2016 Mercedes-Benz E400Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-638 the manufacturer reports only 46% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 24, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 has problems

34 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags221
Steering40
Engine20
Service brakes21
Fuel/propulsion system10
Power train10
Structure10
Suspension10
Wheels10
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2016 Mercedes-Benz E400 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

46%repaired · 2023 Q2

Air bags: frontal

Recall 21V-638 · Aug 13, 2021 · 205 vehicles · 95 repaired

Risk. An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

78%repaired · 2021 Q1

Communication

Recall 19V-787 · Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles · 18,993 repaired

Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

82%repaired · 2026 Q3

Passenger side: inflator module

Recall 19V-010 · Jan 9, 2019 · 288,779 vehicles · 237,356 repaired

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2019 Q4

Air bags: frontal

Recall 17V-627 · Oct 6, 2017 · 495,290 vehicles · 402,593 repaired

Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
87%repaired · 2018 Q4

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 17V-241 · Apr 11, 2017 · 58,323 vehicles · 50,477 repaired

Risk. If water enters the power steering control unit, the power steering assist may be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

83%repaired · 2019 Q1

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 16V-899 · Dec 14, 2016 · 70 vehicles · 58 repaired

Risk. If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

85%repaired · 2016 Q4

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 15V-505 · Aug 11, 2015 · 209 vehicles · 178 repaired

Risk. If the rubber seal falls into the engine compartment, it may contact parts of the engine or exhaust system, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other E400 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E400 median. How we score

'15'16'17'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E400, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA21002 · still open
    Open
In owners' words

What E400 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF FORT MITCHELL (2100 DIXIE HWY, FORT MITCHELL, KY 41011, [PHONE]) WAS…
Complaint 11408071 · Apr 14, 2021
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ E400. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE…
Complaint 11406483 · Apr 5, 2021
ON 02/15/2019, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC, REGARDING MBUSA RECALL # [PHONE]. THE LETTER ADVISED THAT "THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL BASED ON THE DEFECT DECISION OF TK HOLDINGS, INC. ('TAKATA')". IN THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD SINCE MY RECEIPT OF…
Complaint 11396237 · Feb 15, 2021

Own a 2016 E400?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.