Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
29 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
85,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1995 model year. Data updated: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 29 complaints (27.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 12 | 41.4% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 10.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.4% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 5 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 |
Electrical System: 8; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 5; Air Bags:Frontal: 3; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System:Wiring: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 4 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 4 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 2
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 16 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
1995: 2; 1996: 2; 1997: 3; 1998: 2; 2000: 3; 2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2006: 3; 2007: 3; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 2; 2012: 2
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting 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.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 MERCEDES E320 HAS DETERIORATED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT MY EXPENSE AS PER MERCEDES DEALER. THE CAR STALLS AND IS A SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS ARE RENDERED USELESS. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIALS OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MECHANICS, BUT DENIED BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016993 at NHTSA ↗
1995 MERCEDES BENZ E320; MY CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AT IDLE, WORST WHEN A/C IS ON, WHEN ACCELERATING, MAKING TURNS, BACKFIRES CONSTANTLY WHICH FRIGHTENS ME THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH FIRE AND INJURE THE KIDS IN THE CAR AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS SHOULD BE REPLACED FIRST BEFORE HE COULD TROUBLESHOOT ANY PROBLEMS AND THIS WOULD COST ME $1000-1600 FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TOO MUCH TO PAY FOR A BUNCH OF WIRES AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT RIGHT MERCEDES BENZ CARS AREN'T SUPPOSE TO DE…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10160457 at NHTSA ↗
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ 320SL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAVE IT TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10329987 at NHTSA ↗
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ 320SL. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED AUTOMOTIVE CENTER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10329995 at NHTSA ↗
BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND TRANSMISSION GEAR CONSOLE CAME APART. DRIVER WAS INJURED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. CONSUMER FELT AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED IF NOTHING WAS HIT.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8010305 at NHTSA ↗
DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, MISSING INSULATION WAS DISCOVERED ON WIRING TO A SENSOR IN THE AIR TUBE, VISIBLE OUTSIDE OF TAPE WRAP. I MADE SURE THAT WIRES WERE NOT TOUCHING AND INSULATED THE EXPOSED AREAS AT THE CLIP-ON CONNECTOR TO THE SENSOR. ENGINE MISSFIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO FUEL DELIVERY AND INJECTOR CLEANER WAS ADDED TO TANK. DRIVEABILTY CONTINUED TO WORSEN, AS ENGINE MISSFIRE BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE OFTEN. I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE OF THE WIRING ISSUES, SO I DECIDED TO REMOVE THE TAPE WRAP ON THE LEAD TO THE SENSOR. THE ENTIRE LENGTH THAT I E…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10448946 at NHTSA ↗
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
29 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
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 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1530.6%ODI 10227110 · 132,000 miENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL THAT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN IT DISINTEGRATED. *TR | 827.6%ODI 10226952 · 129,560 miENGINE WIRING HARNESS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING UNEVEN IDLE AND ENGINE SPEED. *TR | 17.1%ODI 10470163 · 108,921 miCAR WENT COMPLETED "DEAD" AT STOP SIGN. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE. CALLED MECHANIC AND WIRES WITHIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WIRE INSULATION CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF AND SHORTING WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. MECHANIC STRIPPED OUT WIRE AND SPLICED IT. STATED THE WIRES ARE IN BAD SHAPE DUE TO THE TYPE OF INSULATION MERCEDES USED FROM 1991 TO 1997. HE STATED I SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO SHORT OUT COMPONENTS AND WOULD BE NOT ONLY A DRIVING HAZARD BUT ALSO A FIRE HAZARD. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 10067469VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. *PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. *CB | 529.4%ODI 10090811I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR, AS MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, 2001 IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER, MERC. BENZ OF LAGUNA NIGUEL [phone removed]). IT IS IN FOR THE THIRD REPAIR OF THE SRS AIRBAY/SAFETY SYSTEM.