U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz C220 engine problems

22 complaint narratives mention engine terms.

Key facts

110 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

144,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 to 1998 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 67 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Engine operation evidence

22 of 110 complaints match this topic (20.0%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10058951 · 2004-02-25 (February 25, 2004)

BRITTLE, DEFECTIVE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS CAUSING STALLING/LOSING POWER AT SPEED, HIGH EMISSIONS AND ENGINE FIRES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 14,760 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058951 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10229382 · 2008-05-31 (May 31, 2008)

AS I HAVE BEEN READING, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, YET NO RECALL HAS HAPPENED. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISINTEGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXHIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE AND FIRE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 140,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10229382 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10660399 · 2014-11-23 (November 23, 2014)

ENGINE HARNESS CRUMBLING/FALLING APART CAUSING CAR TO STALL ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 167,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10660399 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8009501 · 2002-05-09 (May 9, 2002)

VEHICLE STALLS MOSTLY WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AROUND 40 MPH. DEALER HAS REPLACED COMPUTER AND RELAY TO FUEL PUMP/ FUEL PUMP. AND VARIOUS OTHER PARTS. HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8009501 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10055336 · 2004-01-20 (January 20, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10055336 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

60.9%Usable mileage67 / 110 records

90.0%Valid incident date99 / 110 records

100.0%Valid filing date110 / 110 records

90.0%Ordered incident and filing dates99 / 110 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	1998
Electrical System	729.2% ODI 10151271 MY CAR BEGAN TO SUFFER ELECTRICAL AND OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS. OVER THE COURSE OF A MONTH, MY CAR WAS AT THE MECHANIC ALMOST EVERY DAY WITH ODD NEW PROBLEMS. MY WORST FEAR HAD COME TRUE, AS MY MECHANIC HAD WARNED ME. MY CAR'S WIRE HARNESS HAD BEGAN TO FALL APART, EVEN SIMPLY TOUCHING IS WOULD CAUSE IT TO DISINTERGRATED WHICH CAUSED MANY PROBLEMS FOR MY CAR. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME FOR THE EARLY 90S TO 95 MODEL YEARS THEY HAVE CHANGED MANY OF THE WIRE HARNESS ON THESE CAR'S. I CONTACTED MERCEDES WANTING TO WORK OUT A DEAL FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE WIRE HARNE… Look up ODI 10151271 at NHTSA ↗	1732.1% ODI 10205279 · 58,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C220. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, LUNGED, THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED TWICE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE MERCEDES MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DISINTEGRATING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. Look up ODI 10205279 at NHTSA ↗	1032.3% ODI 10237559 · 138,000 mi CAR SURGES, STALLS, IDLES ROUGH, AND ALSO REVS AT ABOUT 4000 RPM. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP, WAS TOLD ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS DETERIORATING CAUSING THESE PROBLEMS AND ALSO OTHER PROBLEMS. MECHANIC STATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR EARLY 90S MERCEDES. WIRING HARNESS COST $1,198.75. HAVE NOT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *TR Look up ODI 10237559 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring	625.0% ODI 10058951 · 14,760 mi BRITTLE, DEFECTIVE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS CAUSING STALLING/LOSING POWER AT SPEED, HIGH EMISSIONS AND ENGINE FIRES. *AK Look up ODI 10058951 at NHTSA ↗	713.2% ODI 10026838 · 50,000 mi THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. INSULATION ON THE WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS PEELED OFF WHICH CAUSED A SHORTAGE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS. AK NM Look up ODI 10026838 at NHTSA ↗	516.1% ODI 10049352 · 74,250 mi WIRING HARNESS ON A 1996 MERCEDES C220 WITH 74,000 MILES INTERMITTENTLY FAILING, AND CAUSING CAR TO STALL ON FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS. THIS IS PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER, AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS. MERCEDES DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A PROBLEM, THERE ARE NUMEROUS WEBSITES DEDICATED TO THIS ISSUE, HUNDREDS OF CASES, AND NO RESPONSE. THIS PART WHICH SHOULD OUTLAST THE CAR, IS FAILING ON CARS WITH LESS THAN 100,000. