Research · Midsize Cars

2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MaticRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic. Most complaints involve power train (2) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
3
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: universal joint

Remedy pending

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Power trainReported Apr 3, 2026NHTSA 26V216000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train2
  2. Engine1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each E 400 4Matic model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V216000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power trainODI 11769084

Engine

1 report
“Component/System: The intake camshaft positioner/adjuster on cylinder bank 2 of the M276 V6 engine has failed, along with associated timing components. The vehicle (2018 Mercedes-Benz E400, VIN [XXX]) remains unrepaired and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine produces a loud metallic rattle on cold starts, indicating loss of proper camshaft timing control. If unaddressed, camshaft timing deviation can progress to timing chain failure, which on interference engines can cause valve-to-piston contact and sudden, severe engine damage or loss of power while driving, posing a risk to vehicle control. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. Mercedes-Benz of Catonsville (RO# [XXX]) diagnosed the issue and confirmed stored fault code P002177, indicating the intake camshaft position on cylinder bank 2 deviates from its specified value. The dealer's own notes state camshaft adjusters "are prone to failure and commonly damage camshafts when they fail." Manufacturer Notified: I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA directly (Case #[XXX]) to request they address this repair, citing that this camshaft/timing failure is a known, recurring issue on M276-equipped vehicles,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026EngineODI 11760041
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars, Midsize Station Wagons
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
E400 4matic
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202723$3,250396
E400 4matic Convertible
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202522$3,400404
E400 4matic Coupe
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202622$3,400394
E400 4matic (station wagon)
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192521$3,600417
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 E 400 4Matic questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026