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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-MERCEDES-BENZ-E-CLASS
2011 · mercedes-benz

mercedes-benz E-Class problems

0 safety recalls. 295 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
137 reports · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
34 reports · avg $900
moderate
brakes
12 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
12 reports · avg $700
moderate
body
11 reports · avg $1,500
severe
engine
9 reports · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
8 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
7 reports · avg $850
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 E-Class · brakes
Dealer notes: Replace rear brake lines, found to be rusty recommend replacement with rear subframe replacement. This is a very well known issue and is not covered under recall from manufacturer. It will cost $3200 for brake line repair alone, not including the subframe. This is…
12/30/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707695.0
2011 E-Class · airbags
AS OF MID DECEMBER 2017, THE MERCEDES BENZ OF WHITE PLAINS CAILMS THE AIR BAG ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED YET. WAITING ON RECALL FOR A VERY LONG TIME SO THAT AIRBAGS CAN BE CORRECTED
12/30/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057524.0
2011 E-Class · airbags
I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES BENZ USA, DATED DECEMBER 2017, INFORMING ME (AGAIN) THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG IS ON RECALL, BUT THAT NO PART IS YET AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. I AM TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I LIVE ON KAUA'I AND…
12/28/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057177.0
2011 E-Class · body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 E350 MERCEDES BENZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL GATE WOULD UNLATCH AND OPEN SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…
12/27/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441324.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Common questions

Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 137 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz E-Class has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 295 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with mercedes-benz. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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