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR! I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY... AND GET ME INT… Look up ODI 10049352 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	416.7% ODI 10173517 · 148,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF COMMUNICATION FROM THROTTLE SENSOR. *JB Look up ODI 10173517 at NHTSA ↗	611.3% ODI 10124113 · 144,000 mi FAULTY ENGINE WIRE INSULATION Look up ODI 10124113 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10188473 · 169,000 mi 1996 MERCEDES C220 - WIRING HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF THE CAR NO LONGER RUNNING, BUT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $1080 JUST FOR THE 30 FEET OF WIRING HARNESS TO REPLACE IT - NOT TO MENTION LABOR CHARGES. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JUST FLOODED OUT, STARTED SMOKING, AND QUIT. NOW IT WILL START THEN IMMEDIATELY DIE. MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE INSIDE OF NUMEROUS ENGINE WIRING CHANNELS WHERE EXPOSED COPPER WIRES LAY NEXT TO EACH OTHER WITH CRUMBLY DRY-ROT LOOKING RUBBER MATERIAL WHICH USED TO BE INSULATION. THIS CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY TA… Look up ODI 10188473 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	520.8% ODI 10203668 · 150,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ C220. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STICKING WHEN RELEASED AND DOES NOT CLOSE ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. HE WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY CONTROL HIS SPEED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS NOT BEING PROPERLY LUBRICATED. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V091000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. Look up ODI 10203668 at NHTSA ↗	47.5% ODI 10023624 · 168,131 mi SUDDEN ACCELERATION. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *JB Look up ODI 10023624 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. *TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	14.2% ODI 10187623 · 300,000 mi WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED, SAID TO BE MADE OF CORNSTARCH IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH GERMAN GOVERNMENT MANDATE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERMOSTAT IN HIS VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING WARM ENOUGH WHICH THEN INCREASED THE VEHICLES ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WOULD ONLY HAPPEN IN THE WINTER. UPDATED 02/22/11 Look up ODI 10187623 at NHTSA ↗	59.4% ODI 10055336 WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. *AK Look up ODI 10055336 at NHTSA ↗	39.7% ODI 10246033 THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO START (DOESN'T FIRE IMMEDIATELY), THE IDLE SPEED RACES HIGHER AND LOWER WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. THE CAR LOOSES POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. *TR Look up ODI 10246033 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	14.2% ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗	23.8% ODI 10795183 · 160,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C220. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE HER. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE FUEL LINE DUE TO A LEAK. THERE WERE ALSO REPAIRS MADE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE C… Look up ODI 10795183 at NHTSA ↗	412.9% ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. *TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	14.2% ODI 10760234 · 166,000 mi DRIVING IN TRAFFIC EACH TIME THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. CUT OFF SHORTLY WHILE DRIVING. HAD 2 USE FOOT ON GAS,BRAKE TO GIVE CAR A WAY TO MOVE ON. FORCE MOVE. PUTTING AWFUL, JERK LIKE ALSO, DOG HIT DASH BOARD CUT RIGHT SIDE OF TONGUE.WHEN PARK AFTER INCIDENTS 3 TIMES. CAR WOULD SET, START ABOUT 15-30 MINS START ALL OVER AGAIN. HAD TO TOW HOME. BATTERY GO DEAD AFTER SET, THEN AT TIMES START WITHOUT CHARGE AT TIMES. AFRAID TO DRIVE TO SHOP AND PAY TOO MUCH FOR MECHANIC. HAD IT IN TRANNY SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. SAID NOTHING FOUND.WITHOUT TRANSPORTAT… Look up ODI 10760234 at NHTSA ↗	35.7% ODI 10572721 · 191,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS ABOUT THESE FAULTY WIRING HARNESSES AND REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS. THESE FAULTS PLACE THE OWNER AND OTHERS AT RISK AS THEY CAN CAUSE SHORTS, A POOR RUNNING CAR WITH SHORTING ISSUES, OR EVEN CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD BE HAPPY IF MERCEDES WOULD JUST GIVE US A NEW WIRING HARNESS, I WOULD INSTALL IT MYSELF AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE LOST ANYTHING. *TR Look up ODI 10572721 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. *TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	35.7% ODI 747726 C220 WAS PROCEEDING NORTH WHEN STRUCK IN THE CENTER FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT BY A SECOND VEHICLE MOVING SOUTH. SECOND VEHICLE WAS PROCEEDING EAST WHEN STRUCK BY THIRD VEHICLE WHICH PROPELLED SECOND VEHICLE INTO C220. ESTIMATED SPEEDS OF OTHER VEHICLES WERE: 2ND = 40 MPH AND 3RD = 50 MPH. IN THE C220 THE DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID DEPLOY. THE AIRBAGS ON THE OTHER VEHICLES DEPLOYED. IS THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FOR THE C220 CORRECT?