VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz E problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other E years?

E NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz E problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control229%
Airbags114%
Fuel System114%
Suspension114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 11, 2008 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DECELERATING TO 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLID UNDERNEATH THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 20, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ 350E. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM 35 TO 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS IF IT ENGAGED INTO THE NEUTRAL GEAR. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 17, 2009

“I HAVE A NEW 2008 E350 MERCEDES WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT 265/35 R 18.97V TIRES. AT 6000 I NOTICED A BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL. I WAS TOLD I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD & IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT 7000 MILES I NOTICED YESTERDAY 2 MORE BULGES ON THE SIDEWALL OF 2 ADDITIONAL TIRES. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 18, 2008

2008 Mercedes-Benz E — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.