Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz 300E problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

40 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

145,428 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1986 to 1993 model years. Data updated: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 40 complaints (17.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues615.0%
Braking behavior410.0%
Engine operation37.5%
Fuel system concerns37.5%
Steering behavior12.5%

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
7
Engine
5
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
5
Air Bags
4
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
2
Suspension
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System7
Engine5
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly5
Air Bags4
Air Bags:Frontal4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage2
Suspension2

Electrical System: 7; Engine: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 5; Air Bags: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 2; Suspension: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
7
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9997
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 5

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 26 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.

1995
2
1996
3
1997
1
1998
2
1999
4
2000
2
2001
3
2002
3
2003
1
2004
2
2005
1
2006
1
2009
3
2012
2
2013
3
2014
1
2015
3
2016
2
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19952
19963
19971
19982
19994
20002
20013
20023
20031
20042
20051
20061
20093
20122
20133
20141
20153
20162
20181

1995: 2; 1996: 3; 1997: 1; 1998: 2; 1999: 4; 2000: 2; 2001: 3; 2002: 3; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2009: 3; 2012: 2; 2013: 3; 2014: 1; 2015: 3; 2016: 2; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 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 8001345 · 2002-01-02 (January 2, 2002)

VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER START BECAUSE OF WIRING HARNESS; COATING ON WIRES HAVE MELTED, AND WERE TOUCHING ONE ANOTHER, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8001345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10460188 · 2012-05-31 (May 31, 2012)

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Owner-reported narrative. 103,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10101215 · 2004-12-21 (December 21, 2004)

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE OR SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND AT THE DEALER ONCE, HOWEVER, AND NEITHER OF THEM COULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.*AK WHEN TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE SRS AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATE. THE TACHOMETER PERFORMED ERRATICALLY. THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A BOLT IN THE WATER PUMP WHICH WAS TOO LONG AND HIT AGAINST THE PUMP. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10101215 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10263812 · 2009-03-31 (March 31, 2009)

SUDDEN ACCELERATION . A 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 300E WITH AROUND 158,900 MILES. SINCE THE PAST 6 WEEKS HAS BEEN EXHIBITING THE APPARENTLY HARD TO PROOF CASE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 101. THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION GOING ON SO THE TRAVELING SPEED ON THAT STRETCH OF THE HIGHWAY WAS REDUCED TO AROUND 50MPH. AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME MINUTES WITH MY SPEED AROUND 50MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER RISING. I WASN'T IN ANYWAY ACCELERATING. I WAS MAINTAINING MY CURRENT SPEED, THE SUDD…

Owner-reported narrative. 158,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263812 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10147609 · 2006-01-12 (January 12, 2006)

I JUST EXPERIENCED MY 4TH FUEL TANK FRACTURE OVER 5 YEARS. THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE SURFACE OF THE TANK NOT CAUSED BY WEAR OF ANY SORT. THEY JUST SPONTANEOUSLY OCCUR. THE TANK IS COMPLETELY FACTORY INSTALLED IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR THIS ALLOWS FUMES TO ENTER THE ENTIRE CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A FRACTURED TANK IN ANY BRAND IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 180,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10147609 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 489326 · 1995-04-17 (April 17, 1995)

ALUMINUM COMPONENT OF FUEL TANK FAILED UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS, EXPENDING GASOLINE T0 ADDITIONALLY FUEL THE FIRE. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 489326 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10572854 · 2014-03-17 (March 17, 2014)

CAR CUTS OFF AFTER A LONG DRIVE WHEN COASTING TO A STOP OR WHEN TURNING. WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS (VERY UPSETTING WHILE TURNING WHICH IS USUALLY WHEN IT CUTS OFF). HAVE TAKEN IT TO PRIVATE SHOP AND MERCEDES DEALER BUT NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. CAR IS DRIVEN RARELY NOW DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE IS STILL ACTIVE IN CAR. I HAVE FIVE RECEIPTS FROM PRIVATE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DOCUMENTING EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN FOR THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2003. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 145,856 miles reported. Look up ODI 10572854 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1986
0
1989
0
1990
0
1991
0
1993
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19860
19890
19900
19910
19930

1986: 0; 1989: 0; 1990: 0; 1991: 0; 1993: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz 300E model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
1986110Not available
1989110Not available
1990300
1991700
199380Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

40 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

35.0%Usable mileage14 / 40 records
90.0%Valid incident date36 / 40 records
100.0%Valid filing date40 / 40 records
90.0%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 40 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19861989199019911993
Electrical System
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.