*AK Look up ODI 747726 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 558518 DURING VEHICLE FRONT END COLLISION THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS WHICH RESULTED IN INJURY TO THE CONSUMER (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER). *MJS Look up ODI 558518 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	83,664–165,570 mi	150,000 mi	26	ODI 10229382 · 140,000 mi AS I HAVE BEEN READING, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, YET NO RECALL HAS HAPPENED. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DISINTEGRATING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN AGE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO EXHIBIT STALLING ISSUES AND ROUGH RUNNING, ALSO FAULT CODES ARE PRODUCED ON THE CAR COMPUTER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE AND FIRE. TR Look up ODI 10229382 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10233236 · 160,000 mi IT ALL STARTED WHEN I WAS WARMING UP THE CAR BEFORE WORK AND I WENT BACK INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR HAD SHUT OFF. LATER AT A STOP LIGHT THE CARS ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN. I'M AT FEAR WHEN EVER I STOP THAT THE CAR MAY CUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN RESET IT CAME BACK ON. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS IS DETERIORATING INSIDE. THE MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN SHOWED IT TO ME. THE COST TO REPAIR THE ENGINE HARNESS, I WAS QUOTED AND ESTIMATE OF $1700.00 MAYBE I WAS TOLD. TR Look up ODI 10233236 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10399870 · 194,000 mi MY C-220 BEGAN TO BE HARD TO START. IT ALSO HAD A NOISE OF RUNNING HARD. THEN IT STARTED SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAD IT CHECK OUT AND THE WIRES OF THE FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS JUST BEGAN TO CRUMBLE. *TR Look up ODI 10399870 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	77,748–155,500 mi	96,000 mi	15	ODI 10058951 · 14,760 mi BRITTLE, DEFECTIVE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS CAUSING STALLING/LOSING POWER AT SPEED, HIGH EMISSIONS AND ENGINE FIRES. AK Look up ODI 10058951 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10100973 · 77,496 mi WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT, PARASITIC DRAIN OF OUR NEW ( LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD) BATTERY WITHIN A 12 HOUR WINDOW. IF WE CATCH IT BEFORE THE 12 HOURS, WE _CAN_ START THE C220. IF WE WAIT LONGER THAN 12 HOURS, THE BATTERY IS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE STARTER SELENOID. IT IS ALSO UNABLE TO POWER _ANY_ OF THE VEHICLE SYSTEMS - NO LIGHTS, NO DASH INSTRUMENTATION, NO RADIO, NOTHING WORKS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 ( THREE) TIMES - EACH TIME REQUIRING A JUMP START. MB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS INVOLVED IN THE FIRST 2 (TWO) EPISODES, AND REPLACED THE BA… Look up ODI 10100973 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10173517 · 148,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF COMMUNICATION FROM THROTTLE SENSOR. JB Look up ODI 10173517 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	79,500–158,500 mi	144,000 mi	7	ODI 10173517 · 148,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF COMMUNICATION FROM THROTTLE SENSOR. JB Look up ODI 10173517 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10209154 · 200,000 mi MY 1994 MERCEDES C220 VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STOP RUNNING DURING A 120 MILE TRIP AT 10 PM. DURING COLD WEATHER MY PREGNANT WIFE AND I WERE LUCKY TO HAVE A SIGNAL ON OUR CELL PHONE WE CONTACTED AAA HAD TO WAIT 1 HOUR FINALLY VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE NEXT DAY A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND HE ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO AN INJECTORS WIRE HARNESS THAT LOST INSULATING CAPACITY CAUSING WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER CREATING A CIRCUIT SHORT AND FUEL INJECTORS MALFUNCTION. TR Look up ODI 10209154 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10124113 · 144,000 mi FAULTY ENGINE WIRE INSULATION Look up ODI 10124113 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	129,600–159,066 mi	150,000 mi	7	ODI 10203668 · 150,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ C220. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS STICKING WHEN RELEASED AND DOES NOT CLOSE ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. HE WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY CONTROL HIS SPEED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS NOT BEING PROPERLY LUBRICATED. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V091000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. Look up ODI 10203668 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10235760 · 113,200 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ C220. WHILE DECELERATING FROM 55 MPH AND UNDER, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACTIVATION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS INCREASED THE RISK OF A SERIOUS INJURY AND CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V091000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,200. UPDATED 09/10/08 BF UPDATED 09/10/08. JB Look up ODI 10235760 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	92,000–200,000 mi	157,000 mi	5	ODI 10187623 · 300,000 mi WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED, SAID TO BE MADE OF CORNSTARCH IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH GERMAN GOVERNMENT MANDATE. AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERMOSTAT IN HIS VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING WARM ENOUGH WHICH THEN INCREASED THE VEHICLES ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WOULD ONLY HAPPEN IN THE WINTER. UPDATED 02/22/11 Look up ODI 10187623 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10179324 · 157,000 mi -CAR PERIODICALLY HAS VERY ERRATIC IDLE -LAST TIME CAR WAS ON HIGHWAY, WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAR ENGINE LOST POWER AND I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO GET CAR BACK HOME -NOW AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR. JB Look up ODI 10179324 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10199475 · 92,000 mi THE CAR FREQUENTLY HAS VERY ERRATIC IDLE TO THE ENGINE. IT DIES WHILE WARMING UP AND DIES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD REGARDLESS LOCAL OR FREEWAY. TODAY, (AGAIN!!!) WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE LOST ITS POWER AND ALMOST GOT KILL OVER OTHER CARS. I WAS TOLD BY MECHANICS THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IN MY 1995 MERCEDES C220 WITH 107K MI DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURE WIRE INSULATION WHICH CRACKS AND OPENS UP DURING HOT ENGINE HEAT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CYLINDER MISFIRED DISABLE THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD (CAUSED FREQ… Look up ODI 10199475 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	94,655–150,000 mi	110,000 mi	5	ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10795183 · 160,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C220. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE HER. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE FUEL LINE DUE TO A LEAK. THERE WERE ALSO REPAIRS MADE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE C… Look up ODI 10795183 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. *TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	100,000–166,000 mi	146,000 mi	5	ODI 10760234 · 166,000 mi DRIVING IN TRAFFIC EACH TIME THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. CUT OFF SHORTLY WHILE DRIVING. HAD 2 USE FOOT ON GAS,BRAKE TO GIVE CAR A WAY TO MOVE ON. FORCE MOVE. PUTTING AWFUL, JERK LIKE ALSO, DOG HIT DASH BOARD CUT RIGHT SIDE OF TONGUE.WHEN PARK AFTER INCIDENTS 3 TIMES. CAR WOULD SET, START ABOUT 15-30 MINS START ALL OVER AGAIN. HAD TO TOW HOME. BATTERY GO DEAD AFTER SET, THEN AT TIMES START WITHOUT CHARGE AT TIMES. AFRAID TO DRIVE TO SHOP AND PAY TOO MUCH FOR MECHANIC. HAD IT IN TRANNY SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. SAID NOTHING FOUND.WITHOUT TRANSPORTAT… Look up ODI 10760234 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10572721 · 191,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS ABOUT THESE FAULTY WIRING HARNESSES AND REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS. THESE FAULTS PLACE THE OWNER AND OTHERS AT RISK AS THEY CAN CAUSE SHORTS, A POOR RUNNING CAR WITH SHORTING ISSUES, OR EVEN CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD BE HAPPY IF MERCEDES WOULD JUST GIVE US A NEW WIRING HARNESS, I WOULD INSTALL IT MYSELF AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE LOST ANYTHING. TR Look up ODI 10572721 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10617955 · 100,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C220. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10617955 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

