VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz E problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other E years?

E NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted11 complaints1994: 3 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 7 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 11 complaints2012: 0 complaints
E NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1100%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E have recalls?

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

08V006000EngineJanuary 9, 2008 · 9,004 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.

Consequence

WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 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.

“EXTREMELY DANGEROUS: YESTERDAY 1/19/11 WHILE DRIVING ~35-40MPH AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, MY 2006 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 SUDDENLY &RAPIDLY DECELERATED WHILE MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE AUTO GAVE THE MESSAGE THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE DEACTIVATED BY THE CAR. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 19, 2011

2006 Mercedes-Benz E — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E reliable?

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

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mercedes-Benz E years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among E years belongs to 2010.

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.