The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 29 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 20 to 23 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 88 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 62K miles on the car (41 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- electrical 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Show all 5 recalls
- steering 2016
The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
- engine 2015
The integral steel cable that secures the rubber seal to the bulkhead might have been damaged due to the supplier rework of the rubber seal.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 166 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Creaking/squeaking noises from the front axle when steering
- The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup…
- Harsh 4-3 and/or 4-5 shifts may be experienced, usually more noticeable with light throttle…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS SW RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS SW 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (48%), speed control (10%) and transmission & drivetrain (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
5 safety recalls (latest: communication). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,400 and 62,500 miles. The middle report was at 39,000 miles, from 41 complaints.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works