787.5%
ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10572854 · 145,856 mi

CAR CUTS OFF AFTER A LONG DRIVE WHEN COASTING TO A STOP OR WHEN TURNING. WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS (VERY UPSETTING WHILE TURNING WHICH IS USUALLY WHEN IT CUTS OFF). HAVE TAKEN IT TO PRIVATE SHOP AND MERCEDES DEALER BUT NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. CAR IS DRIVEN RARELY NOW DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE IS STILL ACTIVE IN CAR. I HAVE FIVE RECEIPTS FROM PRIVATE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DOCUMENTING EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN FOR THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2003. *TR

Look up ODI 10572854 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 10493831 · 188,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER HE NOTICED SMOKE BELLOWING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD TO DISCOVER THAT A FIRE HAD ERUPTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE USING WATER AND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN ENGINEER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEA…

Look up ODI 10493831 at NHTSA ↗

337.5%
ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
218.2%
ODI 10132581 · 100,000 mi

I HAVE EXPERIENCED HAIRLINE CRACK FAILURES IN THREE (3) SEPARATE FUEL TANKS PLACED INTO MY 1986 MERCEDES 300E 4 DOOR SEDAN OVER 6 YEARS. THESE CRACKS NEVER ALLOWED LIQUID TO ESCAPE, BUT FUMES DID REPEATEDLY EMIT INTO THE CAR TRUNK AND PASSENGER CABIN. AFTER BEING IN PLACE FOR 9 MONTHS THE 3RD TANK IS NOW LEAKING FUMES AND I HAVE DISCOVERED STAINING WHERE THE CRACKS EXIST. THIS IS, BY ITSELF, A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. TO HAPPEN THREE TIMES WITH THREE DIFFERENT REPLACEMENT TANKS IS EXCEPTIONAL! I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT THIS INDICATES THERE …

Look up ODI 10132581 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 489326

ALUMINUM COMPONENT OF FUEL TANK FAILED UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS, EXPENDING GASOLINE T0 ADDITIONALLY FUEL THE FIRE. *SKD

Look up ODI 489326 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 722709

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 722709 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
19.1%
ODI 512460

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN INJURIES (BURNS) TO FACE AND CHEST AND DAMAGES TO VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 512460 at NHTSA ↗

327.3%
ODI 513985

SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.

Look up ODI 513985 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.

Air Bags:Frontal
327.3%
ODI 508048

FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 508048 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 850227

WHILE SITTING AT A STOP AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER'S DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHP WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 850227 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.

Vehicle Speed Control
19.1%
ODI 10292058 · 150 mi

SUDDEN ACCELERATION SYNDROME. I BELIEVE I ELIMINATED THIS PROBLEM BY DISCONNECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL AMP LOCATED UNDER THE DASH BOARD BY UNPLUGGING CABLE ATTACHED TO THE UNIT. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BY RECONNECTING THE ATTACHED CABLE. BELIEVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS DESIGN DEFECTIVE. AT PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUND SOME COMPLAINTS REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION SYNDROME PERTAINING TOO THIS VEHICLE- MODEL- YEAR. LUCKY MINE IS A STICK SHIFT IN THAT REGARD. DAIMLER AND NHTSA BOTH WERE NOTIFIED. DAIMLER WOULD CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSES AND …

Look up ODI 10292058 at NHTSA ↗

218.2%
ODI 10263812 · 158,900 mi

SUDDEN ACCELERATION . A 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 300E WITH AROUND 158,900 MILES. SINCE THE PAST 6 WEEKS HAS BEEN EXHIBITING THE APPARENTLY HARD TO PROOF CASE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 101. THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION GOING ON SO THE TRAVELING SPEED ON THAT STRETCH OF THE HIGHWAY WAS REDUCED TO AROUND 50MPH. AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME MINUTES WITH MY SPEED AROUND 50MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER RISING. I WASN'T IN ANYWAY ACCELERATING. I WAS MAINTAINING MY CURRENT SPEED, THE SUDD…

Look up ODI 10263812 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 549563

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN THE THROTTLE LINKAGE FROZE . NLM

Look up ODI 549563 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
19.1%
ODI 508048

FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 508048 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 836990

THE DASH INDICATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAYS SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAG UNIT ARE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 1350 PLUS LABOR. PLEASE ADD VIN#. *AK

Look up ODI 836990 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.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 11084372

FRONT SUPPORT BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE COIL SPRING THTS ATACHED TO THE BDY CHASIS IS STARTING TO COME APART HAS CRACKS

Look up ODI 11084372 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10808147 · 46,690 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 300E (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER AND THE REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,690.

