Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz 500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

97 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

90,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1984 to 2003 model years. Data updated: . 48 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 97 complaints (17.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues3334.0%
Engine operation1414.4%
Braking behavior88.2%
Fuel system concerns44.1%
Transmission and shifting33.1%
Steering behavior33.1%

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

Component breakdown

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

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
17
Electrical System
16
Electrical System:Wiring
9
Unknown Or Other
6
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
5
Air Bags:Frontal
3
Engine And Engine Cooling
3
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood17
Electrical System16
Electrical System:Wiring9
Unknown Or Other6
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner5
Air Bags:Frontal3
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor3

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 17; Electrical System: 16; Electrical System:Wiring: 9; Unknown Or Other: 6; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 5; Air Bags:Frontal: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
7
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
9
75,000 to 99,999
10
100,000 to 149,999
12
150,000 and above
8
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0007
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9999
75,000 to 99,99910
100,000 to 149,99912
150,000 and above8

Under 25,000: 7; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 8

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 49 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
4
1996
1
1997
8
1998
2
1999
13
2000
5
2001
2
2002
4
2003
4
2004
7
2005
8
2006
11
2007
10
2008
5
2010
2
2011
2
2012
4
2013
2
2014
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19954
19961
19978
19982
199913
20005
20012
20024
20034
20047
20058
200611
200710
20085
20102
20112
20124
20132
20143

1995: 4; 1996: 1; 1997: 8; 1998: 2; 1999: 13; 2000: 5; 2001: 2; 2002: 4; 2003: 4; 2004: 7; 2005: 8; 2006: 11; 2007: 10; 2008: 5; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2012: 4; 2013: 2; 2014: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 33 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 14 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 8 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 10000365 · 2002-12-26 (December 26, 2002)

FAULTY WIRING IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER.

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000365 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10136413 · 2005-09-13 (September 13, 2005)

CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, DROVE HOME AT VERY REDUCED SPEED. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, A COMMON DEFECT ON THIS MODEL CAR 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10136413 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10182063 · 2007-02-09 (February 9, 2007)

WIRE INSULATION ON MY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS DISINTEGRATED EXPOSING THE INTERNAL WIRING COMPLETELY, ESPECIALLY IN BENT AREAS. THIS IS A RESULT OF NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. AS THIS HAPPENS THE ENGINE RUNS WORSE, PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED INCLUDE SURGING IN IDLE, STUMBLING OF ENGINE UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION AND STALLING OR RUNNING ENGINE. THE ONLY COURSE OF ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS WITH A "NEWLY" PURCHASED HARNESS FROM MERCEDES BENZ. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT IDEA IS I WILL BE PURCHASING A WIRING HARNESS MANUFACTURED DURI…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10182063 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10160120 · 2006-06-19 (June 19, 2006)

CAR WILL QUIT ALL OF A SUDDEN AND LEAVE ME WITH NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING. THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKE DOWN IN THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND OR A FIRE. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 134,465 miles reported. Look up ODI 10160120 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 523016 · 1998-01-14 (January 14, 1998)

ABS BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN BRAKES FADING/EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 523016 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 607238 · 1999-02-01 (February 1, 1999)

GAS TANK FAILED. YH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 607238 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10505934 · 2013-04-11 (April 11, 2013)

BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION STICKER, WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO MALFUNCTION THAT ALLOWED GAS VAPORS TO ESCAPE FROM TANK. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN BUT TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED TO PASS INSPECTION!!! THE CAR WAS NOT MISUSED OR DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR ABUSED, OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART MERCEDES PUT IN THEIR CARS AND THEY CHOSE NOT TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. CHARGED $1,400 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 116,322 miles reported. Look up ODI 10505934 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 512051 · 1996-11-27 (November 27, 1996)

WHINING NOISE FROM TRANSMISSION.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 512051 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 842686 · 1999-08-13 (August 13, 1999)

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND WITHIOUT PRIOR WARNING THE DRIVESHAFT FELL OUT FROM TRANSMISSION. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 842686 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 816828 · 1997-10-02 (October 2, 1997)

