AI DamageMercedes-Benz AMG E 53 4matic+ Wagon: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 4matic+ Wagon across 2 model years: 4 owner complaints and 67 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 75% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 4 Forward collision avoidance 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (75% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 38.
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 11.
- Engine: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Forward collision avoidance: 1 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 38 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 11 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 2 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
After being parked for several days at the airport, the vehicle turned on, but would not start. The instrument cluster had the following message, âService required do not change transmission positionâ. I contacted Mercedes road side assistance who cannot access this parking level.
While driving, the instrument cluster and infotainment system displays intermittently go blank for 2-3 minutes. It appears that instrument cluster and infotainment systems crash and reboot. We have not noted any errors or warnings that may precede a failure.
As I entered a single lane roundabout the car suddenly stopped very abruptly. There was no imminent danger nor were there any cars coming through the roundabout. There was no reason to apply the brakes. Fortunately there was no car behind me otherwise there certainly would have been a rear end collision.
The screens shut down while driving. Since then, it has been back at the dealership #6 other times for the same issue, and they have not been able to fix things. Yesterday at a highway, it happened #6 times.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Forward collision avoidance. Radar and camera: calibration after bumper or windshield replacement.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Service Campaign 2026090004
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE
- Complaint Sporadic warning message in instrument cluster "Engine oil pressure, stop switch off vehicle"…
- Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid…
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Complaint 1
- Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance
- Complaint 1
- Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering…
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.