How many engine complaints does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?

NHTSA lists 18 engine-related complaints for the 2010 E350, which is about 10% of the 180 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 E350 is 49,900 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2010 E350 engine?

Yes. Recall 22V168000 covers the 2010 E350 and other Mercedes-Benz models where control units may have been updated with incorrect software; dealers update the software free of charge.

Did any 2010 E350 engine complaints involve crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data for this engine complaint group shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires reported.

What is the most common engine symptom reported?

Owners most often describe a check engine light cycling on and off, cold-start knocking, or sudden power loss into limp mode.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Engine Problems

Owners of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 filed 18 engine-related complaints, about 10% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 49,900. Common patterns include check engine light cycling from a camshaft adjuster solenoid, cold-start knocking noise, and sudden power loss into limp mode. A related recall (22V168000) addresses incorrect control unit software.

Engine complaints: 18; 10% of 180
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 49,900 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Check engine light repeatedly turns on and off, later traced to a faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid, around 49,900 miles.
Cold start produces a knocking noise lasting several engine rotations before it stops.
During hard acceleration the engine suddenly loses power and drops into limp mode, which owners describe as dangerous in highway traffic.
Serpentine belt tensioner failed well before its expected service interval, before the belt's rated mileage cycle.
Engine misfires and enters limp mode intermittently while the check engine light flickers, with one owner linking it to recall campaign 22V168000.

When 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 11, 2011, latest Jul 24, 2025.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2011 to Jul 2025; peak Sep 2016 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

NHTSA 22V168000Mar 18, 2022Engine22 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.
Risk: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

Engine complaints by E350 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201018 (10%)
201117 (8%)
201221 (10%)
201324 (15%)
201425 (9%)
20152 (6%)
201610 (20%)
20173 (43%)
20203 (38%)
20214 (31%)
20221 (13%)
20230 (0%)
20242 (40%)
20251 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?: NHTSA lists 18 engine-related complaints for the 2010 E350, which is about 10% of the 180 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 E350 is 49,900 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2010 E350 engine?: Yes. Recall 22V168000 covers the 2010 E350 and other Mercedes-Benz models where control units may have been updated with incorrect software; dealers update the software free of charge.
Did any 2010 E350 engine complaints involve crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data for this engine complaint group shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires reported.
What is the most common engine symptom reported?: Owners most often describe a check engine light cycling on and off, cold-start knocking, or sudden power loss into limp mode.