1996: 5 complaints · 1998: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
1996	2	4	5
1998	0	2	2

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
1996	27	4	0
1998	0	2	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	Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	Vehicle Speed Control	Engine And Engine Cooling	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine	Air Bags:Frontal
Electrical System	—	0	0	4 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10572721 · 191,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS ABOUT THESE FAULTY WIRING HARNESSES AND REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS. THESE FAULTS PLACE THE OWNER AND OTHERS AT RISK AS THEY CAN CAUSE SHORTS, A POOR RUNNING CAR WITH SHORTING ISSUES, OR EVEN CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD BE HAPPY IF MERCEDES WOULD JUST GIVE US A NEW WIRING HARNESS, I WOULD INSTALL IT MYSELF AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE LOST ANYTHING. TR Look up ODI 10572721 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System:Wiring	0	—	1 ODI 10173517 · 148,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF COMMUNICATION FROM THROTTLE SENSOR. *JB Look up ODI 10173517 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10187623 · 300,000 mi WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED, SAID TO BE MADE OF CORNSTARCH IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH GERMAN GOVERNMENT MANDATE. AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERMOSTAT IN HIS VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING WARM ENOUGH WHICH THEN INCREASED THE VEHICLES ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WOULD ONLY HAPPEN IN THE WINTER. UPDATED 02/22/11 Look up ODI 10187623 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10179324 · 157,000 mi -CAR PERIODICALLY HAS VERY ERRATIC IDLE -LAST TIME CAR WAS ON HIGHWAY, WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAR ENGINE LOST POWER AND I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO GET CAR BACK HOME -NOW AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR. JB Look up ODI 10179324 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	0	1 ODI 10173517 · 148,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE CONTROL. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF COMMUNICATION FROM THROTTLE SENSOR. *JB Look up ODI 10173517 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	4 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10780157 · 30,000 mi WAS DRIVING ALL GAGES WENT CRAZY STARTED TO BACK FIRE AND DIED ON THE HIGHWAY SO I HAD A FRIEND PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY BACK TO THE SHOP THE SHOP SAID THE WIRING HARESS WAS DEGRADED AND IT COST 2,700 DOLLAR TO FIX THE SAD THING IS THIS CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILE'S Look up ODI 10780157 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. *TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10187623 · 300,000 mi WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATED, SAID TO BE MADE OF CORNSTARCH IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH GERMAN GOVERNMENT MANDATE. AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERMOSTAT IN HIS VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING WARM ENOUGH WHICH THEN INCREASED THE VEHICLES ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WOULD ONLY HAPPEN IN THE WINTER. UPDATED 02/22/11 Look up ODI 10187623 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10179324 · 157,000 mi -CAR PERIODICALLY HAS VERY ERRATIC IDLE -LAST TIME CAR WAS ON HIGHWAY, WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAR ENGINE LOST POWER AND I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO GET CAR BACK HOME -NOW AM AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR. JB Look up ODI 10179324 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10433095 · 200,000 mi THE POORLY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO MANUFACTURES DEFECT OF BIODEGRADABLE SHIELDING ... IT IS THE HARNESS FROM THE E.C.M. TO THE ENGINE... IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED DURING THIS FAILURE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO EITHER THE DRIVER/PASSENGER OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD ... I HAVE OWNED OLDER M.B. AND NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF WIRING IN MY 10+ YEARS OF DRIVING AND REPAIRING THESE KIND OF CARS... THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MBUSA AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT IS DUE TO NON MAINTENANCE THROUGH M.B.… Look up ODI 10433095 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	5 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10510009 · 150,000 mi THE WIRING INSULATION PREMATURELY DISINTEGRATED UNDER NORMAL USE CAUSING THE WIRES IT IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT AND INSULATE, TO SHORT CAUSING MANY PROBLEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10510009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10780157 · 30,000 mi WAS DRIVING ALL GAGES WENT CRAZY STARTED TO BACK FIRE AND DIED ON THE HIGHWAY SO I HAD A FRIEND PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY BACK TO THE SHOP THE SHOP SAID THE WIRING HARESS WAS DEGRADED AND IT COST 2,700 DOLLAR TO FIX THE SAD THING IS THIS CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILE'S Look up ODI 10780157 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	2 ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. *TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine	4 ODI 10572721 · 191,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS ABOUT THESE FAULTY WIRING HARNESSES AND REFUSES TO OWN UP TO THEIR FAULTS. THESE FAULTS PLACE THE OWNER AND OTHERS AT RISK AS THEY CAN CAUSE SHORTS, A POOR RUNNING CAR WITH SHORTING ISSUES, OR EVEN CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD BE HAPPY IF MERCEDES WOULD JUST GIVE US A NEW WIRING HARNESS, I WOULD INSTALL IT MYSELF AND THEY WOULD NOT HAVE LOST ANYTHING. TR Look up ODI 10572721 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10490640 · 146,000 mi WHILE ACCELERATING THE MERCEDES C220 WILL SURGE, STALL AND CUT ENGINE POWER OR "CUT OUT". IDLE IS UNSTABLE. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING. *TR Look up ODI 10490640 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10960172 HIGH VOLTAGE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING GONE. CAR WILL NOT START. IN GARAGE FOUND THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. Look up ODI 10960172 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664150 · 94,655 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS, AND THE IGNITION COIL HARNESS, DEGRADED TO THE POINT THERE ARE INCHES AND INCHES OF BARE WIRES TOUCHING AND SHORTING WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO QUIT. ALL THREE SEPARATE HARNESS WHICH RESIDE WITH OTHER HARNESS WHICH HAVE NOT DEGRADED. THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE FREEWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. REPAIR SHOP WANT $3500 TO CHANGE OUT THE THREE HARNESS WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT COME BACK. *TR Look up ODI 10664150 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Air Bags:Frontal	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

