2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Report

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: No NHTSA crash ratings, 65 complaints including airbag non-deployment, engine, and electrical issues, zero recalls.

65Complaints
0Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (7)Unknown Or Other (7)Electrical System (5)Seat Belts (4)Wheels (4)Power Train (3)Structure (3)Steering (3)Exterior Lighting (2)Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a mixed safety picture based on available NHTSA data. While there are no official crash test ratings from NHTSA, the vehicle has accumulated 65 complaints, including 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries. A significant concern is the report of airbags failing to deploy in one of the crashes, which is a critical safety system failure. The absence of any recalls for this model year is notable, suggesting that widespread, manufacturer-acknowledged defects requiring corrective action have not been identified by Mercedes-Benz or mandated by NHTSA, despite the volume of complaints. Common complaint patterns revolve around engine issues (7 complaints), electrical system malfunctions (5 complaints), and seat belt failures (4 complaints). Specific engine complaints mention 'Variable Valve Timing Camshaft KNOWN DEFECT' and 'crankcase issue' leading to engine stalling or reduced performance, sometimes just outside warranty. Electrical issues include intermittent headlight operation, digital dash going blank, and backup camera failures. Seat belt complaints frequently describe retractors failing to fully retract or seat belts not latching, directly impacting occupant safety. The 3 reported fires and 3 injuries, while low in number, highlight potential severe outcomes from some of these issues. Despite the lack of NHTSA crash test data, the reported airbag non-deployment in a crash is a serious red flag. The recurring themes of engine and electrical system problems, coupled with critical safety component failures like seat belts and airbags, indicate areas where the vehicle may not perform as expected. The absence of recalls means that individual owners are often left to bear the cost and burden of these repairs, even for issues described as 'known defects' by some complainants.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Crankcase/Valve Issues
Multiple complaints about crankcase valve failure, leading to check engine light, oil leaks, stalling, and reduced engine performance, sometimes just outside warranty. One complaint mentions a 'KNOWN DEFECT' with variable valve timing camshaft.		 High Occasional 38000-100000 miles
Seat Belt Retractor/Latching Failure
Driver and passenger seat belts failing to fully retract or not latching to the buckle, creating a significant safety hazard for occupants.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Backup Camera Intermittent Failure
Backup camera intermittently displaying a black screen, closing immediately, or not activating, posing a safety risk during reversing maneuvers.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Digital Dash Going Blank
The digital instrument cluster, displaying critical driving information, intermittently goes blank, making the car unsafe to drive.		 Medium Rare 43000 miles
Airbag Non-Deployment In Crash
Reported instance of airbags failing to deploy during a 30 MPH crash, resulting in injuries.		 High Rare unknown miles
Alternator Failure
Alternator failure leading to the vehicle shutting down while driving, requiring a tow.		 High Rare 23000 miles
Transmission Shifting Issues
Vehicle going into limp mode due to electronic valve body failure in the transmission, or transmission independently shifting to neutral.		 High Rare 83000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

Engine 10% of complaints

Issues related to engine performance, including crankcase valve failures, variable valve timing defects, stalling, and check engine lights.

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

A variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting into specific categories, including sunroof shattering and cellular connectivity discontinuation.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Malfunctions such as intermittent headlights, digital dash going blank, and backup camera failures.

Seat Belts 6% of complaints

Failures in seat belt retraction and latching mechanisms, directly impacting occupant safety.

Wheels 6% of complaints

Reports of AMG wheels cracking under normal driving conditions and tire blistering.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Transmission issues including limp mode and independent shifting to neutral.

Structure 4% of complaints

Issues like sunroof shattering and cracking noises when taking curves.

Steering 4% of complaints

Automatic steering wheel adjustment making clunking noises and general steering concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has no official crash test ratings. It has 65 complaints, including 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries. A significant concern is a reported airbag non-deployment in one crash. While the number of severe incidents is low, the lack of crash ratings and specific safety system failures raise questions about its overall safety performance.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are related to the ENGINE (7 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints). Specific problems include engine crankcase/valve failures, seat belt retraction issues, intermittent backup camera malfunctions, and the digital dash going blank.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

No, according to NHTSA data, there are no recalls issued for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This means that despite the reported complaints, no widespread defects requiring manufacturer-mandated corrective action have been identified or ordered.

What are the most serious safety concerns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The most serious safety concerns include a reported instance of airbags failing to deploy in a crash, seat belts failing to retract or latch, and engine issues that can lead to stalling or reduced performance. The 3 reported fires also represent a high-severity concern.

How reliable is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

With 65 complaints for a luxury vehicle of this class and model year, and recurring issues across critical components like the engine, electrical system, and seat belts, the reliability appears to be moderate. The absence of recalls means owners often bear the cost of repairs for these issues.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and reports of critical safety system failures like airbag non-deployment and seat belt issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on engine, electrical, and safety restraint systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The data includes 65 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.