2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability Report

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class frequently report issues with the crankshaft ventilation valve, which can lead to oil leaks and engine stalling. Complaints often mention the check engine light activating, sometimes accompanied by fault codes such as P052E71, and in severe cases, the vehicle stalling on the road. Some owners note these problems occur shortly after warranty expiration, typically around 14 months after previous repairs. Additionally, two reports involve engine fires, one of which occurred without warning while the vehicle was stationary. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including the possibility of fires and loss of vehicle control.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, specifically transmission-related failures. Common symptoms include the car unexpectedly shifting into neutral or park, difficulties shifting between drive and reverse, and instances where the vehicle enters limp mode. These issues are noted at varied mileages, from as low as 83,000 miles to over 150,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted, with some owners experiencing loss of control while driving, which could pose risks in traffic situations. Additionally, the need for costly repairs, such as replacing the electronic valve body or shifter module, is a recurring theme in the complaints.

Owners report that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exhibits issues with seat belt functionality, specifically with retraction and latching mechanisms. Complaints frequently mention that seat belts, particularly on the driver side, fail to retract fully, leaving slack that compromises safety. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the passenger seatbelt not latching, rendering it unusable. These issues are noted as safety risks due to non-compliance with safety standards and the potential for increased injury during a crash. The complaints do not specify exact mileage ranges, but the failures are concerning for a vehicle less than 10 years old, and buyers should consider these potential seat belt malfunctions when evaluating this model.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report several structural issues. Commonly, the cords attaching the headliner to the roof on cabriolet models fray, resulting in the top being unable to open or close properly, with multiple repair attempts proving ineffective. Some owners also experience problems with the front doors, which either slam shut unexpectedly or require excessive force to close, with one report noting an injury from the door slamming. Additionally, there are incidents of the roof spoiler detaching, even after being replaced under recall, posing a potential safety hazard as it can detach while driving and hit other vehicles. These issues are reported across varying mileages, with no specific timeline pattern emerging.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes. In one incident, a vehicle collision at 30 MPH resulted in the air bags not deploying, causing the driver to sustain injuries including facial and bodily soreness, and damage to vertebrae. Another owner describes a low-speed crash into a storefront where the air bags also did not deploy. Both incidents involved crashes, with one resulting in injuries, and neither complaint provides specific mileage information. These reports highlight potential safety implications for prospective buyers, as air bag performance is critical during collisions.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report unexpected activation of the emergency braking system. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle coming to a complete stop without any warning while driving at low speeds, such as 15-25 mph, in clear conditions without any apparent obstacles. In these instances, the seatbelt tightens as part of the emergency procedure. No error codes are found upon dealer inspection, and the vehicle is said to be operating as designed. Safety implications include the potential for rear-end collisions, especially if another vehicle is following closely. This issue is noted by multiple owners, with no specific mileage range indicated, suggesting it may occur irrespective of vehicle age or usage.

Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class report issues with the vehicle's adaptive cruise control and driver assistance systems. A common complaint involves the vehicle unexpectedly engaging crash prevention mode, resulting in sudden, forceful braking and seat belt tightening, even in the absence of obstacles. Another frequently mentioned problem is the Drive Pilot system's difficulty in maintaining lane position, often drifting or deactivating without clear warnings. These issues typically occur during normal driving conditions, and while no crashes are reported, the sudden braking and lane drifting may pose safety risks. Buyers should be aware that these systems may not perform as reliably as expected, particularly in vehicles equipped with the full suite of driver assistance features.