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

25 mentions · 22.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 98,000 mi (22 usable records).

ODI 10058951 · 14,760 mi

BRITTLE, DEFECTIVE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS CAUSING STALLING/LOSING POWER AT SPEED, HIGH EMISSIONS AND ENGINE FIRES. *AK

Look up ODI 10058951 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10209154 · 200,000 mi

MY 1994 MERCEDES C220 VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STOP RUNNING DURING A 120 MILE TRIP AT 10 PM. DURING COLD WEATHER MY PREGNANT WIFE AND I WERE LUCKY TO HAVE A SIGNAL ON OUR CELL PHONE WE CONTACTED AAA HAD TO WAIT 1 HOUR FINALLY VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE NEXT DAY A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND HE ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO AN INJECTORS WIRE HARNESS THAT LOST INSULATING CAPACITY CAUSING WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER CREATING A CIRCUIT SHORT AND FUEL INJECTORS MALFUNCTION. *TR

Look up ODI 10209154 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10229382 · 140,000 mi

Look up ODI 10229382 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 6.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10233236 · 160,000 mi

IT ALL STARTED WHEN I WAS WARMING UP THE CAR BEFORE WORK AND I WENT BACK INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR HAD SHUT OFF. LATER AT A STOP LIGHT THE CARS ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN. I'M AT FEAR WHEN EVER I STOP THAT THE CAR MAY CUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN RESET IT CAME BACK ON. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS IS DETERIORATING INSIDE. THE MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN SHOWED IT TO ME. THE COST TO REPAIR THE ENGINE HARNESS, I WAS QUOTED AND ESTIMATE OF $1700.00 MAYBE I WAS TOLD. *TR

