 128,000

20210207FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE FUEL COMPLETELY, I HAD A SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE BACK WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, SO I TRACKED THE CAR AND FOUND THE FUEL DROPS COMING DOWN FROM THE LEFT SIDE IN THE BACK, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TOOK IT HOME AND I CHECKED THE TRANSMITTER UNIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND I FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMITTER UNIT, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT THERE IS A 15-YEAR GUARANTEE ON THIS SUBJECT

Mileage: 128

20210205SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DESPITE THE SEAT BELT BEING IN OPERATION AND SECURELY FASTENED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CARLTON MOTORCARS INC (2446 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

20201020FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GASOLINE ODOR IS NOTICED WHEN FUEL IS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER 5 MINUTES AFTER A RECENT FUEL FILL. THE ODOR IS VERY STRONG AND HAS CAUSED HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO HAVE HEADACHES. I AM FORCED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE DUE TO THIS ODOR. I ALSO NOTICED GASOLINE SPILLING ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE FUEL TANK AREA.

Mileage: 120,000

Compare 2009MERCEDES-BENZE350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 have?
The 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 has 76 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350?
Yes, the 2009 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 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350?
The most-complained component for the 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 27 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Is the 2009 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.