WHILE DRIVING, THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN SEPARATED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATED RESERVOIR FOR POWER STEERING DISCONNECTED, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 816828 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1990
2
1991
1
1992
1
1993
1
1994
1
1995
0
1996
0
1997
0
1998
0
1999
0
2000
0
2003
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19902
19911
19921
19931
19941
19950
19960
19970
19980
19990
20000
20030

1990: 2; 1991: 1; 1992: 1; 1993: 1; 1994: 1; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2003: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz 500 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
198410Not available
1985100
199012Not available
199101-1
19921510
19932210
1994610
199580-1
1996600
1997800
1998200
1999700
2000900
2003110Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

49.5%Usable mileage48 / 97 records
85.6%Valid incident date83 / 97 records
100.0%Valid filing date97 / 97 records
85.6%Ordered incident and filing dates83 / 97 records

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

Problems by model year

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

Component complaint heatmap
Component199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002003
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

746.7%
ODI 10136413

CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, DROVE HOME AT VERY REDUCED SPEED. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, A COMMON DEFECT ON THIS MODEL CAR 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E. *JB

Look up ODI 10136413 at NHTSA ↗

836.4%
ODI 10118292 · 60,000 mi

THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 500E (64,000 MILES), HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT AND IS BEGINNING TO SHORT OUT, WITH THE RISK OF CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE MALFUNCTION, AND EVEN FIRE INSIDE MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF OTHER MERCEDES-BENZ CARS OF THE SAME AGE RANGE HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH MERCEDES THAT THEY REFUSE TO RECALL. *NM

Look up ODI 10118292 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10206785 · 140,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COVERING MATERIAL ON BOTH MY 1994 MB E500'S HAS DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORTS BETWEEN WIRES, ENGINE MISS-FIRING, HABITUAL "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEING ON, ETC. HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE MB MECHANICS AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 1991 --> 1996 MB'S. OBVIOUSLY THE WIRE COVERING MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AS THIS HARNESS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. MB AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD PROVIDE REPLACEMENT HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASES THEIR AUTOMOBILES. FOR MB TO RESPOND THAT THIS CONDITION IS NORM…

Look up ODI 10206785 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10216864

THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR

Look up ODI 10216864 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

426.7%
ODI 10158452 · 81,872 mi

UPPER ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IN MY 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E (81,000 MILES) HAS COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. THE INSULATION HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKED AND FLAKED OF THE HARNESS CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTS WITHIN THE IGNITION SYSTEM CAUSING FAILURE TO START OR RUN CONDITIONS. THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON SITUATION WITH THE W124 CHASSIS CARS. SINCE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM I FEEL THAT MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA IS OBLIGATED TO INITIATE A RECALL OR VOLUNTARILY REPLACE THIS KNOWN FAULTY ITEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10158452 at NHTSA ↗

313.6%
ODI 10167967

1993 MERCEDES 500E WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE *TS THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION MODULE HAS CUT SPARK TO HALF THE CYLINDERS IN THE ENGINE. *NM

Look up ODI 10167967 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗

450.0%
ODI 10216864

THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR

Look up ODI 10216864 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.

111.1%
ODI 10453566 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE INSERTED IN THE IGNITION BUT COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Look up ODI 10453566 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10111549 · 24,000 mi

WHILE PARKED THE BATTERY DIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *NM

Look up ODI 10111549 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10000365 · 100,000 mi

FAULTY WIRING IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER.

Look up ODI 10000365 at NHTSA ↗

522.7%
ODI 10130247

MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS DEFECT.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *JB UPDATED 08/22/06. *JB UPDATED 12/07/15.*JB

Look up ODI 10130247 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 10138922 · 130,000 mi

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10137365 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD DETAILS: INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING CRUMBLES TO DUST, RESULTING IN SHORTS, DAMAGED ELECTRONICS, ENGINE STALLING, ABS FAILURE, ETC. IT APPEARS MBZ USED DEFECTIVE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESSES. IN ALL LOCATIONS THAT ARE EXPOSED TO HIGHER THAN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE THE INSULATION CRUMBLES TO DUST. . DEALER SAYS 'ITS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 92-95 MODEL YEARS'. REPLACEMENT HARNESSES COST OVER …

Look up ODI 10138922 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 10025163 · 80,455 mi

POSSIBLE ODOMETER TAMPERING. *AK

Look up ODI 10025163 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 605794

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY.

