2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 has a complaint index of 33, ranking 3rd worst out of 4 model years, with a Caution verdict capped due to 13 recall campaigns despite a moderate complaint count. Owners reported 23 complaints, mostly electrical and engine issues, with 2 fires and 1 crash.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #3 of 4 E400 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other6 (26%)
- Electrical System5 (22%)
- Engine4 (17%)
- Seat Belts3 (13%)
- Steering3 (13%)
- Brakes2 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electrical system faults trigger dashboard warnings and sudden loss of function while driving, including one case where the car stopped functioning mid-lane-change.
- Headlights go inoperable one side at a time, with dealers applying temporary fixes that did not resolve the issue.
- Backup cameras intermittently fail, showing a black screen with a slash icon instead of the rearview image.
- Engine compartment fires occurred in two reported cases, one while parked and one accompanied by a burning odor and erratic acceleration.
- Steering-related complaints include clunking noises from automatic steering wheel adjustment and grease found near the wheel/axle area.
- Brakes reportedly caused the vehicle to stop abruptly without warning while passing through an intersection at low speed.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 recalls
13 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V023000Jan 17, 2025Suspension, Wheels & Tires165 vehicles
Tires
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 Cabriolet, E 400 Coupe, 2019 E 450 Cabriolet, and E 450 Coupe vehicles. The tires were incorrectly marked with the wrong maximum inflation pressure and may not meet the strength requirements for the stated pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."
Risk: Tires inflated to an incorrect maximum pressure may have insufficient strength, allowing the tires to fail and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025010008.
- NHTSA 22V232000Apr 8, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras126,443 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V072000Feb 12, 2021Other67 vehicles
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other E400 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 reliable?
- Compared to other E400 years, 2018 ranks 3rd worst of 4 years tracked, with a complaint index of 33 and a Caution verdict. The Caution rating reflects 13 recall campaigns rather than complaint volume alone.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 E400?
- NHTSA data shows the Electrical System as the top problem area, accounting for 22% of complaints, followed by Engine issues at 17% and Seat Belts and Steering each at 13%.
- Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2018 E400, covering areas including tires, rearview camera software, seat belt buckles, spoiler mounting, and instrument cluster software.
- How does the 2018 E400 compare to other years?
- The 2015 E400 has the lowest complaint index at 0 and a Best verdict, while 2017 has the highest complaint index at 100 and an Avoid verdict. The 2018 model falls between these with a complaint index of 33.
- Were there any fires or crashes reported for the 2018 E400?
- NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents and 1 crash reported for the 2018 E400, with zero injuries and zero deaths recorded.