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2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Gas
Midsize Cars
16 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical8
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA86
Crash ratingNHTSA overall4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize car with 16 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the E350, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 86 complaints, most often about the air bags. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
E350GasRWD3.5L 6-cyl202923$3,350
E350GasRWD3.5L 6-cyl202823$3,350
E350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl202723$3,350
E350 4maticGas4WD3.5L 6-cyl202723$3,350
E400GasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202923$3,350
E400 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202823$3,350
E400 ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202923$3,350
E400 CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202923$3,350
E350 4matic (wagon)Gas4WD3.5L 6-cyl202622$3,500
E400 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202722$3,500
E550 4maticGas4WD4.7L 8-cyl turbo182421$3,700
E550 CoupeGasRWD4.7L 8-cyl turbo182621$3,700
E550 ConvertibleGasRWD4.7L 8-cyl turbo172520$3,900
AMG E63 4maticGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo162319$4,100
AMG E63 S 4maticGas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo152218$4,300
AMG E63 S 4matic (wagon)Gas4WD5.5L 8-cyl turbo162118$4,300

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36178, 36180, 36179, 36183, 36166, 36153, 36154, 36152, 36187, 36167.

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Recalls (8)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

2021080016
205 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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 repair.RiskAn incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V638000reported Aug 13, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
●moderate

Communication

2019120008
24,226 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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 location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdfRiskAn inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
NHTSA campaign 19V787000reported Nov 1, 2019Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Air Bags

288,779 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4MaRiskAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 19V010000reported Jan 9, 2019Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Air Bags

2017110011
495,290 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 RiskIf the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign 17V627000reported Oct 6, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Steering

2017050013
58,323 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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 4Matic vehicles, 2017 E300 4Matic and GLS63 AMG 4Matic vehicles, and 2016-2017 GL350 4Matic BlueTec, GL450 4Matic, and GL550 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering connector that may be insufficiently sealed, allowing water to enter the control unit.RiskIf water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and inspect the electric power steering rack, replacing the rack as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 17V241000reported Apr 11, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
▲high

Air Bags

51 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the coRiskIf the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 17V177000reported Mar 14, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
!critical

Steering

70 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-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 August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.RiskIf the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 16V899000reported Dec 14, 2016Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

2015080001
209 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 Mercedes Benz E350, E400, E400 4Matic, E63 4M S AMG, E350 4Matic, E63-4M S AMG, 2015 CLS400, CLS400 4Matic, CLS550, CLS63-4M "P" AMG, and CLS550 4Matic vehicles manufactured April 16, 2015, to April 22, 2015. The integral steel cable that secures the rubber seal to the bulkhead might have been damaged due to the supplier rework of the rubber seal. In the event the rubber seal is not properly secured around the engine compartment, it is possible for the rubber seal to temporarily stick to the hood when it is opened and then may fall into the engine bay when the hood is closed.RiskIf the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the engine or exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber seal, in the engine compartment, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. MBUSA's number is 2015080001. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-201-573-5339.
NHTSA campaign 15V505000reported Aug 11, 2015Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

NHTSA defect investigations

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
86complaints filed

6 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 4 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2015: 1 · 2016: 7 · 2017: 7 · 2018: 5 · 2019: 9 · 2020: 15 · 2021: 13 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 8 · 2024: 9 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 3

Most-cited components

Air Bags29
Electrical System9
Structure8
Unspecified7
Vehicle Speed Control5
Power Train5

What owners describe

“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 indepen…”Feb 24, 2025 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“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) …”Nov 11, 2024 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“I believe there is faulty wiring in the door speaker front passenger side. It causes crackling and humming. It lessens some when you turn ECO off. Concerned it could ignite a fire. Once told by dealer it’s caused by rain going into the door. Next time told that just to look at the problem would be around $600 because…”Jul 10, 2024 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
4 DR RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
SW 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
SW RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other E-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

1 recalls · 6 complaints

C

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2 recalls · 5 complaints

F

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

5 recalls · 12 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

5 recalls · 24 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

7 recalls · 21 complaints

F

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

19 recalls · 25 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

16 recalls · 23 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

22 recalls · 58 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

19 recalls · 64 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

20 recalls · 159 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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