Look up ODI 605794 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 608988

CLOCK FAILED. *YC

Look up ODI 608988 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 607264

ASHTRAY FAILED. *YC

Look up ODI 607264 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10124695

2000 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 HAD THE HOOD LINERS REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 5 YEARS.*MR THE FIRST HOOD LINER BECAME BRITTLE AND DISINTEGRATED. THE SECOND HOOD LINER BECAME POWDERY AND LITERALLY FELL APART LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER INSTALLATION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE HEAD LINER WAS CONSIDERED WEAR AND TEAR. *JB

Look up ODI 10124695 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 530522

ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATING REQUIRING REPAIRS.

Look up ODI 530522 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.

225.0%
ODI 607490

AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR FAILED. *YC

Look up ODI 607490 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 546554

A HOSE IS MISSING FROM AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAUSING SYSTEM TO BLOW WARM AIR, IT NEVER GETS COLD. *YC

Look up ODI 546554 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 551702

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER. YH

Look up ODI 551702 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 8020396

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVNG THE VEHICLE SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHICH CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOYED AT 200 MPH CAUSING A LOT OF PHYSICAL THE DAMAGE ON THE CONSUMER. MR

Look up ODI 8020396 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 10200980

MY 500E SEDAN WAS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC THROTTLE CONTROL AND INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE DRIVING, THUS PLACING ME AT RISK OF NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR AN EXAMINATION OF BOTH THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE-BODY SHOWED DISINTEGRATION OF THE WIRES PROTECTIVE INSULATION. BOTH ITEMS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROX. $1,900.

Look up ODI 10200980 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 10312384 · 79,000 mi

ON FEB 18, I DROVE MY MB S500, 1995 WITH MY FAMILY ON ORANGE HIGHWAY 5 AT 70M/H AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS ALMOST GET HIT BY THE TRUCK IN MY BACK. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STILL WORKED BUT WITH A RED SIGNAL "CHECK THE ENGINE". I DROVE TO THE NEARBY MB REPAIR STORE AND IT IS A PROBLEM CALLED " ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" DEFECT. THE PROBLEM ALMOST GET ME AND BROTHER KILLED. I AM STILL TERRIFIED. *TR

Look up ODI 10312384 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10457368

WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR SHAKES AND THEN EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN, DUE TO A HARNESS PROBLEM. DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM THE SPEED OF THE CAR IT STARTS TO SLOWS DOWN BEFORE THE ENGINE DIES OUT AND WHEN I TRY TO CLOSE OR OPEN THE WINDOW IT WOULD DO IT SLOWLY, NOT AT NORMAL SPEED. ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM, THERE'S A MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE. *TR

Look up ODI 10457368 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

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.

112.5%
ODI 807179

BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT AND WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS ON THEY ARE VERY LOOSE. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT HOLD CONSUMER IN THE SEAT IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BOTH BUT STILL HAVNG THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 807179 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.

228.6%
ODI 10002755 · 71,000 mi

SEAT BELT PROBLEM WITH 1999 MERCEDES S500. SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ TECHNICAL SUPPORT (TWICE) TO ASK IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEIR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEAT BELT FAILURE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN MERCEDES BENZ ONLY, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY REPLACE MANY SEAT BELTS. LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO DINNER WITH FRIENDS WHO WERE DRIVING A 1994 SE MERCEDES - WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BEL…

Look up ODI 10002755 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood91,750–133,974 mi100,000 mi14
ODI 10138286 · 95,000 mi

UPPER ENGINE WIRE HARNESS FAILURE - ERRATIC IDLE, POWER LOSS, RF NOISE EXCESSIVE, INCONSISTENT ECU FAULT CODES. REPLACED HARNESS AND ALL DEFECTS NO LONGER OCCURRED. *NM

Look up ODI 10138286 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10156868 · 132,000 mi

UPPER AND LOWER ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEGRADED TO POINT WHERE CAR WOULD NOT RUN. INSULATION ALL DRIED UP AND CRUMBLED AWAY...I UNDERSTAND MANY 500E OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM...MERCEDES ACKNOWLEDGES USING INFERIOR 'BIO-DEGRADABLE' MATERIALS. *JB

Look up ODI 10156868 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10157480 · 132,500 mi

THE ENGINE / FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1992 MERCEDES-BENZ 500 SEL WAS REPLACED ONCE AND NOW HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT, I MIGHT ADD, THIS NEW HARNESS IS "SUPPOSED" TO BE THE NEW AND IMPROVED UPGRADED VERSION. IT DOES HAVE A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER THAN THE ORIGINAL. THE WIRES ARE ALL EXPOSED BECAUSE OF THE CRACKED INSULATION. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A RARE WIRE, ALL OF THEM ARE CRACKED AND DAMAGED AND EXPOSED!!! BECAUSE OF THE OUTSIDE RUBBER CASING WHICH HOLDS ALL OF THE WIRES, I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM UNTIL IT…

Look up ODI 10157480 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System81,872–163,000 mi116,000 mi13
ODI 10158452 · 81,872 mi

UPPER ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IN MY 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E (81,000 MILES) HAS COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. THE INSULATION HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKED AND FLAKED OF THE HARNESS CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORTS WITHIN THE IGNITION SYSTEM CAUSING FAILURE TO START OR RUN CONDITIONS. THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON SITUATION WITH THE W124 CHASSIS CARS. SINCE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM I FEEL THAT MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA IS OBLIGATED TO INITIATE A RECALL OR VOLUNTARILY REPLACE THIS KNOWN FAULTY ITEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10158452 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10233263 · 99,000 mi

ENGINE CUTTING OUT . ALL WIRES IN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND ELECTRIC CABLE CRACKED AND EXPOSED. *TR

Look up ODI 10233263 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10240051 · 171,600 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING. *TR

Look up ODI 10240051 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring87,000–169,394 mi130,000 mi7
ODI 10000365 · 100,000 mi

FAULTY WIRING IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER.

Look up ODI 10000365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136633 · 70,000 mi

1993 MERCEDES BENZ 500E - STALLS, ROUGH IDLE AND HESITATION. THE CAR DUE TO WIRING DEFECT SHUTS DOWN DURING DRIVING ACTIVITIES IE. PULLING INTO TRAFFIC AND ALMOST IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS WAS REPORTED TO MERCEDES USA AND REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP, THEY STATED UNAWARE OF PROBLEM BUT WOULD REPLACE FOR $1200. PER CLUBS AND USER GROUPS (WWW.500ECSTASY.COM) ALL OWNERS HAVE REPLACED OR EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEMS. *JB

Look up ODI 10136633 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10158632 · 74,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEGRADED AND STARTED BECOMING BRITTLE RESULTING IN WARNING LIGHTS, FAILED WATER TEMPERATURE SENSING AND ULTIMATELY POOR RUNNING OF ENGINE AND WIRING HARNESS CRUMBLING. *NM

Look up ODI 10158632 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range55,728 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10025163 · 80,455 mi

POSSIBLE ODOMETER TAMPERING. *AK

Look up ODI 10025163 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range79,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10312384 · 79,000 mi

ON FEB 18, I DROVE MY MB S500, 1995 WITH MY FAMILY ON ORANGE HIGHWAY 5 AT 70M/H AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS ALMOST GET HIT BY THE TRUCK IN MY BACK. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STILL WORKED BUT WITH A RED SIGNAL "CHECK THE ENGINE". I DROVE TO THE NEARBY MB REPAIR STORE AND IT IS A PROBLEM CALLED " ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" DEFECT. THE PROBLEM ALMOST GET ME AND BROTHER KILLED. I AM STILL TERRIFIED. *TR

Look up ODI 10312384 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:RetractorToo few reports for a range66,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10002755 · 71,000 mi

SEAT BELT PROBLEM WITH 1999 MERCEDES S500. SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ TECHNICAL SUPPORT (TWICE) TO ASK IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SEAT BELTS. THEIR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT SEAT BELT FAILURE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN MERCEDES BENZ ONLY, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY REPLACE MANY SEAT BELTS. LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO DINNER WITH FRIENDS WHO WERE DRIVING A 1994 SE MERCEDES - WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BEL…

Look up ODI 10002755 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10051812 · 62,000 mi

THE DRIVER'S SIDE BELT RETRACTOR WAS NOT WORKING. THE PART WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $425.00. THE DEALER INDICATED, THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK *SC

Look up ODI 10051812 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2000: 3 complaints · 2003: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000013
2003045
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2000603
2003911

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

Components reported together

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

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodElectrical SystemElectrical System:WiringUnknown Or OtherEquipment:Appliance:Air ConditionerAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts:Front:Retractor
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood—
1
ODI 10216864

THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR

Look up ODI 10216864 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10206785 · 140,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COVERING MATERIAL ON BOTH MY 1994 MB E500'S HAS DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORTS BETWEEN WIRES, ENGINE MISS-FIRING, HABITUAL "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEING ON, ETC. HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE MB MECHANICS AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 1991 --> 1996 MB'S. OBVIOUSLY THE WIRE COVERING MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AS THIS HARNESS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. MB AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD PROVIDE REPLACEMENT HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASES THEIR AUTOMOBILES. FOR MB TO RESPOND THAT THIS CONDITION IS NORM…

Look up ODI 10206785 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Electrical System
1
ODI 10216864

THE ENGINE/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 S500 MERCEDES-BENZ HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT. WIRES ARE EXPOSED. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE COST IS OVERWHELMING TO REPAIR. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT MUCH IN OTHER UNNECESSARILY REPAIRS. MERC-BENZ SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH POOR MATERIALS. *TR

Look up ODI 10216864 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10312384 · 79,000 mi

ON FEB 18, I DROVE MY MB S500, 1995 WITH MY FAMILY ON ORANGE HIGHWAY 5 AT 70M/H AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS ALMOST GET HIT BY THE TRUCK IN MY BACK. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STILL WORKED BUT WITH A RED SIGNAL "CHECK THE ENGINE". I DROVE TO THE NEARBY MB REPAIR STORE AND IT IS A PROBLEM CALLED " ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" DEFECT. THE PROBLEM ALMOST GET ME AND BROTHER KILLED. I AM STILL TERRIFIED. *TR

Look up ODI 10312384 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System:Wiring
1
ODI 10206785 · 140,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COVERING MATERIAL ON BOTH MY 1994 MB E500'S HAS DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORTS BETWEEN WIRES, ENGINE MISS-FIRING, HABITUAL "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEING ON, ETC. HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE MB MECHANICS AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 1991 --> 1996 MB'S. OBVIOUSLY THE WIRE COVERING MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AS THIS HARNESS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. MB AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD PROVIDE REPLACEMENT HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASES THEIR AUTOMOBILES. FOR MB TO RESPOND THAT THIS CONDITION IS NORM…

Look up ODI 10206785 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Unknown Or Other0
1
ODI 10048557 · 31,000 mi

COMPLAINT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL FRAUD AND HARASSMENT PRACTICES INVOLVING MERCEDES BENZ.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT STARTED TO ODOMETER AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD MY A MERCEDES BENZ MECHANIC THAT THE ODOMETER PROBLEM COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SWITCH WAS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED MAKING THEM AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS. *JB *NM

Look up ODI 10048557 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner0000—000
Air Bags:Frontal00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling0
1
ODI 10312384 · 79,000 mi

ON FEB 18, I DROVE MY MB S500, 1995 WITH MY FAMILY ON ORANGE HIGHWAY 5 AT 70M/H AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS ALMOST GET HIT BY THE TRUCK IN MY BACK. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STILL WORKED BUT WITH A RED SIGNAL "CHECK THE ENGINE". I DROVE TO THE NEARBY MB REPAIR STORE AND IT IS A PROBLEM CALLED " ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" DEFECT. THE PROBLEM ALMOST GET ME AND BROTHER KILLED. I AM STILL TERRIFIED. *TR

Look up ODI 10312384 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor0000000—

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.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

15 mentions · 15.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 123,000 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10000365 · 100,000 mi

FAULTY WIRING IN THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISENTIGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER.

Look up ODI 10000365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136413

CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, DROVE HOME AT VERY REDUCED SPEED. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, A COMMON DEFECT ON THIS MODEL CAR 1992 MERCEDES BENZ 500E. *JB

Look up ODI 10136413 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10182063

WIRE INSULATION ON MY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS DISINTEGRATED EXPOSING THE INTERNAL WIRING COMPLETELY, ESPECIALLY IN BENT AREAS. THIS IS A RESULT OF NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. AS THIS HAPPENS THE ENGINE RUNS WORSE, PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED INCLUDE SURGING IN IDLE, STUMBLING OF ENGINE UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION AND STALLING OR RUNNING ENGINE. THE ONLY COURSE OF ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS WITH A "NEWLY" PURCHASED HARNESS FROM MERCEDES BENZ. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT IDEA IS I WILL BE PURCHASING A WIRING HARNESS MANUFACTURED DURI…

Look up ODI 10182063 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 175,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 816828

WHILE DRIVING, THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN SEPARATED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATED RESERVOIR FOR POWER STEERING DISCONNECTED, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.*JB

Look up ODI 816828 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10211224 · 175,000 mi

" EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ENGINE WIRE HARNESS " I BELIEVE THE FAULTY WIRE HARNESS COATING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM 1991 TO 1996 BY MERCEDES BENZ. THE PLASTIC COATING THAT PROTECT THE WIRES FROM TOUCHING AS THEY GO TO EIGHT FUEL INJECTORS, COMPLETELY DISSOLVE IN MANY AREAS.....CAUSING A MULTITUDE OF EVENTS: 1) SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE 2) ENGINE FIRES 3) EXTREME LOSS OF POWER, CAUSING CAR TO JERK INTENSELY WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT MAKING IT "ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE" TO CONTROL CAR. I HAVE REPLACED THE "ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" ONCE, & NOW…

Look up ODI 10211224 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 107,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10158632 · 74,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEGRADED AND STARTED BECOMING BRITTLE RESULTING IN WARNING LIGHTS, FAILED WATER TEMPERATURE SENSING AND ULTIMATELY POOR RUNNING OF ENGINE AND WIRING HARNESS CRUMBLING. *NM

Look up ODI 10158632 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10206785 · 140,000 mi

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COVERING MATERIAL ON BOTH MY 1994 MB E500'S HAS DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORTS BETWEEN WIRES, ENGINE MISS-FIRING, HABITUAL "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT BEING ON, ETC. HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE MB MECHANICS AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 1991 --> 1996 MB'S. OBVIOUSLY THE WIRE COVERING MATERIAL IS DEFECTIVE AS THIS HARNESS SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. MB AT THE VERY LEAST SHOULD PROVIDE REPLACEMENT HARNESSES AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASES THEIR AUTOMOBILES. FOR MB TO RESPOND THAT THIS CONDITION IS NORM…

Look up ODI 10206785 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 707358

REPEATED TIME ENGINE WON'T START NO POWER FOURTH TIME @ DEALERSHIP SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 707358 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 523016

ABS BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN BRAKES FADING/EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS. *AK

Look up ODI 523016 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10595308 · 66,000 mi

IN JUNE 2012 THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION AND WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED A NEW GAS CAP. WE GOT A GAS CAP AND IT PASSED INSPECTION. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FILLED COMPLETELY. IF WE ONLY FILL THE GAS TANK ABOUT 3/4 OR LESS, THERE IS NO GAS SMELL. WE RECENTLY HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD US THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A SEAL/CAP IN AN OVERFILL TANK UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS LOOSE. WE REPLACED THE GAS CAP AGAIN AND THE CAP TO THE OVERFILL TANK WAS TIGHTENED. WE FILLED THE TANK FULL …

Look up ODI 10595308 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 175,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10211224 · 175,000 mi

" EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ENGINE WIRE HARNESS " I BELIEVE THE FAULTY WIRE HARNESS COATING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM 1991 TO 1996 BY MERCEDES BENZ. THE PLASTIC COATING THAT PROTECT THE WIRES FROM TOUCHING AS THEY GO TO EIGHT FUEL INJECTORS, COMPLETELY DISSOLVE IN MANY AREAS.....CAUSING A MULTITUDE OF EVENTS: 1) SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE 2) ENGINE FIRES 3) EXTREME LOSS OF POWER, CAUSING CAR TO JERK INTENSELY WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING IN AND OUT MAKING IT "ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE" TO CONTROL CAR. I HAVE REPLACED THE "ENGINE WIRE HARNESS" ONCE, & NOW…

Look up ODI 10211224 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b