VehicleVerdict

2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 sits mid-pack among E350 years: 220 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 216, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 87 reports (40% of the total).

220

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other E350 years?

E350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System8740%
Seats2210%
Electrical System188%
Tires & Wheels178%
Engine146%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Airbags94%
Other73%
Body & Structure63%
Brakes52%
Speed Control52%
Suspension52%
Transmission52%
Lighting42%
Steering42%
Latches & Locks10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2008 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.

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.

12V264000SuspensionJune 12, 2012 · 3,613 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 E350 4MATIC WAGON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2006, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009. A CONNECTING ROD FOR THE LOAD LEVELING REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MAY FAIL.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY HAVE REDUCED VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

MERCEDES-BENZ WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE CONNECTING RODS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2012. 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.

“2008 MERCEDES E350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SENDER FUEL D/S AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SMELL OF FUEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HIMSELF. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 5, 2018 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TONIGHT THE SEAT STARTED SMOKING AND THERE IS A BURN HOLE ON THE DRIVER SEAT 1/2 DOLLAR IN SIZE. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, SEAT HEATER IN USE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 13, 2020 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OVER A POTHOLE THE TIRE EXPLODED. THE TIRE WAS A CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT SIZE 245/40R18.93V. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE DEVELOPED A BLISTER AND THE RIM WAS NO LONGER ALIGNED. THE FAILURE COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 24, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE STRUCTURE. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 19, 2020 · crash

2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 reliable?

It is close to typical for the E350: 220 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 E350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (87 complaints), seats (22 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.