2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 8, 2026 · 13 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other E 350 years
Far fewer complaints than other years 13th of 22 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350. That ranks 13th out of 22 E 350 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (4 complaints, 31%). Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 12 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System4
Engine4
Back Over Prevention3
Power Train3
Fuel/propulsion System2
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~53,200 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~24,001 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System431%———
Engine431%———
Back Over Prevention323%———
Power Train323%———
Fuel/propulsion System215%———
Fuel System, Gasoline18%53,200——
Service Brakes18%24,001——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 5 complaints
2023: 1202312024: 5202452025: 4202542026: 320263

n = 13 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 recalls (12)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpJun 26, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V445000 · 143,551 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Electrical system:software; communication: auto crash notificationMay 20, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Back over prevention:display functionApr 8, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V232000 · 126,443 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

Steering: steering wheel/handle barMar 25, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V189000 · 8,396 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Risk: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

Air bags:sensor:side impactJul 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V527000 · 542 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

Seat belts:rear/other:retractorJun 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V483000 · 4,917 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; electrical system:softwareMay 14, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V354000 · 343,191 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Back over prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian alert; back over prevention: sensing system: cameraApr 1, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V228000 · 6 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, and AMG E63 vehicles. The parking control unit may fail to display the rearview camera image and cause the parking sensors to misidentify or fail to detect objects.

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display and/or parking sensors can reduce the driver's view and awareness of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: All affected vehicles are still within MBUSA's control. MBUSA will replace the parking control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seats; seat belts:pretensioner; air bags:sensor:occupant classificationApr 1, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V230000 · 8,634 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.

Seats:front assembly:power adjustMar 26, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V216000 · 109 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, E63S AMG, 2020 E63S AMG Wagon, and 2020-2021 E53 AMG vehicles. The passenger seat limiter may allow the seat to be positioned too close to the air bag.

Risk: A seat too close to the air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the frontal passenger air bag.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the passenger seat limiter, free of charge. The recall began April 29, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040002.

Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system:softwareFeb 5, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

SeatsOct 30, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V673000 · 1,337 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350 and E450, 2019-2021 AMG E53 and 2020-2021 AMG E63 vehicles. The front passenger seat may be missing the mechanical seat adjustment range limit stop, allowing the seat to move outside of the acceptable range in relation to the air bag.

Risk: If the front passenger seat is adjusted beyond the acceptable range in relation to the air bag, there could be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash with air bag deployment.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the mechanical seat adjustment range limitation for the front passenger seat and install it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-368-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110013.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Engine misfires, lower engine power, and a lit check engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Mercedes-Benz issued an Emission Service Campaign (No. [redacted], internal code 21P1590208) to replace out-of-spec ignition coils on 657 vehicles from model year 2021, including the E-Class. My VIN was not…

Power Train · received Aug 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755689

Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in the fuel vapor leak diagnosis pump…

Electrical System · received May 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11736678

With the car only have about 15,000 miles the transmission has failed . I have seen there have been recalls of other models with similar complaints of transmission failure .

Power Train · received Jan 4, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11708688

Engine keeps having a misfire that Mercedes put a TSB out for and once the misfire happen I cause the vehicle to go in a limp mode which causes the vehicle to loose power happened to me in the freeway. The car had 54K miles and Mercedes refused to repair the issue as the engine part failure isn’t…

Engine · received Dec 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11707258

My 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 (VIN [XXX] ) developed a serious engine issue involving cylinder misfire and check engine light. The dealer diagnosed it as a leaking exhaust valve on cylinder 4, related to TSB LI01.30-P-072328, which documents valve seat wear in M260 engines. This is a known defect…

Engine · received Jul 14, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11673376

Other Mercedes-Benz E 350 years

← 2020 E 350 · 2022 E 350 →

See all Mercedes-Benz E 350 problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine, back over prevention problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350?

Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other E 350 model years, the 2021 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.