AI Damage2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric: common problems
Owners of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric filed 20 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 20
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 35% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 30% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 15% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 5% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel system 5% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 5% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 10 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (35% of all).
- Engine: 6 complaints (30% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (15% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- electric
- automatic, 1-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 20 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that after stopping at a stop sign, the vehicle lost motive power before the "Malfunction visit workshop" and "Stop switch engine off" messages were displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred more frequently.
The contact stated while his wife was driving 55 mph, an unknown yellow warning light illuminated indicating assistance required. The driver continued to drive the vehicle and shortly after, while attempting to park on the side of the road, another red warning light was illuminated and the vehicle stalled.
In normal operation, when the car is slowing, and almost at a stop, it comes out of regenerative braking mode, and enters thrust mode, so that if the brake is released when stopped, the car will begin to roll.
When attempting to reverse out of parking stall vehicle would not move, almost as if emergency brake was being applied even though ebrake was off. Turning on and off ignition did nothing. Replace 12 v battery did nothing.
Vehicle battery warning light came on instructing to stop driving vehicle immediately. Like so many other owners who have filed complaints, mercedes dealer-mechanic said that coolant had gotten into battery and drive unit needs to be replaced. Estimated cost $12,000 - rendering car totalled.
The "malfunction" light appeared and vehicle lost power immediately. After coming to a complete stop, then switching the ignition off and back on again, the car operated normally and the "malfunction" light disappears.
When slowing down the paddle shifters can be used to put the car in 'd-' mode, for more aggressive engine braking. This increases the rate of decl without using the mechanical brakes. This has worked well for four years and 65,000 miles. Today there was a 'one time' malfunction.
Electric charger cable burnt itself and causing fire danger. Mercedes does not give support for this fire hazard. These electric chargers are used at home (in garage) etc. While charging the electric car. Mercedes does not stay behind its electric charger that causes extreme danger.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,257 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 23% most complained about).
On average one model year of the B-Class Electric has 17 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 20, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 20. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (20%), loss of power / limp mode (15%), warning lights, check engine (15%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2014 models
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.