VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 sits mid-pack among E350 years: 76 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 217, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 46% of all reports (35 of 76), far ahead of seats at 6.

76

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other E350 years?

E350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3546%
Airbags68%
Seats68%
Engine57%
Seat Belts34%
Electrical System34%
Body & Structure34%
Suspension34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Transmission23%
Brakes23%
Steering11%
Other11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2009 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.

“AT APPROXIMATELY 11:50 A.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020, I PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY ONTO SPRUCE DR. NW, GOING SOUTH AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, CAREENING DOWN SPRUCE DR. NW. I WAS DESPERATELY TRYING TO MISS PARKED CARS ON THE STREET BUT MY CAR WAS MOVING FASTER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 11, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 21, 2020 · crash

“AS DRIVING NOTICED STRONG SMELL OF SMOKE. THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE DRIVERS SEAT. AS I PULLED OVER HOLE BURNED IN SEAT AND SPARKS AND FLAMES POURED OUT FROM BURNING HOLE IN SEAT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 1, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 8, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 8, 2015

2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 76 NHTSA complaints, below the typical E350 year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 E350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (35 complaints), seats (6 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.