Carmakers invest a ton of time and money to ensure their models are as safe to operate as possible. However, problems can happen, sometimes even months or years after they’ve been sold. When this happens, a recall is issued informing owners of how to get them handled.
How many recalls have been issued for the 2014 Mercedes E350?
As of August of 2020, eight. Some of which include:
- Inaccurate vehicle location for emergency services
- Passenger frontal airbag inflators may explode
- Inadvertent driver airbag deployment
- Wrong control unit software installed
- Loss of electric power steering assist
Thankfully, in this article, we’ll cover a few of these recalls in detail. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to get them resolved.
Inaccurate Vehicle Location for Emergency Services
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V787000
This recall, issued in November of 2019, revolves around a software fault in the communications system. It can cause the date and time on the eCall (emergency call system) to differ from the correct date and time.
In situations in which this occurs, it may not provide accurate information about the vehicle’s location.
If this happens, it can lead to inaccurate vehicle information being shared with those who need it, such as emergency workers. This may delay the amount of time it takes for emergency responders to get to someone who needs help.
Mercedes-Benz issued the recall and then notified its owners of the problem. It then issued an Over the Air (OTA) remote update for the software. Dealerships will also check to ensure the software was updated properly OTA and, if necessary, provide updates as needed. This was conducted in December of 2019.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflators May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V01000
Mercedes-Benz issued a recall related to the airbags on the 2014 E350 4Matic Coupe, Cabrio, and Coupe concerning the airbags. Very specific vehicles were targeted in this recall based on where the vehicles were sold or registered.
In those affected vehicles, the airbag inflators were not assembled properly. These components are a part of the passenger frontal airbag module. Because of improper packing, they may explode.
This happens as a result of the propellant degrading in them, especially upon long-term exposure to high absolute humidity. It can also occur as a result of temperature and temperature cycling.
If this were to occur, the inflator can explode, causing metal fragments to project and, potentially, strike the passenger or others in the car. This can cause a serious injury.
The company alerted owners and replaced the passenger frontal airbag module in those impacted cars. This recall’s repairs began in March of 2019.
Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V67000
This recall impacted the E350 Coupe, 4Matic Coupe, Cabriolet, and numerous other vehicles from this company’s lineup. The recall, issued in October of 2017, involves the airbags, which can deploy unexpectedly.
The driver’s side airbags can deploy as a result of insufficient grounding of the steering components. This only occurs if there is an electrostatic discharge and the airbag clockspring is broken. Should this occur, the driver could be injured as a result of the airbag deploying inappropriately. It can also lead to an accident.
Mercedes-Benz alerted owners about the problem. Then, it had dealerships add sufficient grounding to the steering components to avoid this problem.
Wrong Control Unit Software Installed
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V177000
A small number of 2014 Mercedes E350 vehicles required repairs to their electrical systems and airbags as a result of this recall, which was issued in March of 2017: specifically, the E350 4Matci, Coupe 4Matic, and Wagon 4Matic.
In these affected trim models, an inappropriate software upgrade may have occurred. This can impact the deployment of the airbags if a crash were to occur.
If this occurs, it can mean the airbags do not deploy as they should during a crash. That can mean a higher risk of injury for passengers.
The company notified owners of this problem. Then, they had dealerships update the software in the control units affected. These repairs began in April of 2017.
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V899000
This recall relates to the E350, E350 Cabriolet, and the E350 Coupe for model year 2014. In these vehicles, the electric power steering system may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit.
If so, this can cause the power steering system to stop working suddenly while the driver is operating the car.
In situations in which this occurs, a loss of electric power steering assist happens. This can increase the risk of a crash. It also can increase the risk of pin contact resistance, which can lead to a fire occurring. This can happen even when the vehicle is off and parked.
Mercedes-Benz had dealerships replace the electric power steering control unit in each vehicle that was affected. This work began in October of 2017.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2014 Mercedes E350?
Not sure if your E350 has an open recall? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to find out. All you need is your VIN.
If a recall does show up, you can contact their customer service at 1-800-367-6372 to learn where to take the vehicle for repairs.