Look up ODI 10233236 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10164673 · 8,200 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DUE TO PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF WIRE INSULATION. GARAGED CAR WOULD START AND RUN NORMALLY FOR SHORT (TEN MINUTE) TRIPS BUT WOULD NOT START UP TO RETURN HOME. STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRIPS PERIODICALLY. STALLING AND SURGING COMMON. INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST MECHANIC DISCOVERED CRUMBLING AND CRACKED WIRE INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. CAR WILL NO LONGER START AT ALL. I HAVE SPENT MUCH TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO FIX WHAT APPEARS NOW TO BE A KNOWN DEFECT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF T…

Look up ODI 10164673 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10206030 · 110,000 mi

MY C220'S WIRING HARNESS IS DISINTEGRATING DAILY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FUEL GAUGE, WATER TEMP., ETC. ALL INTERMITTENT. THE CAR MISSES, AND SOMETIMES LUNGES FROM A SUDDEN HIGH REV. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORST AS THE INSULATION FLAKES OFF, CAUSING SHORTS. *JB

Look up ODI 10206030 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 158,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10760234 · 166,000 mi

DRIVING IN TRAFFIC EACH TIME THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. CUT OFF SHORTLY WHILE DRIVING. HAD 2 USE FOOT ON GAS,BRAKE TO GIVE CAR A WAY TO MOVE ON. FORCE MOVE. PUTTING AWFUL, JERK LIKE ALSO, DOG HIT DASH BOARD CUT RIGHT SIDE OF TONGUE.WHEN PARK AFTER INCIDENTS 3 TIMES. CAR WOULD SET, START ABOUT 15-30 MINS START ALL OVER AGAIN. HAD TO TOW HOME. BATTERY GO DEAD AFTER SET, THEN AT TIMES START WITHOUT CHARGE AT TIMES. AFRAID TO DRIVE TO SHOP AND PAY TOO MUCH FOR MECHANIC. HAD IT IN TRANNY SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. SAID NOTHING FOUND.WITHOUT TRANSPORTAT…

Look up ODI 10760234 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10779764 · 150,000 mi

I STARTED MY CAR AND BEGAN DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHUT DOWN; LIKE THE POWER WAS SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. THEN, LIKE A CHILD FLIPPING THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF, THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK FORWARD AND BACK AS THE POWER AND ENGINE WENT ON AND OFF AGAIN. WHEN I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR DIED. I WAS ABLE TO START IT AND GET HOME BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN WHILE I DROVE HOME AND DIE WHEN I STOPPED. THE NEXT DAY I GOT IT OVER TO THE SHOP. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS. HE SAID THIS IS …

Look up ODI 10779764 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 814954

CONSUMER FELT A JERK IN THE VEHICLE, INSTANTLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN. VEHICLE HIT CONCRETE MEDIUM BARRIER WHILE SPINNING . THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Look up ODI 814954 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 42,848 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10100973 · 77,496 mi

WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT, PARASITIC DRAIN OF OUR NEW ( LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD) BATTERY WITHIN A 12 HOUR WINDOW. IF WE CATCH IT BEFORE THE 12 HOURS, WE _CAN_ START THE C220. IF WE WAIT LONGER THAN 12 HOURS, THE BATTERY IS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE STARTER SELENOID. IT IS ALSO UNABLE TO POWER _ANY_ OF THE VEHICLE SYSTEMS - NO LIGHTS, NO DASH INSTRUMENTATION, NO RADIO, NOTHING WORKS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 ( THREE) TIMES - EACH TIME REQUIRING A JUMP START. MB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS INVOLVED IN THE FIRST 2 (TWO) EPISODES, AND REPLACED THE BA…

Look up ODI 10100973 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10164673 · 8,200 mi

Look up ODI 10164673 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 58,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10205279 · 58,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C220. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, LUNGED, THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED TWICE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE MERCEDES MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DISINTEGRATING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Look up ODI 10205279 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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