The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 22 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 58 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz E-Class year. 2018 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 5K to 31K miles on the car (20 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 10
- tires 2025
The tires were incorrectly marked with the wrong maximum inflation pressure and may not meet the strength requirements for the stated pressure.
- back over prevention 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
Show all 10 recalls
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- seat belts 2019
Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as bein.
- seats 2019
The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
- steering 2018
If the steering connection was not properly locked, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack may come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- steering 2018
A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- electrical 2018
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.
- seats 2018
The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
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 252 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Minor leaks at the oil duct of the left or right cylinder head of engines 157, 276 and 278
- NTG5.5: High-frequency noise emitted from center speaker after door is opened
- Assessment of actuating and operating noise from steering
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class C RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class C 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS SW 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS SW RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz E-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (23%), steering (18%) and body structure (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
10 safety recalls (latest: tires). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,100 and 31,800 miles. The middle report was at 16,500 miles, from 20 complaints.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz E-Class year is better than the 2018?
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