Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ E Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs FORD F 150: The E-Class averages 40.7 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death, versus 14 and 0 for the E-Class. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ E Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury sedan that averages about 41 complaints per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. The most common owner-reported issues involve the electrical system, engine, and power train, often resulting in warning lights, sudden power loss, or transmission problems. Some complaints describe serious safety concerns, such as a car stalling while waiting to turn or an engine that shakes and loses power. For a used-car buyer, this means the E-Class can be a comfortable but potentially finicky car that may need frequent attention to electronic and mechanical systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—over 11,600 in 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year—and has 151 recalls. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many owners reporting transmission problems, sudden limp mode, and electrical glitches. Some complaints describe life-threatening situations, like a truck going into limp mode on the highway or a rear window shattering. For a used buyer, this means the F-150 is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported problems that can be costly and dangerous if not addressed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ E Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 407 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM86
- 02ENGINE85
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER69
- 04POWER TRAIN43
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
Owners report warning messages like a 'positive short circuit' in the EVAP system and instances where the car shuts off or loses power while stopped at a light. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or cause a crash if they happen in traffic.
Complaints include the car shaking uncontrollably, losing power, and lighting up the engine and oil lights, often requiring a tow. Some owners also mention premature wear in the cylinder head of 2.0L turbo engines, leading to misfires and sudden power loss.
Reports describe transmission issues that cause the car to hesitate or fail to accelerate when pulling away from a stop. This can be dangerous when merging or turning across traffic.
Several owners report the trunk lid closing on its own and striking them, causing injuries. This suggests a problem with the automatic trunk mechanism that could hurt someone loading groceries.
“My 2023 Mercedes 450E car was purchased on June 11, 2023 and has 1,750 miles. On 2 to 3 different occasions, I was stopped at a light waiting to make a left turn, fortunately my light was red and not a green permitting turning, which would have meant I would…”
“Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report the truck going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift properly, often due to a 'lead frame' issue in the transmission. This can happen on the highway and nearly cause collisions.
Complaints include the same lead frame problem causing electrical faults, as well as a rear window defroster short that can make the back window shatter outward. These electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and expensive to fix.
Owners describe the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, which could injure passengers or cause a crash from the sudden noise and shattered glass.
This is a top complaint area, though specific owner text is not provided. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially at night.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ E Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 41) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and the E-Class has no recalls while the F-150 has 151. In practice, this means the E-Class owner may deal with fewer overall problems, but the F-150's issues are more numerous and include serious transmission and electrical faults that can be life-threatening. The F-150 also has one reported death, while the E-Class has none in the data.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 0 recalls and about 407 complaints.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power, whereas E-Class owners report electrical shorts and engine shaking.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death, compared to 14 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the E-Class.
- E-Class complaints include a trunk lid that closes on its own and injures owners, while F-150 complaints include a rear window that can shatter from a defroster short.
- Check for any stored electrical fault codes, especially related to the EVAP system or short circuits, and test all electronic features including the trunk lid automatic closure.
- Listen for engine misfires or shaking during a test drive, and ask for maintenance records related to the cylinder head or turbocharger on 2.0L engines.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for shuddering, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in gear, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it does not short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially on the Ford F-150.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission (F-150) or electrical system (E-Class).
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation during acceleration.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and confirm whether known issues like the lead frame or cylinder head have been addressed.
- Verify that all safety features, including lights, seat belts, and airbags, are functioning properly.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ E Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 25 | 638 |
| 2023 | 24 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 22 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 20 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 21 | 44 |
| 2019 | 54 | 52 |
| 2018 | 68 | 79 |
| 2017 | 167 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ E Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ E Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total complaints
- 407
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ E Class avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ E Class
- Mercedes BENZ E Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN