2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Second-year W213 with launch glitches easing but engine, infotainment and transmission complaints still present. Class-leading comfort, cabin and safety tech; budget for premium fuel, high insurance and costly repairs. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranged from $52,950 to $104,400 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Second-year W213 with launch glitches easing but engine, infotainment and transmission complaints still present. Class-leading comfort, cabin and safety tech; budget for premium fuel, high insurance and costly repairs.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
Known issues
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Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines.
commonly reported · 41 NHTSA complaints · engine
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A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals.
occasional · 28 NHTSA complaints · fuel
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COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty.
commonly reported · 27 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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The 9G-Tronic automatic can throw a 'reversing not possible, service required' fault and shift harshly.
occasional · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Class-leading cabin, a hushed and serene ride, and supportive long-haul seats.
- Smooth, refined turbocharged and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains.
- Excellent safety scores and standard active-safety equipment.
- Dual-screen MBUX/COMAND tech and a strong suite of driver-assistance features.
Cons
- High insurance, premium fuel and expensive repairs keep running costs steep.
- Early 2017-2018 cars had infotainment, engine and transmission glitches.
- Heavy depreciation, strong value used but a poor value bought new.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E300 | $52,950 | discontinued | — | — |
| E400 4MATIC | $61,400 | discontinued | — | — |
| AMG E43 | $71,600 | discontinued | — | — |
| AMG E63 S | $104,400 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-mercedes__benz-e__class-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($52,950). Higher trims started higher (up to $104,400), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mercedes-benz-e-class/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $750–800/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $2,700–2,800/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mercedes-benz/e350
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/mercedes-benz-insurance/mercedes-benz-e-cl…
- rallyemotors.comhttps://www.rallyemotors.com/mercedes-reliability-mileage/
- mbloveland.comhttps://www.mbloveland.com/blog-how-many-miles-mercedes-benz-lasts-loveland/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have?
Documented issue patterns include: Cold-start and emissions faults (e.g. code P052E) with check-engine lights are commonly reported on the launch 2.0L and 3.0L engines; A strong gasoline odor in and around the cabin is reported, typically traced to fuel-system seals; COMAND/MBUX infotainment units can freeze, reboot slowly or glitch; some early head units were replaced under warranty; The 9G-Tronic automatic can throw a 'reversing not possible, service required' fault and shift harshly. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Second-year W213 with launch glitches easing but engine, infotainment and transmission complaints still present. Class-leading comfort, cabin and safety tech; budget for premium fuel, high insurance and costly repairs.
How much did the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost new?
Between $52,950 and $104,400 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $750–800/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.