*AK THE SEATBELT HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED, TO AND HAD TO BE REPLACE. ***MY ENGINE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY (5N, IN CALIFORNIA) AND MY 8 YR. OLD SON AND I WERE VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. ***THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO CONTACT TO DISCUSS MY CAR! THEY … | 327.3%ODI 10099406 · 1,088 miTHE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON RAINY DAYS THE VISIBILITY WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE IN COMPUTER CHIPS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED WITH THE POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WINDSHIELD, HORN FAILURE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHT FAILURE, STALLING, CATALYTIC CONVERTER RATTLING, INOPERATIVE WASHER JETS, BROKEN GLOVE BOX, NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, FAULTY FUEL PUMP, LOUD WHINING NOISE FORM UNDER THE SEAT, AND A WHIRRING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CENTER VENTS. *SC |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 1632.7%ODI 10116522 · 151,000 mi1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE ACTUATOR WIRING . THE WIRE INSULATION USED ON THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR IN MY CAR HAS BADLY DEGRADED! THIS CAUSES ALL KINDS OF SHORTS WITHIN THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE AND PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE SYSTEM IN THIS CAR. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR CAUSED MY CAR TO GO IN AND OUT OF LIMP MODE(REDUCED POWER) WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO ACCELLERATE VERY QUICKLY AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!. MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER DENIES … | 517.2%ODI 10016993 · 80,000 miWIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 MERCEDES E320 HAS DETERIORATED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT MY EXPENSE AS PER MERCEDES DEALER. THE CAR STALLS AND IS A SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS ARE RENDERED USELESS. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIALS OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MECHANICS, BUT DENIED BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.6%ODI 851980AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, POWER STEERING WAS LOST AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. IT TOOK 5 FIRE TRUCKS TO PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT. *AK | 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. |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1122.4%ODI 10086612 · 125,000 miTHE ENGINE WIRING HARNES HAS FAILED. I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL 92-95 E-320 CARS. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE ENGINE CAN JUST QUIT WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. *JB | 26.9%ODI 10183534 · 59,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES SL 320. DURING 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE CHECK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.*AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB | 17.1%ODI 10224829 · 54,000 miCRACKED WIRING HARNESS. DISCOVERED WHEN REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. *TR | 15.3%ODI 10015312"BLACK ELECTRICAL JUNCTION/HARNESS BOX" WAS FOUND WITH A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL OF ELECTRICITY BURNING THROUGH PART OF THE BOX.*AK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK.*JB *TS | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 26.7%ODI 10055363 · 55,000 miWHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEN TWO MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK | 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 | 24.1%ODI 10082647 · 137,200 miAIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH.*AK | 310.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 315.8% | 25.1%ODI 844559WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, HITTING A STONE WALL ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK * MJS | 13.3%ODI 842018AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS EXPOSED AND DISTORTED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER & SERVICE MANAGER HIT AIR BAG COVER & CLOSED IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES BEFORE. *AK | 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 | 12.0%ODI 560839CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, DEALER STATES THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT FRONT END STILL VIBRATES, AFTER 4000 MILES THE MICHELIN TIRES HAD SEVERE WEAR AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, AFTER 20000 MILES THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHOWED SIGNS OF DRY ROT CRACKS, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY A LOCAL GAS STATION TO REPLACE THESE TIRES IMMEDIATELY, JUST RECENTLY CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TIRES AGAIN DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR, POSSIBLE SUSPENSION PROBLEM IS CAUSE OF WEARING TIRES. *JB | 26.9% | 17.1% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 26.7%ODI 10010019THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). *AK *JB | 211.8%ODI 10067469VEHICLE HAD ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS MECHANICAL AND CONTROL ISSUES FROM THE OUTSET. *PH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL PUMP, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, POWER STEERING, WINDOWS, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS. *CB | 15.9%ODI 10090811I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR, AS MY MERCEDES BENZ C320, 2001 IS IN THE REPAIR SHOP OF THE DEALER, MERC. BENZ OF LAGUNA NIGUEL [phone removed]). IT IS IN FOR THE THIRD REPAIR OF THE SRS AIRBAY/SAFETY SYSTEM.