U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz 202 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

9 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

121,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 to 2001 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 9 complaints (44.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	5	55.6%
Transmission and shifting	2	22.2%
Engine operation	1	11.1%
Braking behavior	1	11.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Fuel System, Gasoline

Power Train

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Structure:Body:Bumpers

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	4
Engine	1
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Power Train	1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	1
Structure:Body:Bumpers	1

Electrical System: 4; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Power Train: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 1; Structure:Body:Bumpers: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001

2006

2008

2009

2011

2012

2001: 3; 2006: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2011: 1; 2012: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10277124 · 2009-07-17 (July 17, 2009)

THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR…

Owner-reported narrative. 147,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10446260 · 2012-02-02 (February 2, 2012)

THE INSULATION OF THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS GETS BRITTLE AND CRUMBLES CAUSING THE ENGINE TO EITHER NOT RUN PROPERLY OR JUST QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE W202 BODY (AND I BELIEVE OTHER BODY STYLES) BETWEEN 1994 THRU 1996 +- MODEL YEARS. AT ONE POINT THEY WERE DOING A GOOD-FAITH REPLACEMENT OF THESE HARNESSES BUT STOPPED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE ARE ABOUT 1.5 M CARS IN THE US AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. *TT *KB

Owner-reported narrative. 147,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10446260 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10458232 · 2012-05-13 (May 13, 2012)

THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE THEN STALLED LEAVING ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I FINALLY RESTARTED ENOUGH TO MOVE TO SIDE RAMP WHERE THE TOW TRUCK WAS ABLE TO PICK ME UP. MECHANIC FOUND MULTIPLE CODES ALL RELATING TO SHORTING OUT OF DETERIORATING WIRING HARNESS. WIRE LOOMS ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WERE CHECKED AND ALL SHOWED DEGRADATION. ONLY RESOURCE IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS AND PROBABLY TRANSMISSION HARNESS AS WELL. = OVER 2000.00 OUT OF POCKET. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KI…

Owner-reported narrative. 121,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10458232 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 740351 · 2001-02-02 (February 2, 2001)

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOVES TO CENTER OF WINDSHIELD THEN HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN SLOWLY DRAGS ACROSS THE REST OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEN DOES THE SAME THING WHEN IT RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR WARANTY SERVICE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED. IF I WANTED IT FIXED IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $700.00 FOR A PART THEY CALLED THE WIPER TRANSMISSION PLUS LABOR. I CHECKED WITH OTHER DEALERS/REPAIR FACILITIES AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. WHEN I CHECKED WITH AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THE MECHANIC FIXED…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 740351 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 738829 · 2001-01-05 (January 5, 2001)

ANOMOLOUS BRAKE DEFECT REPAIRED BY DEALER. THE DEALER PAID MOST OF THE COST. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 738829 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1994

1995

1996

1997

1999

2000

2001

1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 1; 1997: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz 202 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1994	2	0	Not available
1995	1	0	0
1996	2	1	+1
1997	1	0	-1
1999	1	0	Not available
2000	1	0	0
2001	1	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

