MERCEDES-BENZ E400 · model year

2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400

39 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016MERCEDES-BENZE400 carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 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 2016 E400 is air bags with 22 filings, followed by steering (4) and service brakes (2). 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.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2016 E400. 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.

39
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

39 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS22
STEERING4
SERVICE BRAKES2
ENGINE2
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
POWER TRAIN1
SUSPENSION1
WHEELS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1

Recent Complaints

20250224ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

20250224FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The automatic brake and Adaptive Cruise Control warning lights were illuminated. The emergency braking system engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was oil leaking from the gasket and was dripping onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall under the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

20241111ENGINE

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.

20240321ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would display a vibration sensation. The check engine light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had failed. The head gasket and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

20230323BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while reversing the Back Over Prevention camera screen was blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Mileage: 62,000

20230221STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating a power steering malfunction was displayed and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown software update was completed. The failure ceased but reoccurred a year and a half later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V241000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. The consumer stated the power steering assist assembly needed to be replaced and it was repaired in the amount of $4042.00.

Mileage: 29,000

20230112STEERING

Steering wheel stuck in Up Position

20220427STEERING

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.

20210414AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT MITCHELL (2100 DIXIE HWY, FORT MITCHELL, KY 41011, (859) 331-1500) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *DT

20210405AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED PARK PLACE MOTORCARS DALLAS (6113 LEMMON AVENUE, DALLAS TX, 75209, (214) 526-8701) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REPLACED ON MAY 4TH, 2021. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20210326CrashAIR BAGS

RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.

Mileage: 55,000

20210326CrashSERVICE BRAKES

RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. PARKING BRAKE FAIL TO ENGAGE.

Mileage: 55,000

20210220AIR BAGS

THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T HAVE A REMEDY FOR TAKATA RECALL OVER 2 YEARS LATER

20210215AIR BAGS

ON 02/15/2019, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC, REGARDING MBUSA RECALL # 2019010001. THE LETTER ADVISED THAT "THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ('TAKATA')". IN THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER, I HAVE RECEIVED NO FOLLOW-UP COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE PROACTIVELY CONTACTED BOTH MERCEDES-BENZ USA AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, IN AN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN SOME INDICATION AS TO WHEN THE RECALL WILL BE ADDRESSED, ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE STATUS IS STILL "PENDING".

20201104AIR BAGS

2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. *JS *JS

20201026AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002; (856) 663-3200) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20200824AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAG). AFTER CONTACTING MERCEDES OF SOUTH ORLANDO LOCATED AT 4301 MILLENIA BLVD, ORLANDO, FL 32839, AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

20200619SUSPENSION

CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

20200619WHEELS

CHAMFER BOLTS BENT BY POTHOLES. CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR OF TREAD AND MULTIPLE FLATS OVER PAST YEAR. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

20200522AIR BAGS

TLA* TASTE RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO RECALL THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Compare 2016MERCEDES-BENZE400 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 have?
The 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 has 39 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400?
The most-complained component for the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 is AIR BAGS with 22 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E400 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.