*AK THE SEATBELT HAD PREVIOUSLY FAILED, TO AND HAD TO BE REPLACE. ***MY ENGINE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY (5N, IN CALIFORNIA) AND MY 8 YR. OLD SON AND I WERE VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. ***THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO CONTACT TO DISCUSS MY CAR! THEY … | 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. | 13.4%ODI 525180ABS BRAKES FAILED. ALSO, ELECTRIC SHORT, CAUSING BATTERY/HEADLIGHTS/RADIO/POWER LOCK AND INSTRUMENT PANEL TO FAIL. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.3% | 37.7%ODI 713790LAST WEEK I TOOK MY WIFE'S M CLASS IN FOR SERVICE AT OUR MB DEALER. *AK | 13.3%ODI 847912CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 20MPH AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN, AND THREW THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ABS BRAKES SYTEM WERE SUPPOSE TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. *AK | 15.9%ODI 10184217 · 46,000 miTL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 MERCEDES ML 320 WITH 46000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 45 MPH THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE BRAKES REMAINED ENGAGED, THEREFORE THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MERCEDES DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE YAW SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION, PE07-007. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55000.*AK | 15.9%ODI 884038CONSUMER WAS BRAKING AND VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE. HAD JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A HOME. MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVE CHECKED OUT VEHICLE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 12.0%ODI 10199362 · 80,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHILE IDLING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING AN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. | 13.4%ODI 722154I CONTACTED TWO DEALERS AND THREE INDEPENDENT MERCEDES MECHANICS AND THEY ALL REPORTED THE SAME THING. MERCEDES USED A NEW TYPE OF GASKET MATERIAL ON THE MERCEDES IN-LINE SIX ENGINE AND THERE HAS BEEN REPEATED FAILURES WITH THERE GASKETS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.3%ODI 10015312"BLACK ELECTRICAL JUNCTION/HARNESS BOX" WAS FOUND WITH A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL OF ELECTRICITY BURNING THROUGH PART OF THE BOX.*AK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK.*JB *TS | 12.6% | 26.7%ODI 10024651 · 45,000 miCONSUMER STATES VEHICLE USES A QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1000 MILES. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL BURN OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 10119629 · 30,000 miTHE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OIL. *JB |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 315.8% | 25.1%ODI 10172946 · 100,000 miHEAD LAMP COVERS ON THE MERCEDES "E" CLASS TURN FROM CLEAR TO A FOGY TRANSLUCENT OVER TIME. ONCE THE HEAD LIGHT LENS TURNS TRANSLUCENT THE HEAD LIGHT BEAM IS NO LONGER ABLE TO TRANSMIT LIGHT AS FAR DOWN THE ROAD AS THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATION. THE HEAD LAMP IS ALSO NO LONGER CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING LIGHT AS TO THE U.S. DOT STANDARDS. THIS SITUATION LEAD TO AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION FOR ALL DRIVERS OF THE "E" CLASS. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 10213660 · 39,000 miVARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL, HEATING AND COOLING, SUSPENSION, POWER STEERING, LIGHTING, AND PURGE VALVE SYSTEMS. SPENT 7K IN LAST 3 YEARS ALONE. HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM WAS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED TWICE AND STILL DOES NOT WORK RIGHT. STRUTS AND STEERING SYSTEM COMPLETELY BRAKES DOWN EVERY 6 MONTHS. I AM IN THE REPAIR SHOP EVERY 2-3 MONTHS! AVERAGE OUT OF POCKET (AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY) $500... OUTRAGEOUS (X4 OR 5 PER YEAR!). WARRANTY KICKS IN ANOTHER 4K PER YEAR. MY RECORDS SHOW 14 VISITS TO MERCEDES REPAIR SHOPS SINCE NOVEMBER … | 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.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 77,000–151,000 mi | 129,560 mi | 7 | ODI 10226952 · 129,560 miENGINE WIRING HARNESS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING UNEVEN IDLE AND ENGINE SPEED. *TR ODI 10241383 · 202,000 miWIRING HARNESS WAS NOTICED TO BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE AT MERCEDES SERVICE CENTER AND WAS REPLACED. EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PART AND WAS TOLD BY REPAIR FACILITY THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HFM CONTROL UNIT IS NOW DAMAGED, ANOTHER VERY EXPENSIVE PART, AND WAS TOLD THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS. *TR ODI 10261605 · 104,000 miWHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER. I WAS TOLD THE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO A "BAD" WIRING HARNESS. COST TO REPAIR WAS $1,500.00. WAS TOLD IF THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE VEHICLE MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE PROBLEMS. PRIOR TO SPENDING THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FIND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING 1991-1996 WIRING HARNESSES. I BELIEVE AN IN DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE VAST NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WOULD CLEARLY INDICATE MERCEDES SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM.… |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | Too few reports for a range | 80,000 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 10016993 · 80,000 miWIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 MERCEDES E320 HAS DETERIORATED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT MY EXPENSE AS PER MERCEDES DEALER. THE CAR STALLS AND IS A SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS ARE RENDERED USELESS. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIALS OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MECHANICS, BUT DENIED BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. *JB ODI 10172545 · 45,200 miFAULTY(PREMATURE DETERIORATION) OF WIRING WITHIN MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS; KNOWN ISSUE BY MANUFACTURER(MERCEDES BENZ) CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO RELATED ENGINE COMPONENTS AND COMPROMISING OVERALL SAFETY AND DRIVEABILITY OF VEHICLE, 1995 MERCEDES BENZ E320 SEDAN. ODI 10205300 · 104,581 miFAILURE OF ENGINE WIRE HARNESS ON 1995 E320 MERCEDES BENZ. APPARENTLY DUE TO INFERIOR WIRE. HEAT DESTROYED SOME BUT NOT ALL WIRES. TOTAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE AND NO USE OF THE VEHICLE! QUOTES TO REPAIR (MERCEDES) FROM $2,000 TO $3,700. *TR |
| Electrical System:Wiring | Too few reports for a range | 59,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10183534 · 59,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES SL 320. DURING 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE CHECK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.*AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB |
| Electrical System:Ignition | Too few reports for a range | 50,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10160457 · 50,000 mi1995 MERCEDES BENZ E320; MY CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AT IDLE, WORST WHEN A/C IS ON, WHEN ACCELERATING, MAKING TURNS, BACKFIRES CONSTANTLY WHICH FRIGHTENS ME THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH FIRE AND INJURE THE KIDS IN THE CAR AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD. MY MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS SHOULD BE REPLACED FIRST BEFORE HE COULD TROUBLESHOOT ANY PROBLEMS AND THIS WOULD COST ME $1000-1600 FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TOO MUCH TO PAY FOR A BUNCH OF WIRES AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT RIGHT MERCEDES BENZ CARS AREN'T SUPPOSE TO DE… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | Too few reports for a range | 85,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10164294 · 85,000 miCAR CUTS OFF AT VERY HIGH SPEED WHILE TRAVELING IN TRAFFIC. *JB |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
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.
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.
2001: 7 complaints · 2002: 7 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| 2002 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 15 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | 11 | 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.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Electrical System | Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | Air Bags:Frontal | Air Bags | Electrical System:Wiring | Electrical System:Ignition | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ABS BRAKES FAILED. ALSO, ELECTRIC SHORT, CAUSING BATTERY/HEADLIGHTS/RADIO/POWER LOCK AND INSTRUMENT PANEL TO FAIL. *AK
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints
Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).
WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 MERCEDES E320 HAS DETERIORATED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT AT MY EXPENSE AS PER MERCEDES DEALER. THE CAR STALLS AND IS A SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD. ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS ARE RENDERED USELESS. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MATERIALS OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MECHANICS, BUT DENIED BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. *JB
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b1 mentions · 3.4% of complaints
Median mileage: 104,000 mi (1 usable records).
WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER. I WAS TOLD THE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO A "BAD" WIRING HARNESS. COST TO REPAIR WAS $1,500.00. WAS TOLD IF THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE VEHICLE MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE PROBLEMS. PRIOR TO SPENDING THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FIND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING 1991-1996 WIRING HARNESSES. I BELIEVE AN IN DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE VAST NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WOULD CLEARLY INDICATE MERCEDES SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM.…
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b