10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 113,334 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owned a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350W. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags deployed. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was towed from the scene to Mercedes-Benz of Ontario (3787 E guasti rd, Ontario, ca 91761), but was not diagnosed. The contact's insurance company confirmed that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
- Chino, CA, USA
After driving my 2006 E350 for 30min return home back up parking into my drive way my brake has reduced power. Error light "service brake visit workshop" then car will not start but in the next morning, it starts? it is the same problem as the safety recall #20055110001 for 2005 but my model is 2006 not yet recall.
- Sugar Land, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact heard an abnormal noise and the vehicle prematurely stopped before fully applying the brake pedal. In addition, the warning indicator illuminated for the brake system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (malones automotive, 271 powers ferry rd SE, marietta, ga 30067, 678-236-3800) for diagnostic testing. The dealer initially stated that there was a manufacturer recall, but later stated that there was no recall. The dealer indicated that the manufacturer had a service campaign, but did not specify if the vehicle was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Stone Mountain, GA, USA
My car while I was driving on the street just shut down red flashing screen saying stop reduce breaking power start engine don't know it says this cause car don't have any power the gas peddle don't work the breaks didn't even good thing I was going slow in my area had to get car towed to my mechanic which they told me my air filters was clogged which I payed them to get new ones then I still wanted to find out why my car just shut down so took it to Mercedes dealer in fort Washington pa the check it out and said my breaks was wearing so I had to pay them $589 for front and back brakes sbc system they said is ok I am still scared of this car.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled and the stop braking system warning indicator illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local Mercedes-Benz dealer (located at 404 Pennsylvania in pa 19034 866-383-0881) where it was diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer regarding the spc pump. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While starting the vehicle, the ABS indicator was constantly illuminated. While driving various speeds, the brakes independently applied. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to call the Mercedes-Benz dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed due to the diagnostic fee. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
- Fontana, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While driving 20 mph, the brake system warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to immediately stop the vehicle as the contact drove through a red light. The dealer was contacted at 415-673-1700 and informed the contact of a recall for the braking system; however, her VIN was not included. The contact was unable to provide the correct NHTSA campaign information. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,517.
- Chicago, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact came to an abrupt stop and the brake pedal failed to respond when depressed. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact sustained lower back and neck injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
- Little Neck, NY, USA
Strong fuel smell coming from the outside of vehicle
- Riverside, CA, USA
The sbc brake system on my auto is showing a warning to send the car to the dealer. They told me I needed a new ABS system $2200. Many Mercedes owners are having the same problems with the sbc brake system. The brakes are very difficult and dangerous to work on! the hydraulics should have a lifetime warranty.
- Dallas, TX, USA
Driving on I-270 at 55 mph suddenly brakes stopped functioning at all, dashboard turned red with the message reduced braking power depress brake pedal fully, but there was no braking power at all. Almost lost control.... scared I was going to hit another car or involve in accident... vehicle was in motion.
- Gaithersburg, MD, USA
I experienced immediate brake failure while driving with no advanced warning. Received red light warning messaging stating reduced braking ability and to visit workshop. Immediately stepped fully on brake pedal with minimal to no response. Car eventually slowed down to a stop. A significant collision was avoided because I was driving around 15 mph on a residential side-street with no other traffic at the time. Had I been traveling on a major road at 35-40mph with moderate traffic I would have been unable to avoid a serious collision. Mercedes Benz has recognized this braking issue and ordered an extended 10 year warranty with unlimited miles on the hydraulic sbc system, but I was told my 2006 vehicle was "out of warranty" by the dealership and would need to pay $2275 for repairing the hydraulic sbc. This problem is an immediate safety concern given the acute failure of the braking system and the high likelihood of a serious accident.
- Richmond, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. After starting the vehicle, a brake visit workshop warning indicator illuminated. The contact noticed that the warning indicator continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensortronic brake control unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
- Houston, TX, USA
Was driving the Mercedes E350 on a hilly road on Nov 15, 2016 when the vehicle lost pretty much all braking capability. The dash started flashing "stop reduced braking power. Depress brake pedal fully" looks like this problem is caused by a manufacturing defect on the brake pump/controller. This incident could have causes serious damage to the car and physical injury if it had occurred at higher speeds or different terrain.
- Brookhaven, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While driving approximately 45 to 50 mph, the vehicle approached a ramp and applied the brakes. Messages on the instrument panel illuminated that read "reduced brake pressure and depress brake fully", "traction control", "ABS", and "check engine lights". in addition, the steering wheel locked up when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, restarted, and driven home. The failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
- Mckinney, TX, USA
The brakes on this car failed without warning while traveling on interstate at high speed. I have contacted Mercedes and they have agreed to pay the cost of the spc brake unit under warranty; however, the costs of labor is very high and I have to cover it. I am a retired elderly combat disabled war veteran with limited funds and believe Mercedes should recall these dangerous vehicles and and cover the entire costs. The vehicle is currently under repair at fields Mercedes in lakeland Florida
- Sebring, FL, USA
This vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. When this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. This occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. Mercedes Benz has issued a service bulletin S142.46-P-0012A which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed.
- Glendale, CA, USA
Brake service workshop message. Sbc unit failing and loss of brake function noticeable when the light is on. Message goes away but comes back on. Car has 55766 miles and is less than 10 years old.
- Glendale, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the service brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sbc pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V296000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 147,000.
- Younges Island, SC, USA
- Hartford, CT, USA