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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 295 owner complaints for the 2014 E-Class, and eight recalls are on file[1][2]. Air bags, brakes and the electrical system draw the most complaints, so check the recall history and the underbody before you buy[3][4][5].
Top complaint areas
NHTSA lists 295 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Ten mention a crash[1], 15 a fire[1] and nine an injury[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components.
The largest groups are:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Air bags[3] | 58 |
| Brakes[4] | 53 |
| Electrical system[5] | 41 |
| Suspension[7] | 30 |
| Steering[8] | 28 |
Air bags. In a sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, eight describe owners waiting for recall parts that the dealer did not have[3]. If you buy one, ask a dealer to check parts and recall status by VIN.
Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, four describe rusted or corroded brake lines, usually confirmed by a dealer[4]. Some owners reported a loss of braking. The component group lists a median failure mileage of 44,000[4].
Electrical system. This group has 10 fires, the most of any group[5]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, four describe rear speakers crackling, smelling of burning or smoking[5].
Suspension. In the 12 suspension complaints we read, every one describes a rusted, cracked or broken rear subframe, and many say a dealer or inspection found it[7]. The sample is small, but the theme is consistent.
Recalls
NHTSA lists eight recalls for this model year, newest first. Each repair is free at a dealer[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].
- Front passenger air bag (21V638). An incorrect passenger air bag may have been installed during an earlier repair. It might not work properly in a crash. Dealers replace it[9]. It covers certain 2011 to 2014 E350 coupes and 2012 to 2014 E350 Cabrio models[9].
- Emergency call system (19V787). A software fault can make the eCall system report the wrong date and time, which can relay an inaccurate vehicle location and delay emergency responders. MBUSA uses an over-the-air update, and dealers check or update the software[10].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V010). Some inflators may explode as the propellant degrades after long exposure to humidity and heat. Metal fragments could cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the passenger air bag module. Which cars are covered depends on model and where the car was sold or registered[11].
- Driver air bag grounding (17V627). Weak grounding of the steering components can let the driver air bag deploy unexpectedly if static discharge breaks the clockspring. Dealers add grounding[12].
- Control unit software (17V177). Some control units may have received incorrect software, which could affect air bag deployment in a crash. Dealers update the software[13].
- Electric power steering (16V899). Poorly soldered contacts in the control unit can make power steering assist stop while driving. The contact resistance can also raise fire risk, even when parked. Dealers replace the control unit[14].
- Fuel feed line (15V792). Some 2014 E350 and E350 4Matic sedans built in a short window in mid-2014[15] have a fuel line with the wrong fitting. It can leak or come apart, which risks a fire or a stall. Dealers install the correct line[15]. The recall lists 809 vehicles[15].
- Hood seal (15V088). A rubber seal at the back of the engine bay can stick to the hood and fall onto the engine bay, where it could touch the exhaust and raise fire risk. Dealers add four retaining clips[16].
Recalls cover many models, and some list only certain versions. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see which apply.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the versions differently. All of these listings are Automatic 7-spd[17].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG |
|---|---|
| E400 Hybrid[6] | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| E350, rear-wheel drive (one listing)[18] | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| E350 4matic[17] | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| E550 4matic[19] | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| E63 AMG[20] | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| E63 AMG 4matic wagon[21] | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,150 for the E400 Hybrid[6] to $4,850 for the E63 AMG 4matic wagon[21]. EPA uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new. All of these cars use premium fuel, and some E350 listings also allow E85[22].
Engine and size
EPA's test car list gives these horsepower ratings:
How 2014 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 123 | 1 |
| 1996 | 62 | 1 |
| 1997 | 114 | 1 |
| 1998 | 78 | 0 |
| 1999 | 130 | 1 |
| 2000 | 97 | 0 |
| 2001 | 74 | 0 |
| 2002 | 36 | 0 |
| 2003 | 391 | 7 |
| 2004 | 370 | 7 |
| 2005 | 395 | 6 |
| 2006 | 503 | 5 |
| 2007 | 405 | 5 |
| 2008 | 204 | 4 |
| 2009 | 79 | 4 |
| 2010 | 252 | 5 |
| 2011 | 284 | 5 |
| 2012 | 234 | 7 |
| 2013 | 182 | 7 |
| 2014 | 295 | 8 |
| 2015 | 48 | 8 |
| 2016 | 87 | 9 |
| 2017 | 161 | 20 |
| 2018 | 58 | 15 |
| 2019 | 34 | 9 |
| 2020 | 11 | 9 |
| 2021 | 13 | 12 |
| 2022 | 9 | 3 |
| 2023 | 6 | 3 |
| 2024 | 10 | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 | 2 |
| 2026 | 6 | 1 |
NHTSA lists 295 complaints and eight recalls for 2014[2]. Five earlier model years have more complaints: 2003 (391), 2004 (370), 2005 (395), 2006 (503) and 2007 (405)[2]. From 2008 on, 2014 has the highest count. For comparison, 2013 has 182 complaints and 2015 has 48[2].
On recalls, 2013 has seven, 2015 has eight and 2016 has nine. 2017 has 20[2]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2014 E-Class?
The record shows a car with real recall history and a complaint count that is the highest of any model year since 2008[2][1][2]. Owner complaints about rusted brake lines and rear subframes, from a small sample, are worth checking in person[4][7]. Have an independent shop inspect the underside and run the VIN for open recalls, especially air bag recalls, where owners in our sample reported waiting for parts[3]. Fuel cost depends heavily on the version, from $3,150 to $4,850 a year by EPA's estimate[6][21]. (delete the sentence)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
- NHTSA's largest complaint groups are air bags (58), brakes (53) and electrical system (41)[3][4][5].
- How many recalls does the 2014 E-Class have?
- NHTSA lists eight recalls for this model year[2]. They cover air bags, steering, a fuel line, a hood seal, and software[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2014 E350?
- EPA rates a rear-wheel drive E350 at 20 city, 30 highway and 24 combined MPG in one listing[18]. The E350 4matic is rated 22 combined[17].
- How much horsepower does the 2014 E-Class have?
- The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 302 hp[23] and the 4.7L 8-cylinder 402 hp[24]. The 5.5L 8-cylinder is rated 518 to 577 hp[25].
- Is 2014 a bad year for the E-Class?
- It has 295 complaints, more than any year from 2008 on, but five earlier years had more[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 295 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (10 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 58 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 53 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 10 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,222). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for E400 Hybrid, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 30 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V638, filed August 13, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V787, filed November 1, 2019: Communication. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V010, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V177, filed March 14, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V899, filed December 14, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V792, filed November 24, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V088, filed February 13, 2015: Structure › Body › Hood. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for E350 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for E350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for E550 4matic, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for E63 AMG, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for E63 AMG 4matic (wagon), 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for E350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 302 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 4.7L 8-cylinder: rated 402 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 5.5L 8-cylinder: rated 518 to 577 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov