U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz 320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

225 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

92,200 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 to 2002 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 89 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 34 of 225 complaints (15.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	67	29.8%
Braking behavior	19	8.4%
Steering behavior	19	8.4%
Engine operation	13	5.8%
Transmission and shifting	12	5.3%
Fuel system concerns	6	2.7%

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

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood

Electrical System:Wiring

Air Bags:Frontal

Air Bags

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

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	34
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	22
Electrical System:Wiring	17
Air Bags:Frontal	11
Air Bags	9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	7
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	7

Electrical System: 34; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 22; Electrical System:Wiring: 17; Air Bags:Frontal: 11; Air Bags: 9; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 7; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 7

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: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 25; 150,000 and above: 18

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (25). 136 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

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

1995: 2; 1996: 6; 1997: 15; 1998: 10; 1999: 33; 2000: 12; 2001: 13; 2002: 12; 2003: 17; 2004: 15; 2005: 9; 2006: 18; 2007: 13; 2008: 21; 2009: 8; 2010: 4; 2011: 2; 2012: 8; 2013: 4; 2014: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 67 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 19 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 19 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 10086612 · 2004-08-11 (August 11, 2004)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 125,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10086612 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10116522 · 2005-04-07 (April 7, 2005)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 151,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10116522 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10329987 · 2010-05-11 (May 11, 2010)

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 ↗

Owner report 10329995 · 2010-05-11 (May 11, 2010)

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 ↗

Owner report 714914 · 1999-11-17 (November 17, 1999)

THE ENGINE DIES INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT TIMES WHEN WE COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. WHEN IT DIES. THE CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN THE ENGINE DIES. TO RESTART THE ENGINE YOU MUST TURN THE KEY OFF, WHICH LOCKS THE STEERING AS YOUR ROLLING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY TYPE OF CAR. THE SAID THAT MERCEDES-BENZ WILL NOT PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ENGINE IS BURNT UP. T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 714914 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 850972 · 1999-10-18 (October 18, 1999)

WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BEGAN TO MOVE AND SUDDENLY FLEW ALL THE WAY TO THE STEERING WHEEL, CRUSHING THE DRIVER. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 850972 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10170875 · 2006-10-15 (October 15, 2006)

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE INSULATION RESULTING IN STALLING WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 135,203 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170875 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10241290 · 2008-09-08 (September 8, 2008)

CRUMBLING FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING STALLING, MISFIRING, EXPOSED WIRES A FIRE HAZARD AND A "NO SPARK CONDITION" CAUSING DEAD CYLINDERS TO POUR RAW FUEL INTO CATALYTIC CONVERTER RESULTING IN HEAVY SMOKE AND AN EMANATE SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. THIS CONDITION DESTROYED THE $1200 CATALYTIC CONVERTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO PASS STATE EMISSIONS TESTING. MERCEDES-BENZ REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AN OFFERS NO REMEDY. MAYBE AFTER SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED , THERE WILL BE SOME ACTION. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 72,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10241290 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8010305 · 2002-05-22 (May 22, 2002)

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 ↗

Owner report 506764 · 1996-08-16 (August 16, 1996)

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT PULL OUT OF LOW GEAR WHEN COLD. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 506764 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10448946 · 2012-02-22 (February 22, 2012)

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 ↗

Owner report 705861 · 1999-04-21 (April 21, 1999)

EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE SUNROOF/WINDOWS/LARM MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO FUEL PUMP FAILURE. CAR IS BECOMING A LEMON. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 705861 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

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

1994: 1; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz 320 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1994	49	1	Not available
1995	29	0	-1
1996	14	0	0
1997	19	0	0
1998	39	0	0
1999	30	0	0
2000	17	0	0
2001	17	0	0
2002	11	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

39.6%Usable mileage89 / 225 records

88.0%Valid incident date198 / 225 records

100.0%Valid filing date225 / 225 records

88.0%Ordered incident and filing dates198 / 225 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	63,895–151,500 mi	119,241 mi	26	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 ↗ ODI 10233196 · 161,960 mi A/C AND ALL ITEMS ON FUSE #7 QUIT WORKING. CAR SKIPPED AND WOULD JUST DIE. CHECKED WIRING AND FOUND WIRES CRACKED. ALL WIRES IN HARNESS CRACKED AND LOOKED OVERHEATED. WIRING HARNESS REPLACED BY NEW OWNER. TR Look up ODI 10233196 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10235207 · 159,000 mi MY 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ S320 HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. IT IS FALLING APART BEING THAT IT WAS CONSTRUCTED USING BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. IT IS CAUSING MANY, MANY, PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE MISFIRING, SMOKING / BARE WIRES, ETC. *TR Look up ODI 10235207 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	85,500–137,602 mi	122,000 mi	11	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 ↗ ODI 10131814 · 191,067 mi THE VEHICLE HAS HAD INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR AWHILE, BUT NONE OF THEM VERY SERIOUS. FOLLOWING RECENT SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, THE ENGINE DEVELOPED A FAILED SPARK PROBLEM. AFTER REPLACING PLUG WIRES AND CONNECTORS AND A COIL ASSEMBLY ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE WIRING FEEDING THE FRONT COIL ASSEMBLY HAD LOST THE INSULATION AND WAS SHORTED OUT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE WIRING TO THE OTHER COIL ASSEMBLIES ALSO EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE WIRING WAS TRACED BACK TO WHERE IT JOINED UP WITH THE REST OF… Look up ODI 10131814 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10159128 · 24,000 mi I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS WEIRD DRIVETRAIN FAILURES WITH MY CAR... ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS FAILED. UPON REPLACEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT DEFECT WITH THIS HARNESS. ON A 12 YEAR OLD CAR, THE INSULATION ON THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS BRITTLE, HARD, CRACKED AND SPLIT IN MANY AREAS...EXPOSING BARE WIRES AND SHORTING OUT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS THAT AFFECT NORMAL ENGINE OPERATION. THIS HAS CAUSED MY CAR TO SURGE AND QUIT RUNNING FOR NO OTHER APPARENT REASON. MERCEDES BENZ HAS DEN… Look up ODI 10159128 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	55,000–148,042 mi	125,000 mi	11	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 ↗ ODI 10168311 · 132,000 mi BEGAN EXPERIENCING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN MY MERCEDES BENZ E320. INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THAT ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD INSULATION CRUMBLING OFF AND SPARKS WERE VISIBLE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND HARNESS. ALSO ADVISED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON EARLY 90'S MERCEDES VEHICLES DUE TO USING BIODEGRADABLE INSULATION AND A FIRE WAS A DEFINITE POSSIBILITY. THE INSULATION DOES NOT STAND UP TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND FAILS PREMATURELY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF RECALL BUT COULD FIND NO INFORM… Look up ODI 10168311 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10195533 · 146,083 mi I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1994 E320 AT 146000. THE HARNESS HAD BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT AND WAS THE SOURCE OF CONTINUED ISSUES WITHIN THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. ULTIMATELY, I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT DUE TO SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. AK Look up ODI 10195533 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	Too few reports for a range	137,200 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10082647 · 137,200 mi AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH.*AK Look up ODI 10082647 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	105,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10293788 · 105,000 mi SRS LIGHT STAYS ON , DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. *TR Look up ODI 10293788 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	46,000 mi	1 (sparse)	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 ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	48,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10199362 · 80,000 mi TLTHE 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Too few reports for a range	69,500 mi	2 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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 ↗

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
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
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 (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	Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	Electrical System:Wiring	Air Bags:Frontal	Air Bags	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 767707 NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM Look up ODI 767707 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10451959 · 55,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS RUSTED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED EVOQ 03/28/12 Look up ODI 10451959 at NHTSA ↗	0	3 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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗	0	0	2 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 ↗ ODI 10452409 ONE OF THE FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLES OF MY 2001 MB E320 JUST STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE WIRE INSULATION HAD VANISHED - SIMPLY DISAPPEARED - AND THERE WERE BARE WIRES COMING IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER. I TRIED WRAPPING THE WIRE WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE, AND THIS WORKED FOR A WHILE, BUT THE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AFTER A FEW WEEKS. THIS CAR WAS IN A REPAIR SHOP FOR A REAR END COLLISION RECENTLY, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER NOTICED THE PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE USED TO WORK FOR MERCEDES-BENZ, AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM W… Look up ODI 10452409 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	1 ODI 767707 NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM Look up ODI 767707 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring	1 ODI 10451959 · 55,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS RUSTED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED EVOQ 03/28/12 Look up ODI 10451959 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	1 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 ↗	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Air Bags	3 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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗	0	0	1 ODI 524465 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT. Look up ODI 524465 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	0	1 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 ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	2 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 ↗ ODI 10452409 ONE OF THE FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLES OF MY 2001 MB E320 JUST STOPPED WORKING. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE WIRE INSULATION HAD VANISHED - SIMPLY DISAPPEARED - AND THERE WERE BARE WIRES COMING IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER. I TRIED WRAPPING THE WIRE WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE, AND THIS WORKED FOR A WHILE, BUT THE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AFTER A FEW WEEKS. THIS CAR WAS IN A REPAIR SHOP FOR A REAR END COLLISION RECENTLY, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER NOTICED THE PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE USED TO WORK FOR MERCEDES-BENZ, AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM W… Look up ODI 10452409 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 717603 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 717603 at NHTSA ↗	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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

15 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,041 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10170875 · 135,203 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE INSULATION RESULTING IN STALLING WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10170875 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10241290 · 72,500 mi

Look up ODI 10241290 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247195 · 56,556 mi

MY 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 CABRIOLET HAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AN INVESTIGATION LEADS TO DISINTEGRATED ENGINE WIRE HARNESS, THAT IS SHORTING. THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING ROUGH AND STALLING. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE HAZARD. THE CAR STALLED ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A SIDE POLE, DAMAGING THE FRONT OF THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10247195 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

13 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10046094 · 89,941 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE AN ESSENTIAL PART WAS MISSING. *AK THERE WAS LOW FLUID. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE POWER STEERING CYLINDER LEAKED INTO THE BOOT. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10046094 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

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 ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 87,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10211155

MY WIFE OWNS A 1994 E320 THAT HAS ONLY 19,000 MILES ON IT. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. 91-96 MERCEDES BENZ ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND MY CAR ONLY HAS 19,000 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10211155 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247195 · 56,556 mi

Look up ODI 10247195 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10298842 · 71,000 mi

1. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHT ALARMS OVER 12 MONTH PERIOD. 2. AFTER MANY FRUITLESS AND EXPENSIVE REPAIRS OF SENSORS, THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE MAIN WIRING HARNESS, WHERE THE INSULATION ON INDIVIDUAL WIRES HAD LARGELY DISINTEGRATED. THIS WAS REPORTEDLY DUE TO USE OF DEFECTIVE INSULATION AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE, WHICH OVER TIME AND NORMAL USE, WOULD DISINTEGRATE AND BREAK OFF, ENABLING INDIVIDUAL WIRES IN THE HARNESS TO SHORT TOGETHER. THE REPAIR FACILITY HAD MAYBE 20-25 OF THESE FAILED HARNESSES HANGING ON THE WALL AS…

Look up ODI 10298842 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,000 mi (1 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 706072

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…

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

3 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 713182

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).

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ODI 866395

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 …

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ODI 10144946 · 46,000 mi

THIS CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RELATED DESIGN DEFECT. THE CAR JERKED TO A SUDDEN STOP AFTER WATER WAS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE SHIFT CONSOLE. I WAS LUCKILY DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED(LESS THAN 25 MPH). THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED. I PULLED OVER AND COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR OUT OF GEAR. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND THEN I COULD GET TO NEUTRAL (LUCKILY ON A FLAT STREET OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE ROLLED AWAY FROM ME). AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF I GOT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER, WHO TOLD ME…

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Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 124,796 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10512679 · 124,796 mi

THE PASSENGER SEAT POWER ADJUSTMENT MODULE SHORTED, DRAINING THE BATTERY AND CAUSING A NO-START CONDITION. WHILE THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE STUCK IN TRAFFIC, IT EASILY COULD HAVE, CAUSING A SERIOUS HAZARD FOR MYSELF, ANY PASSENGER OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT MODULE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED SO THERE IS NO LONGER THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE SEAT AND OBTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM THE AIRBAG OR TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE SEAT AND ALLOW A CHILD SEAT TO FIT AS DESIGNED IN THE REAR SEAT. *TR

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Matching rule