U.S. public vehicle records

1999 Mercedes Benz 320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

30 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

51,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 30 complaints (10.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	4	13.3%
Electrical and battery issues	4	13.3%
Transmission and shifting	3	10.0%
Engine operation	3	10.0%
Steering behavior	3	10.0%
Fuel system concerns	1	3.3%

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:12v/24v/48v Battery

Air Bags

Electrical System:Wiring

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	3
Air Bags	2
Electrical System:Wiring	2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	2
Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat	2
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	2

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 3; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System:Wiring: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat: 2; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections: 2

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: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 19 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.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2013

2014

1998: 1; 1999: 9; 2000: 4; 2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2003: 5; 2004: 3; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2013: 1; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting 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 706072 · 1999-04-28 (April 28, 1999)

REF: OWNERS MANUAL, TRAILER TOWING PGS 96-99. BENZ REFUSES TO HELP RESOLVE PROBLEM! FACTORY WIRING HAS PROVIDED +12V (HOT) TO THE BRAKE CONTROLLER WIRE WHEN EVER BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED (ORANGE BRAKE SIGNAL WIRE PG98). CONVENTIONAL (AFTER MARKET BRAKE CONTROLLERS WORK BY MODULATING THIS LINE VOLTAGE - THIS IS WHY I CANNOT CONNECT A BRAKE CONTROLLER. THE VEHICLE IS WIRED WRONG. IF AN OWNER OF A ML320 PLUGS A TRAILER WITH ELECTRIC BRAKES TO THE FACTORY INSTALLED HARNESS PLUG - THE TRAILER BRAKES OVERHEAT RAPIDLY. I HAVE TRIED REPEATEDLY TO GET B…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 706072 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 713182 · 1999-10-12 (October 12, 1999)

TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED THEN DOWNSHIFTED (1ST) WHILE DRIVING. BRAKES ENGAGED. CAR CAME TO VIOLENT HALT , THEN CAR AND PASSENGERS WERE LURCHED BACK & FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT OPERATOR INPUT, RPMS ERRATIC UNTIL KEY REMOVED. FREEWAY INCIDENT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN FATALITIES. CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, MFG DENIED SIMILAR CLAIMS, SEE NHTSA ITEM # SB605899. TRAUMA OF EVENT HAS RESULTED IN INABILITY TO DRIVE VEHICLE (CONCERN FOR SAFETY AND FEAR OF REOCCURANCE).

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 713182 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10010019 · 2003-03-18 (March 18, 2003)

THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). *AK *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010019 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022524 · 2003-06-20 (June 20, 2003)

WHILE IN PARK, THE BATTERY EXPLODED WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. *MR WHILE PARKED, THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE HOPPECKE BATTERY UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS CRACKED AND BROKEN AND SETTING IN A POOL OF ACID WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR THE ACID SMELL AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR. *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022524 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 866395 · 2000-07-31 (July 31, 2000)

FUEL GUAGE DOES NOT REGISTER CORRECT LEVELS OF FUEL. DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT THREE TIMES WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK REAR SEATS CAN NOT BE UNLATCHED TO USE CARGO AREA AND TO RELOCK PROPERLY. EXTERIOR TRIM IS FALLING OFF THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE RATTLES FROM REAR. A/C DOES NOT COOL UNLESS THE RECIRCULATORY SYSTEM IS ON. SUN ROOF HAVE FOLLEN OUT. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND NOISY. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY DUE TO RECALL. THE OWNER NOTIFIED OFTHE RECALL AND …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 866395 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10053593 · 2004-02-19 (February 19, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK *MR

Owner-reported narrative. 51,236 miles reported. Look up ODI 10053593 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 843257 · 1999-09-15 (September 15, 1999)

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN VEHICLE HITS BUMPS IN THE ROAD. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, INFORMING OWNER TO NOT PUT ANY KEYS IN THE IGNITION. CONSUMER REQUEST FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS SUBJECT. *YC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 843257 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038041 · 2003-10-01 (October 1, 2003)

DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THE FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS FOR ALL THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE REPLACED TO GET THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TO OPERATE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ALL FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED FROM THE HOSES/CLAMPS, AND CONNECTORS. THE LEAKS APPEARED MORE FREQUENTLY DURING THE WINTER SEASON WHICH CAUSED THE METAL TO EXPAND. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 36,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10038041 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10060759 · 2004-03-08 (March 8, 2004)

THE FRONT CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FLIES OFF THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING. I OWN A MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP. THERE HAVE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND SOMEONE WILL DIE WHEN THEY LOSE THEIR STEERING.MERCEDES IS NOT COVERING THESE FAILURESOUT OF WARRANTY. IT AFFECTS ALL V-6 ENGINES FROM 96-2003 . CALL ANY DEALER PARTS DEPT. AND ASK HOW OFTEN THEY SELL ONE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10060759 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 838856 · 1999-06-04 (June 4, 1999)

VEHCLE RECEIVES 0 FUEL PRESSURE DUE TO A FAILED FUEL PUMP. ALSO, THE STARTER RELAY INTERMITTENTLY MISREADS THE KEY CODE. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 838856 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

36.7%Usable mileage11 / 30 records

76.7%Valid incident date23 / 30 records

100.0%Valid filing date30 / 30 records

76.7%Ordered incident and filing dates23 / 30 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	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
Electrical System	1530.6% ODI 10227110 · 132,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL THAT HAS CAUSED MASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN IT DISINTEGRATED. *TR Look up ODI 10227110 at NHTSA ↗	827.6% ODI 10226952 · 129,560 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING UNEVEN IDLE AND ENGINE SPEED. *TR Look up ODI 10226952 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10470163 · 108,921 mi CAR 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 Look up ODI 10470163 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.	211.8% ODI 10067469 VEHICLE 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 Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	529.4% ODI 10090811 I 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 … Look up ODI 10090811 at NHTSA ↗	327.3% ODI 10099406 · 1,088 mi THE 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 Look up ODI 10099406 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	1632.7% ODI 10116522 · 151,000 mi 1994 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 … Look up ODI 10116522 at NHTSA ↗	517.2% ODI 10016993 · 80,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10016993 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.6% ODI 851980 AS 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 Look up ODI 851980 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.
Electrical System:Wiring	1122.4% ODI 10086612 · 125,000 mi THE 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 Look up ODI 10086612 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 10183534 · 59,000 mi TLTHE 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 Look up ODI 10183534 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10224829 · 54,000 mi CRACKED WIRING HARNESS. DISCOVERED WHEN REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. *TR Look up ODI 10224829 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10015312 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.7% ODI 10055363 · 55,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEN TWO MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK Look up ODI 10055363 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	24.1% ODI 10082647 · 137,200 mi AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH.*AK Look up ODI 10082647 at NHTSA ↗	310.3% ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	315.8% ODI 536702 AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT 20 MPH. Look up ODI 536702 at NHTSA ↗	25.1% ODI 844559 WHEN 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 Look up ODI 844559 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 842018 AIR 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 Look up ODI 842018 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	12.0% ODI 560839 CONSUMER 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 Look up ODI 560839 at NHTSA ↗	26.9% ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 8007457 SRS DID NOT DEPLOY UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITION.*AK Look up ODI 8007457 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.7% ODI 10010019 THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). AK JB Look up ODI 10010019 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10067469 VEHICLE 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 Look up ODI 10067469 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10090811 I 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 … Look up ODI 10090811 at NHTSA ↗	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 525180 ABS BRAKES FAILED. ALSO, ELECTRIC SHORT, CAUSING BATTERY/HEADLIGHTS/RADIO/POWER LOCK AND INSTRUMENT PANEL TO FAIL. *AK Look up ODI 525180 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.3% ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗	37.7% ODI 713790 LAST WEEK I TOOK MY WIFE'S M CLASS IN FOR SERVICE AT OUR MB DEALER. *AK Look up ODI 713790 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 847912 CONSUMER'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 Look up ODI 847912 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10184217 · 46,000 mi TL- 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 Look up ODI 10184217 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 884038 CONSUMER 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 Look up ODI 884038 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	12.0% ODI 10199362 · 80,000 mi TL*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. Look up ODI 10199362 at NHTSA ↗	13.4% ODI 722154 I 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 Look up ODI 722154 at NHTSA ↗	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 Look up ODI 10015312 at NHTSA ↗	12.6% ODI 607611 BELT TENSIONER FAILED. Look up ODI 607611 at NHTSA ↗	26.7% ODI 10024651 · 45,000 mi CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE USES A QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1000 MILES. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL BURN OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK Look up ODI 10024651 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 10119629 · 30,000 mi THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BURNED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OIL. *JB Look up ODI 10119629 at NHTSA ↗
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% ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗	25.1% ODI 10172946 · 100,000 mi HEAD 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 Look up ODI 10172946 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.8% ODI 10213660 · 39,000 mi VARIOUS 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 … Look up ODI 10213660 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:12v/24v/48v Battery	Too few reports for a range	24,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10022524 · 24,000 mi WHILE IN PARK, THE BATTERY EXPLODED WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. MR WHILE PARKED, THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE HOPPECKE BATTERY UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS CRACKED AND BROKEN AND SETTING IN A POOL OF ACID WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR THE ACID SMELL AT THE TIME OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR. SCC *JB Look up ODI 10022524 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	Too few reports for a range	55,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10055363 · 55,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THEN TWO MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK Look up ODI 10055363 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	48,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10024651 · 45,000 mi CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE USES A QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1000 MILES. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL BURN OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. AK Look up ODI 10024651 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10026631 · 51,000 mi PER CONSUMER VEHICLE IS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL WHILE DRIVING , ESPECIALLY ON LONG TRIPS. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED.AK Look up ODI 10026631 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	Too few reports for a range	63,774 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10038041 · 36,100 mi DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THE FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS FOR ALL THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE REPLACED TO GET THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TO OPERATE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY ALL FOUR WINDOW CLUSTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED FROM THE HOSES/CLAMPS, AND CONNECTORS. THE LEAKS APPEARED MORE FREQUENTLY DURING THE WINTER SEASON WHICH CAUSED THE METAL TO EXPAND. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. AK SCC JB Look up ODI 10038041 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10113506 · 91,448 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE CLAMP OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE CAUSE HAS HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. JB Look up ODI 10113506 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

