While I was driving the Issues with the steering column module (SCM) sudden loss of critical driver controls, erratic electrical behavior. It failed to communicate properly with the power steering system, alongside dashboard warnings for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) now my car is parked and I can’t drive it. I had to call a tow truck to take it home.
Mercedes-Benz E350 abs comes on
19 of the 2,222 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz E350 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical mileage
- 129,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 3Power steering loss 2Check engine light 2Won't start 1Won't shift 1Steering lock-up 1
What owners say
An Intoxalock ignition interlock device was installed in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on May 7, 2026. Following installation, the vehicle experienced repeated electrical/no-start problems and incidents in which it became immobilized and could not be moved, requiring towing. On one occasion the vehicle became disabled on a roadway/highway, leaving me in a dangerous position with traffic passing around me. When the vehicle is immobilized, I cannot simply move it to a safe location, and Intoxalock has not been able to restore vehicle operation remotely. I have had to wait for towing assistance, sometimes for extended periods. Independent diagnostic/service facilities have evaluated the vehicle. One attributed battery drain to the Intoxalock-related problem. Another attributed starter damage to it. Service documentation also reflects diagnosis of the Intoxalock system and reinstallation/reconnection of the device and wiring. Documentation is available, and the equipment/vehicle can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle now displays numerous dashboard warning lights and is not operating normally. Safety-related systems are malfunctioning, including ABS, parking assistance, camera functions, and automatic braking/collision-avoidance functions that previously operated normally. I am concerned that the Intoxalock device, its installation/wiring, or its interaction with this vehicle’s electrical/electronic systems may be contributing to these failures. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this aftermarket ignition-interlock equipment presents a safety or compatibility risk, particularly when a vehicle can become immobilized in traffic and safety systems may be affected.
Brake lines leaking because corrosion under frame from ABS module which is essential a safety aspect that should not be happening.
The rear subframe got separated from chassis. I was driving to work and had to hard brake to void a collision with another vehicle all of a sudden vehicle shifted to the left and I ended up on a curb. Further inspection vehicle`s rear subframe rotted out due to rust. Also, both rear brake lines from abs module to calipers are damaged due to corrosion. I ended up replacing both brake lines and did not think too much of it and now I see a lot of people complaining about both brake line corrosion and subframe separation or excessive rust, casing rear subframe to fail. It is a very serios safety issue and Mercedes should hold accountable for these failures. My vehicle is 2012 Mercedes E350 and only has 118k miles on odometer. I have attached pictures for the rear subframe for your review, but I did not take any pictures of the brake lines due to limited space to get my camera between the body and the rear subframe.
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.
Q1: Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The instrument cluster showed some messages* randomly appearing/beeping on and off but there were other issues present: • Acceleration not possible in drive • At one point transmission would not shift from gear 3 • *Speedometer would go up and down randomly until it eventually stayed at 0 physically and digitally as I was going 55-60 MPH • *Check Engine light ON • *Red ‘Brake’ light ON • *ABS failed • *Distance sensors failed • *Stability control failed • *Electronic braking system failed • *Power steering failed • *Cruise control failed • *Mercedes PRE-SAFE failed • *Blind Spot Assist failed • *Lane Keeping Assist failed • *Adaptive Highbeam Assist failed • *Mileage was not displaying on the dash • Car would not shut off as I pushed the off button when I managed to eventually stop • *Climate temperature sensor reaching temps of 127 degrees Fahrenheit. Q2: I lost control of the vehicle while driving on the highway at relevant speeds. I was unable to safely stop for some time. If this had been at night, the issue would have been even more dangerous. This car has previously slammed on the brakes erroneously (no visually perceived danger of a forward collision). These previous brake slamming issues happened once in a traffic jam on the highway and once on a main road. Q3: Not that I know of or remember, no. Q4: Before this latest incident, I have previously left my car at the dealership’s workshop to be inspected for some relevant issues and concerns that I have had. It was there for almost 2 months on one occasion. Q5: There was only one warning lamp on the instrument cluster related to the collision prevention assist being inoperative. This message has been on the dash for maybe a year or more. The times it previously slammed on the brakes erroneously, no messages were on the dash.
Vehicle is 9 years old, with 73000 miles. Dealer Service has advised that the rear subframe and brake lines are rusting and need to be replaced as a safety issue. Cost quoted was $8800. Mercedes agreed to pick up the cost of the parts and the dealer offered to split the installation cost, bringing my total down to $3150. On-line research reveals this is a common problem across several product lines and has been an issue for 20+ years. Failure at this point could lead to uncontrolled movement of the the rear suspension structure, the rear suspension members, wheels, and electronic sensors in the ABS causing loss of control and brake failure.
Intermittently, while driving several of the electrical systems will fail including the lane keep assist and abs. When this happens, it also causes the instrument cluster to rapidly change speeds, making the vehicle unsafe to operate as the driver is unable to tell what speed they are going, which can become extremely hazardous since this happens at random. The issue has been diagnosed to be a faulty Radar Sensor in the rear bumper, however the specific part has been on backorder since February 2022 and Mercedes-Benz has shown no signs of urgency with resolving this issue. I have a video of the ongoing hazard that I can submit as well, it's just too large to attach to this form.
Hi, I was driving normaly on a road, no warning, just brake light pops up to reduce power. Pedal was empty and steering got hard no upshift. I hit a curb and cracked my bumper. All brakes are new. When I looked on line, I saw some people developed a device that resets the ABS mudual to 100%. They said mercedes put a timer in the system that runs out and make you change stuff? This device I just bought to use so I can use my car. I'm an automotive technician and this scraed the hell out of me on a dark night in ohio. I ened up towing my car to my house 60 miles away. Very angery with mb.
Brakes did not catch like I pushed brakes all the way.I have to pump brakes 3-4 times before driving and when reversing they lock.I took it to a mechanic and the ABS control module is not working now it needs to be replaced.I can't drive it since the brake lines hav eno brake fluid running through them.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Mercedes-Benz E350 abs
Why does the abs come on in the Mercedes-Benz E350?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, loss of power steering and lane keeping assist jerks the wheel.
Which Mercedes-Benz E350 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (8 complaints), 2014 (5 complaints) and 2005 (1 complaints).
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