9 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

55.6%Usable mileage5 / 9 records

100.0%Valid incident date9 / 9 records

100.0%Valid filing date9 / 9 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates9 / 9 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1994	1995	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Electrical System	2100.0% ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 10247609 · 99,300 mi I OWN A 1996 MERCEDES C280. HAD THE CAR SINCE 50,000. NOW AT 99,000 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HOOKED THE SDS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOUND THAT CODES ARE NOT IRRELAVENT. DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING AROUND THE SENSORS WERE FALLING APART!! WTF!! ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS AND WAITING AND HOPEFULLY WILL FIX THE PROBLEMSSSSSSS. AND I WILL COMPLAIN AND SEE IF MERCEDES WILL HELP PAY FOR THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. SELL THE CAR AND BUY A GOOD OL TOYOTA!!!!! *TR Look up ODI 10247609 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10458232 · 121,000 mi THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE THEN STALLED LEAVING ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I FINALLY RESTARTED ENOUGH TO MOVE TO SIDE RAMP WHERE THE TOW TRUCK WAS ABLE TO PICK ME UP. MECHANIC FOUND MULTIPLE CODES ALL RELATING TO SHORTING OUT OF DETERIORATING WIRING HARNESS. WIRE LOOMS ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WERE CHECKED AND ALL SHOWED DEGRADATION. ONLY RESOURCE IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS AND PROBABLY TRANSMISSION HARNESS AS WELL. = OVER 2000.00 OUT OF POCKET. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KI… Look up ODI 10458232 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10175163 · 45,000 mi SAFETY RECALL 2006-08005, DEALER IN BOWLING GREEN KY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RECALL SO TEMPORARY FIXED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT THIS DEALERSHIP OR MYSELF. *NM Look up ODI 10175163 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	150.0% ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	150.0% ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 738829 ANOMOLOUS BRAKE DEFECT REPAIRED BY DEALER. THE DEALER PAID MOST OF THE COST. *AK Look up ODI 738829 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 738829 ANOMOLOUS BRAKE DEFECT REPAIRED BY DEALER. THE DEALER PAID MOST OF THE COST. *AK Look up ODI 738829 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body:Bumpers	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 750665 THE FRONT BUMBER IS TOO LOW. WHEN YOU PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A WHEEL STANCHION THE BUMBER RIDES OVER THE STANCHION AND UPON BACKING OUT THE BUMBER DOES NOT RIDE BACK OVER THE STANCHION BUT RATHER CRACKS. THIS OCCURS ON STANCHIONS AS LOW AS TWO OR THREE INCHES AND IS VIRTUALLY UNAVOIDABLE SINCE IF YOU DO NOT RIDE OVER SOME STANCHIONS THE REAR OF THE CR STICKS TOO FAR OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE POSING A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK Look up ODI 750665 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	147,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10446260 · 147,000 mi THE INSULATION OF THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS GETS BRITTLE AND CRUMBLES CAUSING THE ENGINE TO EITHER NOT RUN PROPERLY OR JUST QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE W202 BODY (AND I BELIEVE OTHER BODY STYLES) BETWEEN 1994 THRU 1996 +- MODEL YEARS. AT ONE POINT THEY WERE DOING A GOOD-FAITH REPLACEMENT OF THESE HARNESSES BUT STOPPED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE ARE ABOUT 1.5 M CARS IN THE US AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. TT KB Look up ODI 10446260 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247609 · 99,300 mi I OWN A 1996 MERCEDES C280. HAD THE CAR SINCE 50,000. NOW AT 99,000 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HOOKED THE SDS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOUND THAT CODES ARE NOT IRRELAVENT. DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING AROUND THE SENSORS WERE FALLING APART!! WTF!! ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS AND WAITING AND HOPEFULLY WILL FIX THE PROBLEMSSSSSSS. AND I WILL COMPLAIN AND SEE IF MERCEDES WILL HELP PAY FOR THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. SELL THE CAR AND BUY A GOOD OL TOYOTA!!!!! *TR Look up ODI 10247609 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	121,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10458232 · 121,000 mi THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE THEN STALLED LEAVING ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I FINALLY RESTARTED ENOUGH TO MOVE TO SIDE RAMP WHERE THE TOW TRUCK WAS ABLE TO PICK ME UP. MECHANIC FOUND MULTIPLE CODES ALL RELATING TO SHORTING OUT OF DETERIORATING WIRING HARNESS. WIRE LOOMS ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WERE CHECKED AND ALL SHOWED DEGRADATION. ONLY RESOURCE IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS AND PROBABLY TRANSMISSION HARNESS AS WELL. = OVER 2000.00 OUT OF POCKET. MERCEDES BENZ DEALER WAYS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KI… Look up ODI 10458232 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Too few reports for a range	45,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10175163 · 45,000 mi SAFETY RECALL 2006-08005, DEALER IN BOWLING GREEN KY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RECALL SO TEMPORARY FIXED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT THIS DEALERSHIP OR MYSELF. *NM Look up ODI 10175163 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	147,300 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	147,300 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2000: 1 complaints · 2001: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2000	1	1	1
2001	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2000	1	0	0
2001	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Fuel System, Gasoline	Power Train	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Structure:Body:Bumpers
Electrical System	—	0	0	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10277124 · 147,300 mi THE ENGINE HAD SEVERAL ERRATIC FAILURES SUCH AS MISFIRING, LACK OF POWER AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED TO WORK AT ALL DURING A HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORWAY. I CHECKED IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRINGS BETWEEN ENGINE MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS SUCH AS IGNITION COILS, INJECTORS, HFM, CAMSHAFT SENSOR, WATER TEMP SENSOR ETC. AND THE ECU. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I REALIZED THAT THE INSULATION OF THESE WIRES WIRE LITERALLY FALLING INTO PIECES BY CRACKS SINCE THE MATERIAL HAD BECOME TOTALLY STIFF AND BRITTLE, MAKING ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO SUR… Look up ODI 10277124 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 738829 ANOMOLOUS BRAKE DEFECT REPAIRED BY DEALER. THE DEALER PAID MOST OF THE COST. *AK Look up ODI 738829 at NHTSA ↗	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 738829 ANOMOLOUS BRAKE DEFECT REPAIRED BY DEALER. THE DEALER PAID MOST OF THE COST. *AK Look up ODI 738829 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Structure:Body:Bumpers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 121,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10458232 · 121,000 mi

Look up ODI 10458232 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 99,300 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10247609 · 99,300 mi

I OWN A 1996 MERCEDES C280. HAD THE CAR SINCE 50,000. NOW AT 99,000 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HOOKED THE SDS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOUND THAT CODES ARE NOT IRRELAVENT. DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING AROUND THE SENSORS WERE FALLING APART!! WTF!! ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS AND WAITING AND HOPEFULLY WILL FIX THE PROBLEMSSSSSSS. AND I WILL COMPLAIN AND SEE IF MERCEDES WILL HELP PAY FOR THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. SELL THE CAR AND BUY A GOOD OL TOYOTA!!!!! *TR

Look up ODI 10247609 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b