Recall 11V213 affects 41 2011 Mercedes-Benz E vehicles for insufficient vibration damper adhesive. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz issued recall 11V213 for 41 2011 Mercedes-Benz E vehicles because weak adhesive in the vibration damper can let the inner mass damper ring separate during engine operation. The separated ring can strike and injure someone working in the engine compartment or a bystander; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The vibration damper on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is mounted on the engine crankshaft. Its job is to smooth out twisting pulses created as the engine runs, so the crankshaft, belt drive, and attached engine parts are not hit with sharp vibration. Inside that assembly, an inner mass damper ring helps absorb that movement.
On affected vehicles, the adhesive between the vibration damper and the inner mass damper ring was insufficient. That bond is what keeps the ring attached to the damper while the engine is spinning. If the bond lets go, the inner ring separates suddenly from the vibration damper, leaving the engine with a failed damping assembly.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not told to expect a noise, warning light, or gradual change before the ring separates.
Who's affected?
The affected cars were built from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010.
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 41 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
The risk is around the engine compartment while the engine is running. A loose damper ring presents a strike hazard to the person repairing the vehicle or someone standing nearby, with injury as the stated consequence. Keep people clear of the engine bay during operation and schedule the recall work. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask about the free vibration-damper inspection and needed part replacement that fixes the damper-ring separation risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 11V213 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the engine compartment while the engine is running until the inspection and repair are complete.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
Mercedes-Benz has identified the dealer repair as an inspection with replacement of parts as necessary, free of charge. When the remedy is available, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the vibration damper assembly, including the inner mass damper ring, and replaces affected parts that do not meet the recall repair standard. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Call a Mercedes-Benz dealer with your VIN so the service desk can confirm whether this repair is open for your vehicle.
Timeline
| April 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V213?
Recall 11V213 covers 41 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles with a vibration damper defect. Insufficient adhesive can let the inner mass damper ring separate from the vibration damper during engine operation. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect and replace needed parts for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V213. If it is, call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the vibration damper inspection. Reference recall number 11V213 when you schedule service. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety recall defects at no cost. For recall 11V213, Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the vibration damper and replace needed parts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury during engine-compartment work while the engine is running. If the inner mass damper ring separates from the vibration damper, it can strike the person repairing the vehicle or a bystander. Have a dealer inspect the vehicle before related work continues.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz E-Class used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 11V213.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V213000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V213 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V213000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →