Which Mercedes-Benz E400 year is best?

The 2015 E400 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0, 15 complaints, and 7 recalls.

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 reliable?

The 2016 E400 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 67 and 34 complaints, the highest raw complaint count of any year, mostly airbag-related.

Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 have airbag problems?

Yes, airbags make up 80% of the 2017 E400's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 3,500 and reports of long delays getting recalled parts.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E400 have overall?

Across 2015-2018, NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the E400, with 2018 alone accounting for 13 of them.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Best and Worst Years (2015–2018)

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, 20 complaints, 8 recalls, and 4 injuries reported. Airbags account for 80% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 3,500. The 2015 model is the best year, with a complaint index of 0 and only 7 recalls.

Avoid 2017 Best 2015

Model years: 4; 2015–2018
NHTSA complaints: 92
Recall campaigns: 26
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Airbags

E400 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz E400 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2015	Best	0	15	2	0	7	Airbags	23	—
2016	Caution	67	34	1	0	7	Airbags	23	—
2017	Avoid	100	20	0	0	8	Airbags	23	—
2018	Good	33	23	1	2	13	Electrical System	22	—

E400 years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Index 100 · 20 complaints · 8 recalls

The 2017 E400 has the highest complaint index (100) of the four years covered and ranks worst overall. Airbags dominate its complaint pattern, making up 80% of the 20 complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 3,500. Owners describe delayed Takata airbag recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with waits stretching many months after notification. Structure & Body complaints, including a rear spoiler detachment recall, appear at a median mileage of 42,000. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this year and 4 injuries were reported, more than any other E400 year in this dataset.

2017 airbags problems →

Most common Mercedes-Benz E400 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags47 (51%)
Electrical System10 (11%)
Other10 (11%)
Engine8 (9%)
Steering8 (9%)
Structure & Body6 (7%)
Brakes5 (5%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
Seat Belts3 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mercedes-Benz E400 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 E400 is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, 20 complaints, and 8 recall campaigns, most tied to airbags.
Which Mercedes-Benz E400 year is best?: The 2015 E400 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0, 15 complaints, and 7 recalls.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 reliable?: The 2016 E400 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 67 and 34 complaints, the highest raw complaint count of any year, mostly airbag-related.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 have airbag problems?: Yes, airbags make up 80% of the 2017 E400's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 3,500 and reports of long delays getting recalled parts.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz E400 have overall?: Across 2015-2018, NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the E400, with 2018 alone accounting for 13 of them.