VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 482 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median E350 year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 15 E350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 47% of all reports (224 of 482), far ahead of engine at 72.

482

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

36

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other E350 years?

E350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted482 complaints2003: 10 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 17 complaints2006: 482 complaints2007: 398 complaints2008: 220 complaints2009: 76 complaints2010: 229 complaints2011: 263 complaints2012: 260 complaints2013: 215 complaints2014: 368 complaints2015: 40 complaints2016: 72 complaints2017: 11 complaints
E350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System22446%
Engine7215%
Brakes5211%
Transmission378%
Electrical System245%
Airbags143%
Other122%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Speed Control71%
Tires & Wheels71%
Steering61%
Lighting51%
Body & Structure51%
Suspension51%
Driver Assistance20%
Seats20%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V874000Visibility & WipersNovember 19, 2024 · 33,456 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

22V954000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2022 · 131,653 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Consequence

A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

21V196000Visibility & WipersMarch 19, 2021 · 11,356 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

19V918000Visibility & WipersDecember 20, 2019 · 747,928 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Consequence

A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VERY STRONG, LASTING, GAS ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I SEARCHED FORUM OF MBWORLD.ORG AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THE CAUSE COULD BE A LEAKING FUEL LEVER SENDER DUE TO BROKEN SEAL. I REMOVED THE REAR SEAT AND FOUND A PUDDLE OF GAS ON TOP OF THE TANK. THE DEALER I CALLED TOLD ME THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 29, 2013 · crash

“I AM REPORTING A VERY SERIOUS, DISTURBING, SHOCKING AND TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON 9/12/2015 ON RANDALL ROAD IN ELGIN, IL USA AT 2:35 PM JUST AFTER BIG TIMBER ROAD SIGNAL.MY SOUTHBOUND 2006 MERCEDES BENZ E350 CAR WAS HIT BY THE HIGH SPEED OUT OF CONTROL NORTHBOUND 2014 TOYOTA COROLLA, WHICH HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 12, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350W. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 2017 · crash

“WE, MY WIFE AND 3 SON'S WERE COMING DOWN FROM BIG BEAR WHEN IT STARTED SNOWING. SNOW GOT HEAVY AND I WAS APPROACHING A SHARP CURVE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 8MILES MADE THE TURN ND SLOWLY PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDDLE, THE RPMS WENT UP BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE. I HAD TO STOP PUT THE CAR IN PARK THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 22, 2015 · crash

“THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ENGINE, LIGHTING, FUEL INJECTION AND REST OF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE HAS DISINTEGRATED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS USED AN INFERIOR AND UNSUITABLE INSULATION FOR THE WIRES, WHICH, IS BRITTLE, CRACKING AND FALLING OFF EXPOSING BARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 22, 2011 · fire

2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 482 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 15 E350 years. It is one of the E350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 E350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (224 complaints), engine (72 complaints), brakes (52 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. 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 E350 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E350 years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2014, 2011, 2012, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among E350 years belongs to 2003.

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.