Recalls
7campaigns
2 electrical · 2 seat belt · 1 communication
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
32filed
Owner reports, 1997–2019 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
25mpg combined
$2,612/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 9-speed automatic
EPA-listed configuration
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Emergency Call (eCall) Function May be Disabled
Communication
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
- Consequence
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
86.6% repairedof 67 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V072000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Inaccurate Vehicle Location for Emergency Services
Communication · auto crash notification
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Consequence
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
95.3% repairedof 1,292,258 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V058000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Seat Belt Warning System Not Operating Properly
Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
- Consequence
- Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
62.5% repairedof 56 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V449000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
System Interprets Seat Belts as being Unlatched
Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
- Consequence
- The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
90.8% repairedof 29,720 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V788000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Steering Rack Locknut May Fail, Affecting Steering
Steering · rack and pinion · rack
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- Consequence
- A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
91.9% repairedof 6,373 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V850000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Starter Battery has Exposed Positive Cable
Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery · cables
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.
- Consequence
- If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.
92.4% repairedof 4,073 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V725000
Listed for 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300. Not checked against your VIN.
Child Seat may not Deactivate Passenger Air Bag
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
- Consequence
- If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
80% repairedof 345 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V515000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (32)
32 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
1involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 32 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 28.1% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 21.9% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 18.8% |
| Power train | 5 | 15.6% |
| Steering | 4 | 12.5% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 6.3% |
| Structure | 2 | 6.3% |
| Wheels | 2 | 6.3% |
| Air bags | 1 | 3.1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 3.1% |
How 2018 compares with other E300 years
Best and worst E300 years →19978
19989
199913
20012
20021
20092
20161
2017132
201832
201929
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 8 | 0 |
| 1998 | 9 | 0 |
| 1999 | 13 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | 132 | 16 |
| 2018 | 32 | 7 |
| 2019 | 29 | 8 |
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined
25
mpg combined
22
city
30
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,300
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 351 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year
Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | $3,300 | 351 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2018 E300 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 21V072000 (communication), 21V058000 (electrical), 20V449000 (seat belt), 19V788000 (seat belt), 18V850000 (steering), 18V725000 (electrical), 18V515000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems?
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (9), Electrical system (7), Unknown or other (6) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic version at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg.
How does the 2018 E300 compare with other years?
Among the 1997–2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 model years at least five years old, the 2002 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2017 the most (132). The 2018 drew 32. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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