2016 Mercedes Benz E Class Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Mercedes Benz E Class has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield seal water intrusion.” Mercedes-Benz alternates two service events: Service A (oil, filter, inspection) at roughly 10,000 miles or 1 year, then Service B (Service A plus brake fluid, cabin filter, and deeper checks) at roughly 20,000 miles or 2 years — the ASSYST Plus counter in the cluster tells you which is due. Oil must carry the MB-Approval number your engine specifies (commonly 229.5, or 229.71 for newer 0W-20 engines); 'meets or exceeds' marketing language is not an approval. Electric EQB and EQS models keep the A/B rhythm for inspections, brake fluid, and cabin filters — just without oil.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Mercedes Benz E Class.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield seal water intrusion

VISIBILITY

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2025-12

We have been getting water in the front passenger compartment below the door area, after rain. We took it to our mechanic, who determined that the windshield integrity has been compromised along the top area in front of the passenger dash. Apparently the seal has separated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574053
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that water was leaking from the front driver’s side windshield. The contact also stated that several months later, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield was leaking. An undisclosed dealer was
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532092
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the front windshield. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11422350

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Transmission harsh shifting and gear-selector faults

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2022-01

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while shifting between the lower gears, the vehicle would shift roughly resulting in the vehicle jerking while driving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448342
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE 722.9 7G-TRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. THE ENGINE SPEED ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY EXCEEDS 5000 RPM. THE CAR MUST BE IMMEDIATELY DRIVEN OFF THE ROAD, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THE TRANSMISSION WILL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954937
WHEN I TRY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK THE CAR IS STUCK IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IF THE CAR IS IN REVERSE OR IF THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND YOU USE THE GEAR SELECTOR TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR CHANGE AND GEAR THE VEHICLE DOES NOT CHANGE THE GEAR. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE CERTIFIED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394574

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Takata airbag recall repair parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

24 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2021-04

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL. MERCEDES REFUSES TO REPLACE OR REPAIR. THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH THIS CAR. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA WHICH IS HIGH HUMIDITY STATE AND HIGH HUMIDITY CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO EXPLODE ON THEIR OWN AT ANY TIME
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035143
THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T HAVE A REMEDY FOR TAKATA RECALL OVER 2 YEARS LATER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397143
A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER (MERCEDES-BENZ USA) WAS RECEIVED 2/5/19, ADVISING OF A RECALL CONCERNING THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE FOR MY 2016 E400 COUPE (MBUSA RECALL #2019010001). AS OF 12/19/19, THE MANUFACTURER STILL HAS NOT MADE THE NECESSARY REMEDY AVAILABLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291847

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Rear subframe corrosion

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2026-07

The rear subframe is defective and subject to premature corrosion and failure of parts that connect to the rear suspension. Due to the fracturing of the joints connecting to the suspension, my car was at risk of going out of control when needing to brake at higher speeds. The
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750938
I received a letter from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC located at 1 Mercedes-Benz drive Sandy springs Georgia 30328 phone number 800-367-6372. This letter advised me of the extension of warranty coverage on the rear subframe of my vehicle to 20 years with unlimited mileage cover. I call
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544258
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that there was an oil burning odor present inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine drive belts were faulty, and corrosion was present on the motor
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440184

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Loss of power steering assist

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2023-02

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11508308
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462520
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE MESSAGE "MALFUNCTION"
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820475

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Engine oil leak from timing chain and gasket seals

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2024-11

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578739
Re-Seal Upper Timing Covers of the cylinder head timing covers are seeping. 2016 E350 has less thank 19k on it. The fluids can potentially leak onto the roads causing a hazard, it is also a fire hazard, as well as an environmental issue. This was identified by Revolution
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435866
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624470

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Unintended acceleration and ADAS speed control faults

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2025-02

MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE OF THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO ACCELERATE ANY LONGER AND SHE BECAME DISABLED INSTANTLY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914397
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE COLLISION ASSIST INOPERATIVE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816678
MY COLLISION PREVENTION MADE MY 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400 SLAM ON THE BREAKS WITH NO CARS AROUND OTHER THEN THE CAR PARKED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CARS BEHIND ME
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289787

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Fuel odor and fuel system leaks

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2026-01

Fuel odor is very apparent (while idle) but difficult to identify location. Same models seem to have recalls for fuel injectors/rails but not this specific VIN. I believe the issue might be of similar recall. I will have the car diagnosed soon
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713777
The fuel pump assembly Seals leaked fuel into my vehicle and saturated the interior of my car
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603751
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off inside the garage, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked fuel filter that needed
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541935

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Service A — Oil & Filter + Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months: oil and filter with MB-Approved oil, fluid top-offs, tire check, and inspection. AMG models driven hard: many owners service at 5,000-7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Service B — Major Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A: everything in A plus brake-fluid replacement, cabin filter, and a deeper multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and driveline.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every Service A where the tire sizes allow. Many AMG and 4MATIC+ models run staggered widths that can't rotate front-to-rear — check your spec before paying for a rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Checked at every A/B service via electronic pad-wear sensors. Replace sensors with pads. Heavy EQS models wear pads slowly (regen braking) but rotors can corrode from disuse — an inspection catches that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced every 2 years as part of Service B — Mercedes schedules it on time, not miles, because DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture regardless of driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7G / 9G-Tronic)

Every 70,000 mi

Mercedes specifies fluid and filter service around 70,000 miles on most 7G- and 9G-Tronic gearboxes — check your year's sheet. Use only the MB-spec fluid for your transmission code; independent specialists often service at 60,000 on hard-driven cars.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Most modern MB gas engines: plugs around 60,000 miles — AMG engines often sooner. Check your engine's sheet; twin-turbo V8 plug jobs are labor-heavy, so pair with other scheduled work.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace around every 40,000 miles (twin-filter setups on V6/V8 engines double the parts bill). Inspected at every Service B.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Combination / Dust Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced with every Service B. Models with the ENERGIZING air package use a higher-grade filter — priced accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

MB-spec coolant is long-life (typically ~10 years / 150,000 miles on the sheet). Refresh only with MB 325/326-spec coolant — the wrong chemistry attacks aluminum and head gaskets.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V & Auxiliary Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Most modern Mercedes carry a second auxiliary battery; a weak one triggers cascading warning messages long before a no-start. EQ models also depend on the 12V system to boot.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Mercedes Benz E Class reflects Mercedes-Benz's published service intervals and the ASSYST Plus (Service A / Service B) system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.