Look up ODI 10808147 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System108,000–142,336 mi128,672 mi6
ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10463852 · 152,000 mi

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AS THE SECOND OWNER. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO BE IN NEAR MINT CONDITION COSMETICALLY AS WELL AS MECHANICALLY. UPON INSPECTION MY LOCAL MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE AND BATTERY WIRING HARNESSES WERE DETERIORATING, CAUSING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS INCLUDING SURGING/ROUGH IDLE, SHORTING OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, INTERMITTENT POOR PERFORMANCE AND RISK OF FIRE/CRASH/INJURY. AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE VEHICLE QUIT RUNNING FOR A FEW DAYS AND SAT. AFTER FUMBLING WITH THE SHODDY HARNESS I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE RESTA…

Look up ODI 10463852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10494386 · 145,000 mi

CAR IS MIS-FIRING AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS JUST CRUMBLED WHEN HE TOUCHED IT. THE ENTIRE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10494386 at NHTSA ↗

Engine134,344–145,856 mi145,000 mi5
ODI 10572854 · 145,856 mi

CAR CUTS OFF AFTER A LONG DRIVE WHEN COASTING TO A STOP OR WHEN TURNING. WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS (VERY UPSETTING WHILE TURNING WHICH IS USUALLY WHEN IT CUTS OFF). HAVE TAKEN IT TO PRIVATE SHOP AND MERCEDES DEALER BUT NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. CAR IS DRIVEN RARELY NOW DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE IS STILL ACTIVE IN CAR. I HAVE FIVE RECEIPTS FROM PRIVATE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DOCUMENTING EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN FOR THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2003. *TR

Look up ODI 10572854 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10493831 · 188,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER HE NOTICED SMOKE BELLOWING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD TO DISCOVER THAT A FIRE HAD ERUPTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE USING WATER AND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN ENGINEER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEA…

Look up ODI 10493831 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank AssemblyToo few reports for a range140,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10132581 · 100,000 mi

I HAVE EXPERIENCED HAIRLINE CRACK FAILURES IN THREE (3) SEPARATE FUEL TANKS PLACED INTO MY 1986 MERCEDES 300E 4 DOOR SEDAN OVER 6 YEARS. THESE CRACKS NEVER ALLOWED LIQUID TO ESCAPE, BUT FUMES DID REPEATEDLY EMIT INTO THE CAR TRUNK AND PASSENGER CABIN. AFTER BEING IN PLACE FOR 9 MONTHS THE 3RD TANK IS NOW LEAKING FUMES AND I HAVE DISCOVERED STAINING WHERE THE CRACKS EXIST. THIS IS, BY ITSELF, A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. TO HAPPEN THREE TIMES WITH THREE DIFFERENT REPLACEMENT TANKS IS EXCEPTIONAL! I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT THIS INDICATES THERE …

Look up ODI 10132581 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10147609 · 180,000 mi

I JUST EXPERIENCED MY 4TH FUEL TANK FRACTURE OVER 5 YEARS. THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE SURFACE OF THE TANK NOT CAUSED BY WEAR OF ANY SORT. THEY JUST SPONTANEOUSLY OCCUR. THE TANK IS COMPLETELY FACTORY INSTALLED IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR THIS ALLOWS FUMES TO ENTER THE ENTIRE CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A FRACTURED TANK IN ANY BRAND IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER. *JB

Look up ODI 10147609 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range79,525 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10292058 · 150 mi

SUDDEN ACCELERATION SYNDROME. I BELIEVE I ELIMINATED THIS PROBLEM BY DISCONNECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL AMP LOCATED UNDER THE DASH BOARD BY UNPLUGGING CABLE ATTACHED TO THE UNIT. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BY RECONNECTING THE ATTACHED CABLE. BELIEVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS DESIGN DEFECTIVE. AT PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUND SOME COMPLAINTS REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION SYNDROME PERTAINING TOO THIS VEHICLE- MODEL- YEAR. LUCKY MINE IS A STICK SHIFT IN THAT REGARD. DAIMLER AND NHTSA BOTH WERE NOTIFIED. DAIMLER WOULD CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSES AND …

Look up ODI 10292058 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10263812 · 158,900 mi

SUDDEN ACCELERATION . A 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 300E WITH AROUND 158,900 MILES. SINCE THE PAST 6 WEEKS HAS BEEN EXHIBITING THE APPARENTLY HARD TO PROOF CASE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 101. THERE WAS A CONSTRUCTION GOING ON SO THE TRAVELING SPEED ON THAT STRETCH OF THE HIGHWAY WAS REDUCED TO AROUND 50MPH. AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME MINUTES WITH MY SPEED AROUND 50MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER RISING. I WASN'T IN ANYWAY ACCELERATING. I WAS MAINTAINING MY CURRENT SPEED, THE SUDD…

Look up ODI 10263812 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range46,690 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10808147 · 46,690 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 300E (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER AND THE REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,690.

