VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other E-Class years?

E-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted69 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 9 complaints1994: 46 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 18 complaints1997: 43 complaints1998: 31 complaints1999: 20 complaints2000: 61 complaints2001: 33 complaints2002: 8 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 19 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 11 complaints2008: 5 complaints
E-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System655%
Airbags218%
Brakes19%
Electrical System19%
Tires & Wheels19%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V303000Electrical SystemJuly 7, 2008 · 404 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2006 MERCEDES E350 PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2007. CURRENT MILEAGE LESS THAN 90K. IN MARCH 2012 I ENTERED MY GARAGE AND SMELLED A HEAVY SCENT OF GASOLINE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MERCEDES BENZ OF BUCKHEAD. ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH FUEL LEAKING UNDER BACK PASSENGER SEAT. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 12, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES E280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE WAS REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 23, 2013 · crash

“AUTO HAS LOW PROFILE MAG WHEELS. TWO RIGHT WHEELS CRACKED WHEN HIT A CURB IN SEPT 2009. TWO WHEELS AND 4 TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED SEPT 10, 2009. THE FOLLOWING JUNE ONE OF THE REPLACED WHEELS DEVELOPED A CRACK. NOT KNOWN WHY CRACK DEVELOPED AS I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES OR ANYTHING ELSE. THEN JUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 8, 2009

“MERCEDES BENZ 2006 E350. THE STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL HARNESS IS TO SHORT AND COMES APART DISABLING ALL AIRBAGS. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THE COMPANY WON'T PAY TO CORRECT IT. THE REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE AT $715.00 THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY DEFECT!! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 23, 2009

“WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I COMPLETELY LOST THE BRAKE FUNCTION, THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. I STEERED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND IT TOOK IT ANOTHER 200 TO 300 FEET TO STOP. THE DASH TURNED RED AND HAD A WARNING STOP REDUCED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 22, 2014

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 E-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), airbags (2 complaints), tires & wheels (1 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-Class years to avoid are 2003, 2000, 1994, 1997, 2001, 1998. The cleanest record among E-Class years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.