2001: 7 complaints · 2002: 7 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	4	4	7
2002	1	4	7

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
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.

Components reported together

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

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	Air Bags	Electrical System:Wiring	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat	Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	—	1 ODI 10010019 THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). AK JB Look up ODI 10010019 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	1 ODI 10010019 THE BATTERY AND AIR BAG EXPLODED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. (LAWYER, TREVOR GRIMM, ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). AK JB Look up ODI 10010019 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections	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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 10.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 51,236 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10053593 · 51,236 mi

Look up ODI 10053593 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 843257

Look up ODI 843257 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 857741

ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 857741 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 10.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10038041 · 36,100 mi

Look up ODI 10038041 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10060759 · 55,000 mi

Look up ODI 10060759 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10113506 · 91,448 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE CLAMP OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE CAUSE HAS HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10113506 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 706072

Look up ODI 706072 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 873637

TRANSMISSION LEAKS OIL/GAS PEDAL IS VERY STIFF & HARD TO PRESS/ DOOR LOCKS KEEP GOING UP AND DOWN WHEN USING REMOTE CONTROL/ REAR WASHER HOSE TO REAR WIPER HAD TO BE REPLACED/THERE IS NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, AND DISC BACKING PLATE IS BENT AND BRAKE PEDAL IS STIFF WHEN TRYING TO STOP.*AK

Look up ODI 873637 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 713182

Look up ODI 713182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 866395

Look up ODI 866395 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule