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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 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
- 304owner complaints
- 11crash reports
- 15fire reports
- 23%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz E-Class year on file: 304 complaints, against an average of 71 for the other 14 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The components named most often in the 304 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 304 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have rust or paint problems?69 owners · 22.7%
- Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class smell of fuel or gas?24 owners · 7.9%
- Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class smell of burning or smoke?19 owners · 6.3%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?10 owners · 3.3%
Has the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 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 2014 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 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 DVSAStarting current limiter may overload
Risk: Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.
UK DVSAElectric power steering motor defective
Risk: Contacts inside the electric power steering motor may not have been correctly formed. Failure of these contacts would cause the loss of power steering assistance.If this happens a warning lamp will illuminate
Fix: Replace the electric power steering motor on affected vehicles.
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 DVSAShort circuit may occur
Risk: The wiring to the front windscreen washers may not have been correctly routed. This may cause a short circuit and render the wipers in operative.
Fix: On affected vehicles check wiring and rework where necessary.
UK DVSAFront airbag may be deactivated
Risk: It has been identified that the front passenger seat occupancy weight sensing system control unit may have bee incorrectly installed during assembly. If the passenger seat is placed in the rear/lower position range then it can cause the pressure hose to become kinked which will reclassify the occupant as being a child seat. This will result in the front passenger airbag being deactivated and place the occupant at a higher risk of injury if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the pressure pipe. If found to be kinked then the dealer is to contact MB Technical Department to establish the rectification process.
UK DVSAFront seats may not be secured acording to specification
Risk: The threaded connections to the rear of the front seats may not have been tightened correctly. In the case of a serious vehicle accident the seat connection may not function as designed resulting in an elevated risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary correct the torque of the connections at the rear of the front seats.
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 DVSAOil may leak
Risk: On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.
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 GateIn vehicles with rear-wheel drive, a lock nut in the steering gear may be cracked.Consequently, when the steering is placed under high forces it could break, which would block the steering gear and increase the risk of 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 GateThere may be cracks in a securing nut in the steering gear of rear-wheel-drive vehicles.The nut could consequently break if the steering system is subject to a very high lateral force, which could result in rotating parts in the steering gear affecting the casing and thereby blocking the steering system.
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 GateThe starter current limiter may be overloaded and overheat.As a consequence, the surrounding components could ignite, leading to a fire.
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: 01/09/2017
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 wiring harness of the front windscreen wiper motor may have been positioned near the windscreen wiper rod linkage.This could lead to damage to the wiring harness which might cause a short circuit and failure of the windscreen wiper motor. A non-functioning windscreen wiper might cause reduced visibility for the driver.
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 GateA bolt fixing the front seats is inadequately tightened, increasing the risk of injury for the passengers in the event of an accident.
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
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
EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind.
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 2014 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 2014, 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners report?
12 of the 304 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 contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while depressed, with the "Brake System" and "Low Brake Fluid" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the brake fluid was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred in less than 24 hours, and the same warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the technician was informed that there appeared to be a brake leak. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the technician discovered that the subframe was severely corroded, which had…
The failure was when I hit the brakes hard in an emergency braking situation and the car very eratically and violently veered to the left. There was no warning and thank God there was no car coming in the left lane otherwise it would have been a broad side hit. I was doing 55 mph. We had the car inspected at a local shop and the left rear tie rod link was completely severed from the suspension sub-frame because of rust. The brake lines above the sub frame were also severely rusted and leaking. I called my closest dealer and they said the rusted frame replacement is covered under extended…
While braking from highway speeds or any other speed, the vehicle becomes unstable and pulls to the left, making it difficult to maintain control. During hard braking, the vehicle does not track straight and requires steering correction to remain in its lane, creating a significant safety hazard. To diagnose the problem, the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. An alignment was performed, and the suspension and braking systems were inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear subframe has severe rust and corrosion. The rusted rear subframe is available for inspection upon…
Rear subframe rotted / corroded. Rear brake lines rotted and rear springs broken from corrosion . Mercedes refuses to address the issues under warranty except the subframe issue . Almost crashed on i-84 with child in vehicle due to rear control arm being rotted from subframe .