Look up ODI 10808147 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1991: 0 complaints · 1993: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1991000
1993000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1991610
1993800

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
ComponentElectrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank AssemblyAir BagsAir Bags:FrontalVehicle Speed ControlSeat Belts:Front:AnchorageSuspension
Electrical System—
3
ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10494386 · 145,000 mi

CAR IS MIS-FIRING AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS JUST CRUMBLED WHEN HE TOUCHED IT. THE ENTIRE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10494386 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10705157 · 134,344 mi

WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IN SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Look up ODI 10705157 at NHTSA ↗

00000
1
ODI 10808147 · 46,690 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 300E (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER AND THE REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,690.

Look up ODI 10808147 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
3
ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10494386 · 145,000 mi

CAR IS MIS-FIRING AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS JUST CRUMBLED WHEN HE TOUCHED IT. THE ENTIRE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10494386 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10705157 · 134,344 mi

WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IN SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Look up ODI 10705157 at NHTSA ↗

—000000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly00—00000
Air Bags000—00
1
ODI 836990

THE DASH INDICATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAYS SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAG UNIT ARE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 1350 PLUS LABOR. PLEASE ADD VIN#. *AK

Look up ODI 836990 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags:Frontal0000—0
1
ODI 508048

FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 508048 at NHTSA ↗

0
Vehicle Speed Control00000—00
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage000
1
ODI 836990

THE DASH INDICATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. DEALER SAYS SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAG UNIT ARE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED AT 1350 PLUS LABOR. PLEASE ADD VIN#. *AK

Look up ODI 836990 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 508048

FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 508048 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Suspension
1
ODI 10808147 · 46,690 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 300E (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER AND THE REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,690.

Look up ODI 10808147 at NHTSA ↗

000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 7.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 126,250 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10101215

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE OR SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND AT THE DEALER ONCE, HOWEVER, AND NEITHER OF THEM COULD RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.*AK WHEN TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE SRS AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATE. THE TACHOMETER PERFORMED ERRATICALLY. THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A BOLT IN THE WATER PUMP WHICH WAS TOO LONG AND HIT AGAINST THE PUMP. *NM

Look up ODI 10101215 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10460188 · 103,000 mi

PURCHASED 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E AND IT DEVELOPED ENGINE MISS. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR TUNE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNABLE TO TUNE UP DUE TO ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DISINTEGRATION. A COMMON DEFECT WITH THESE MODELS SINCE THEY WERE NEW. THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND WAS ADVISED TO TOW CAR TO NEAREST MERCEDES DEALER ( ROMANO MERCEDES FAYETTEVILLE NY) FOR INSPECTION . THEY INSPECTED AND FOUND INSULATION IN HARNESS TO BE BAD, AND SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE IT FOR $2600.00. WE THEN CALLED MERCE…

Look up ODI 10460188 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10545187 · 149,500 mi

MY ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS HAS CRUMBLING INSULATION, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. THIS OBVIOUSLY COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FIRES, STALLING, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, LOSS OF POWER, ETC. MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES ON THE FREEWAY AND IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS. THIS PROBLEM IS HEAVILY DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET WITH ALL 91-96 MERCEDES MODELS. *JS

Look up ODI 10545187 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,690 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 513985

SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.

Look up ODI 513985 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10808147 · 46,690 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 300E (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER AND THE REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,690.

Look up ODI 10808147 at NHTSA ↗

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 8012502

WHILE TRAVELING IN TRAFFIC CONSUMER NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM TRUNK COMPARTMENT. WHEN SHE LIFTED UP THE TRUNK AREA GASOLINE HAS SPILLED INSIDE OF TRUNK. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 8012502 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 145,856 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10572854 · 145,856 mi

CAR CUTS OFF AFTER A LONG DRIVE WHEN COASTING TO A STOP OR WHEN TURNING. WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS (VERY UPSETTING WHILE TURNING WHICH IS USUALLY WHEN IT CUTS OFF). HAVE TAKEN IT TO PRIVATE SHOP AND MERCEDES DEALER BUT NOTHING RESOLVED THE ISSUE. CAR IS DRIVEN RARELY NOW DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE IS STILL ACTIVE IN CAR. I HAVE FIVE RECEIPTS FROM PRIVATE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND MERCEDES BENZ DEALER DOCUMENTING EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN FOR THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2003. *TR

Look up ODI 10572854 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b