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2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 188owner complaints
- 16crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 26%fail the UK MOT
188 complaints, against an average of 80 for the other 14 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The components named most often in the 188 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 188 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSACertain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management
Risk: Certain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management of the vehicles
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software
UK DVSASoftware update required to improve emissions
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual. Check and replace NOx sensor if necessary.
UK DVSATo achieve an improvement in the emissions via software updates
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy
Fix: .Affected vehicles will be recalled to be checked to ensure there is sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: A seal between bonnet and engine compartment may when the bonnet is opened temporarily stick to the bonnet. If this happens the seal may detach form its fixing and can fall into the gap between engine and partition wall. It is then possible the seal can make contact with the exhaust and under certain conditions catch fire.
Fix: On affected vehicles install additional clips to retain the seal.
UK DVSAFuel may leakYears estimated
Risk: The flange of the fuel filter may leak due to a non-compliance in the supplier's production process. Should this occur a fuel odour may arise or fuel escape.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel filter.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFaulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights)…Faulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights) could cause one or more control units to malfunction, which could increase the risk of an accident. The exhaust emissions exceed the legal limits, posing a risk to the environment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under…The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts.As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe engine compartment seal of the partition plate could come loose.Under certain circumstances, this could lead to contact between the seal and hot components and the risk of a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners report?
12 of the 188 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The rear brake line corroded and developed an actual brake-fluid leak. The failure triggered a brake-system warning and created a risk of reduced braking capability or loss of braking if the leak worsened. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership, which diagnosed corrosion of the brake line and recommended replacement. The dealer provided a repair estimate and later reduced the repair cost through a goodwill review coordinated with Mercedes-Benz USA. This was not simply surface rust discovered during routine maintenance. The corrosion progressed to the point of an…
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact stated that the steel brake lines were rusted. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Last April, during our routine oil change our mechanic pointed out that our Cam sensors were wicking oil into the harness and making its way to the ECM. This is the first we had ever heard of this issue and the repair was $2400 or so. After researching the problem we wrote to MB USA and never got any response until we filed a lawsuit in sessions court. Turns out we cant do that locally. Mercedes has never contacted us since we registered the car in 2016 and never even acknowledged us until after we filed the attempt to collect the cost of repair. THE problem is endemic and well known. MB put a…
1: The accelerator was sticking and i could not get the car to stop even when i was pressing on the brakes . Unfortunately, due to this scary event i hit the car in front of me injuring the the gentleman. the vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance as it was a total loss withn damages more than 14k
I took car to dealer to have subframe repaired due to rust and the brake lines are rusted as well due to this issue and i am being charged for the brake lines.
Car difficult to control found to have corroded sub frame and rear break lines. Very unsafe to drive brought to independent dealer who had car towed back to Mercedes. No warning lamps, or other symptoms prior to failure. Scary situation.
There was already a recall for my rear subframe that I am now getting done due to rust corroding the metal structure. However, upon the dealers inspection the corrosion is also present on the rear brake lines which cause a safety concern and are charging $4000 to replace the brake lines aside from the warranty repair. It poses a safety hazard if the lines were to fail and have heard of others having the same issue along with rotted rear subframes.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the front end of the panoramic sunroof allowed water to leak into the vehicle during inclement weather. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further research, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V918000 (Visibility) and 21V197000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V017000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the recall notification stated mobile repair service was available however, the contact was declined the mobile repair service. The contact stated that she had been attempting to have the recall repair completed for almost a year. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The…
Contacted Mercedes because Dealer said it was a common problem. Airbag light was on. I was told that airbags could unsafely deploy as driving the vehicle and the issue was connected to the steering column. After looking online, I found that there are several drivers that could be in unsafe conditions while driving the car who reported the same thing. I contacted Mercedes to advise and Mercedes was dismissive. My concern is for innocent people that could be in danger because of Mercedes defects or possible negligence in addressing the safety issue that could lead to the loss of life.
Automatic Transmission shifts into Park while driving under 6km/h - resulting in sudden stops when pulling onto a road or into an intersection. The creates very unsafe driving conditions. Please refer to attached XENTRY Bulletin issued: Daimler AG 7-09-2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND HAD ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER THE PARKING BARRIER AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD FOR ADDITIONAL 25-30 FEET BEFORE HITTING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED IN THE CRASH; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND WAS TREATED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HER RIBS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 188 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class; the most common categories were air bags (56, 29.8%), service brakes (36, 19.1%), structure (22, 11.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 16 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 13 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Across 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (29.8% of complaints), service brakes (19.1% of complaints), structure (11.7% of complaints), engine (9% of complaints), suspension (8.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have rust or paint problems?
39 of the 188 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (20.7%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "I took car to dealer to have subframe repaired due to rust and the brake lines are rusted as well due to this issue and i am being charged for the brake lines." (NHTSA complaint 11689488, September 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class smell of fuel or gas?
8 of the 188 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (4.3%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "I noticed the smell of gas in the garage whenever the car was parked in the garage. the mercedes dealer determined that the right side fuel sending unit was leaking gas." (NHTSA complaint 11416128, May 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
7 of the 188 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (3.7%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "I i get in a minor accident when my brakes failed and mercedes benz charge me $8000.00 to fix it . i am [xxx] and drive about 4000 miles ayear.*dt parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom…" (NHTSA complaint 11402794, March 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own E-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only; combines NHTSA's entries for E-CLASS, E-CLASS CABRIOLET, E-CLASS HYBRID and E-CLASS WAGON.