The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. While driving at 30 MPH, a "Reduced Braking Power" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel followed by an audible alarm. The brake pedal travelled to the floorboard, resulting in a significant loss of braking functionality. Additionally, the vehicle became stuck in second gear, requiring the driver to pull over and have the vehicle towed to the residence. The consumer performed an OBD II scan, but no diagnostic trouble codes related to the brake failure were retrieved. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that there were no active recalls associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
The worst 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
1 of 3
Gas smell in the cabin
- Complaints
- 147
- Typical cost
- $2,700
- Typical mileage
- 85,000 mi
- Recall
- No
- Warranty ext.
- Yes
2 of 3
Fuel leak
- Complaints
- 63
- Typical cost
- $2,700
- Typical mileage
- 87,000 mi
- Recall
- No
- Warranty ext.
- Yes
3 of 3
Check engine light
- Complaints
- 40
- Typical cost
- $6,000
- Typical mileage
- 87,000 mi
- Recall
- No
- Warranty ext.
- Yes
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system219
- Engine72
- Brakes54
- Transmission37
- Electrical19
- Airbags13
- Driver assistance8
- Visibility8
- Acceleration7
- Steering6
- Body5
- Lights5
- Tires5
- Suspension4
- Seats2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350
Fuel smell 147Fuel leak 63Check engine light 40Fuel pump 36Fuel gauge 29Brake failure 16Stalling 13Jerking 9Won't shift 9ABS 8Engine failure 6Loss of power 5Premature wear 5Won't start 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 mention
P0016 8P0017 7
Recalls 4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Recall number 24V874000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
- Risk
- A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall expands the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Recall number 22V954000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V‑918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.
Recall number 21V196000 · Recall details
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit:
- Risk
- A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Recall number 19V918000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350
Defect investigations
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on January 23, 2012 as PE12-001 based on 20 consumer reports in model year (MY) 2003-2006 E55 AMG vehicles.Based on new reports in other E-Class vehicles, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 13-003 on March 15, 2013, and expanded the scope to all E-Class vehicles through MY 2008.The complainants alleged a strong odor of gasoline fuel both inside and outside of their vehicle, particularly after refilling the fuel tank.Many of the complainants noted that the odor subsided or went away after driving some distance thereby lowering the fuel level in the tank.Other owners reported they would only fill the tank to about three quarters full to avoid the odor altogether.Some complainants alleged fuel leaked from the fuel filter/sender, located on the top of the fuel tank on the driver's side, and collected on top of the tank.There were also allegations that the fuel leaks were associated with an Emissions Recall Campaign (No. 2008020001) conducted by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) in 2008 on MY 2003-2006 E-Class and CLS-Class AMG models.The issue in the recall involved small cracks in the pressurized outlet fitting of the fuel filter/sender.AMG vehicles are high performance models that operate at higher fuel pressure and use a different fuel filter/sender and fuel pump than non-AMG models.Information on Recall No. 2008020001 is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.EPA.gov.ODI's investigation found various leak sources that are unrelated to the outlet fitting cited in the EPA recall campaign.Through interviews with complainants, field inspections of complaint vehicles, and the collection and laboratory analysis of failed parts, three identifiable leak sources were found.The component parts and areas of the leaks involve the On-Board Diagnostic fuel tank pressure sensor (located on top of the fuel filter/sender), the outlet of the centrally mounted fuel tank fuel filling limiter valve, and the top of the fuel pump. These areas of leakage are located at the top of the fuel tank in unpressurized parts of the fuel system. When the tank is full, fuel can slowly weep/seep from micro-cracks in these components and may collect in cavities on top of the filter/sender, pump, or tank.Contrary to complainant's allegations that fuel entered the inside of their vehicle under the rear seat bench, neither ODI nor Mercedes found a plausible way for this to occur.The fuel tank is located outside of the passenger compartment, attached to the underside of the vehicle.The service access ports for the fuel filter/sender (driver's side) and fuel pump (passenger's side) are located under the rear seat bench, covered by a steel plate, sealed and bolted to the vehicle floor.When technicians service the fuel filter/sender, which has a regularly scheduled 60,000 mile service interval, and/or the fuel pump, the work is performed from inside the vehicle by working through the access ports.By letter dated September 4, 2014, Mercedes has notified the agency that it will extend the original warranty coverage to 15 years and unlimited mileage on Covered Fuel Tank Components in E-Class vehicles in MY 2003-2009 and CLS-Class vehicles in MY 2006-2011.The covered fuel tank components for the warranty extension include the fuel tank, fuel filter/sender, fuel pump, and all related gaskets/seals and retention rings.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's extend warranty of the affected fuel system components and in consideration that the nature of the leaks does not appear to present an un
EA13003
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported a high number of warranty claims for air bag warning lamp illumination due to a diagnostic fault code 9103 or 9123 indicating a high resistance in the driver's frontal air bag firing circuit.MBUSA's testing and evaluation have shown that this condition is the result of a faulty connector (specifically, improper wire crimp) but that it will not prevent proper deployment of the driver's frontal air bag.The faulty connector can cause the air bag circuit resistance levels to exceed the threshold that illuminates the air bag warning lamp, but they do not exceed a higher limit at which proper deployment of the air bag may no longer occur.The agency believes that further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.During the investigation, ODI learned that MBUSA will initiate a warranty extension program to address the faulty connectors in subject model year 2005 and 2006 E-Class and other MBUSA model/model year vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.MBUSA will notify all affected vehicle owners of this action.A bulletin describing this program is available in the investigative file.
PE10017
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 116
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year...
- To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its...
- In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be...
- The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
What 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that the sensotronic brake control warning was illuminated. The contact researched and found information about warranty coverage for 2006-2010 models with a 25-year warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the main battery needed to be replaced but had not provided the repair. The vehicle was also taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brakes were failing and the computer system needed to be reset; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the belts were replaced. The message remained displayed. The failure mileage was 152,786.
Mercedes Benz issued a recall and extended a warranty on its 2003-2005 E Class SBC braking systems (recall # 2005110001) and extended the warranty to 25 years; the 2006 E Class models have the exact same SBC braking system but is not included in the recall. Mercedes needs to add the 2006 E Class models to recall # 2005110001. My 2006 is experiencing the same SBC issues the 2003-2005 models are known to have but because my vehicle is 2006 it is not covered by the extended warranty.
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to function as intended. The brake pedal was depressed down to the floorboard. The contact's mother used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system failure. The contact was informed that the Sensotronic Brake Control system needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact's son owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof detached and shattered on the roadway. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility) and 22V954000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was included in the recalls, but the vehicle had been repaired in 2023 and 2025. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,900.
Reduce power braking depress brake fully keeps popping up on my dash and not letting me take it out of gear
The engine in these cars are defective and can cause serious harm due to a part that was put inside the motor made of plastic. There was a lawsuit but if you didn’t get in on it you losses out for not knowing. I was recently at Mercedes dealership to fix recalls and they brushed me off. The car can catch fire and I’m already experiencing engine failure after only owning the car for a year. They don’t care because it’s an old car but it’s still being sold to unsuspecting buyers. I’m not the only one there are thousands of us who are at risk driving these cars because Mercedes won’t admit their off the showroom floor mistake.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle would not stop when depressing the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated, however, the contact stated the entire instrument panel was illuminated in red. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle's brake line, brakes, and rotors were replaced. The contact stated the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and was not repaired. The contact referenced the manufacturer recall 2005110001 Sensotronic Brake Control as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, there was a beeping sound coming from the vehicle with a message stating "Stop, Reduced Braking Power, Depress Brake Pedal Fully" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V133000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models 2005- 2007 M272 V6 and M273 V8’s have faced or are facing issues regarding the balance sprocket in which drives the camshaft and crankshaft of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz had made a decision to make certain engine components out of soft metals, when such metals are not adequate in handling the stress of the engine. In particular, in many cases, the balance sprocket was made with inadequate materials and gradually deteriorated to the point in which it could not engage the timing chain and cause camshaft-crankshaft misalignment. I personally did not experience such failure yet but it is more of a concern as this is a common issue , the repair is quite substantial and the failure can damage the engine even more
Compare the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350
Other model years
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Questions about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350
Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 reliable?
Owners have filed 400 complaints about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350, 7.8 times a typical E350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 year score?
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 219 complaints, typically around 88,900 miles. Next is engine (72).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?
4 recalls, covering visibility.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz E350 have the most fuel system problems?
The Mercedes-Benz E350 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2007 (254 complaints), 2006 (219 complaints) and 2008 (87 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 get?
Official estimates for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 25 highway.
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