Owner-reported issues — NHTSA
373 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the A238 across model years 2017–2023. Federal public records, updated weekly.
| ENGINE | 48 reports |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 45 reports |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 32 reports |
| POWER TRAIN | 30 reports |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 15 reports |
| STEERING | 14 reports |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 13 reports |
| WHEELS | 12 reports |
Selected owner reports
2017 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Starting Current Limiter Recall (NHTSA Campaign 16V831000 / 17V114000): If your E-Class failed to start or struggled to crank initially, a defective starting current limiter can severely overheat the electrical lines to the starter, causing nearby components-including the battery assembly and main wiring—to melt and smoke. The above is exactly what happened. I was sitting at a red light and the car shut off and I tried to start it again and smoke started coming out of the right air vent in front of the battery. The wires to the battery were destroyed and part of the battery was melted. Th
2017 · POWER TRAIN
There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.
2017 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000
2017 · STEERING
I’m having issues with my control module not going forward or backwards at times and there was a recall on models of this vehicle for that exact reason NHTSA ID: 17V078000 Issued: Feb 2, 17. Dealership is telling me it’s not open. I’m scared for my safety when my car doesn’t shift in the correct gear. This started in 2021 or 2022 and I’m not getting resolution. When getting my bumper repaired I noticed that this was on the recall list a few years ago. I’ll submit the papers I received form Park Place.
2017 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2017 mercedes benz e-class. I'm starting to smell gasoline in the cabin and also outside of my vehicle. I tried entering my VIN number to see if any recalls. There is something listed for the smell of gas. Can someone help me regarding this matter.
2017 · STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe. The contact stated that the silver metal coating on the seat release lever was rough and jagged on both driver and passenger sides of the two door vehicle. The contact's son had grabbed the front seat release lever to access the rear passenger’s side seat and cut his hand. The cut was approximately 2-3 inches long. No medical attention was needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was common with the vehicle and that the coating was known to peel due to heat. The contact was concerned that the fa
2017 · STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while turning. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and to the dealer, but no DTC was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V714000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.
2017 · FUEL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor entering the vehicle through the vents, and the odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the
2017 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong smell of Fuel or exhaust fumes in the cabin, while vehicle is idling, parked or stoped at the light.
2017 · AIR BAGS
The Air bag light just came on when I turned the car on I had it checked by a mechanic and by an electrician. The code is B000113 The Squib For The Driver Airbag (Stage 1) Has A Malfunction. There Is An Open Circuit. They checked the clock spring it’s plugged in and even tried using a new air bag but they believe the clock spring is broken.
2017 · POWER TRAIN
Mercedes-Benz E300 is affected by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) recall, you might notice these symptoms: - Delayed or rough shifting: The transmission may hesitate or struggle to change gears. - Slipping gears: The car might unexpectedly shift out of gear or fail to stay in the correct gear. - Unresponsive transmission: You may experience difficulty accelerating or feel like the car is stuck in a lower gear. - Warning lights: The check engine or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard. - Limp mode activation: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting speed an
2017 · AIR BAGS
A warning saying Front Right Malfunction Service Required. I took my vehicle to a mercedes dealership to have my vehicle inspected. I was told that the Airbag seat cushion/weight sensing control unit all needed to be repaired/fixed. I have an extended warranty but this was not covered. I was told my Airbag might not be deployed if I was involved in an accident and someone was in my front passenger seat. "No one should ride in the front passenger seat until this situation is taken care of." I feel strongly that this should have been covered, plus it should've been a recall on this. It's a real
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint database · synced 2026-09-21