Vehicle subframe corrosion (manufacturer extended warranty offered). Rear brake lines corroded/leaking. Vehicle leaks fuel; steel fuel line corroded. Vehicle has about 105k miles. Minor fire started when yard maintenance came in contact with fuel saturated ground where vehicle had been parked/moved out of the way just prior. With rear suspension subframe springs corroded, vehicle bottom can contact road surface while driving, scraping steel exhaust with fuel present. EXTREMELY dangerous. Local Sunbury Ohio Mercedes dealership inspected then offered subframe replacement. Stated it was leaking…
Brake line failure. Front section of the line that feeds the rear wheels leaked while traveling. Warning light came on. Purchased brake fluid and drove to local service provider. The rear section left to right above subframe was found to be rotted, but not leaking yet. Local service provider replaced front and rear brake lines.
Issue with fuel injection for Benz E350 2014 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel injection issues often stem from faulty injectors causing misfires, often on Cylinder 5, or a recalled fuel feed line. Symptoms include rough idling, reduced gas mileage, stalling, and check engine lights (P0300-P0306 codes).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 109,550. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 300,000.
I've had the car for 3 years and its all stock. It has 38,500 miles and today out of no where the driver side speaker in the door started making a crackling and popping noise. Smoke started coming from the speaker and filled the cabin. I quickly pulled over and turned off the car, because the smell of plastic burning was horrible. I was immediately alarmed by this and let the car cool down. I started driving again and it started again crackling and alot of smoke coming from the speaker. I called my mechanic and he said that that car had a known problem for a short and others had complained…
Car unexpectedly swerves while driving!!
Both driver and front passenger headrest airbags have deployed for no cause. This is is the second time this has occurred on both sides. No collision occurred in both incidents. First time it occurred under warranty and Mercedes fixed the issue. This time it occurred again and the car is not in warranty. Without functional headrest airbags the safety is greatly compromised for the occupants of the car and can lead to fatal incidents. It seems like a recurring problem with this model as it has occurred twice over 9+ years and both times there was no collision etc.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF DANBURY (100 FEDERAL RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 778-6333) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 304 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class; the most common categories were air bags (58, 19.1%), service brakes (55, 18.1%), electrical system (41, 13.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 11 complaints mention a crash, 15 mention a fire, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Across 304 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (19.1% of complaints), service brakes (18.1% of complaints), electrical system (13.5% of complaints), suspension (10.2% of complaints), steering (9.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have rust or paint problems?
69 of the 304 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (22.7%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Rear subframe rotted / corroded. Rear brake lines rotted and rear springs broken from corrosion . Mercedes refuses to address the issues under warranty except the subframe issue ." (NHTSA complaint 11751724, July 2026). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class smell of fuel or gas?
24 of the 304 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (7.9%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "Strong smell of fuel from the rear wheel well areas, especially after a fill. I have been searching the recalls and found a 15V-792 / 2015110006 Recall Summary as well as a 15V-792 / 2015110006 Recall Solution." (NHTSA complaint 11732141, April 2026). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class smell of burning or smoke?
19 of the 304 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (6.3%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Electrical burning smell and buzzing coming from car entertainment system speakers. Did not stop even when entertainment system was turned off. Had engineer diagnose and issue is the rear subwoofer. Had to remove fuse or disconnect cables to stop issue." (NHTSA complaint 11541131, August 2023). 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
10 of the 304 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (3.3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "Brake pedal became "spongy" and then total brake failure with dashboard warnings to check brake fluid. Caused by corroded brake lines that failed and allowed all brake fluid to be lost in the system. Extremely dangerous as no braking was available." (NHTSA complaint 11616132, September 2024). 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 2014 only; combines NHTSA's entries for E-CLASS, E-CLASS CABRIOLET and E-CLASS HYBRID.