U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz E CLASS engine problems

28 complaint narratives mention engine terms.

Key facts

298 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

87,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1992 to 2008 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 215 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Engine operation evidence

28 of 298 complaints match this topic (9.4%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10365668 · 2010-11-15 (November 15, 2010)

RECENTLY MY 53K MILE (VERY LOW MILEAGE) 1993 MERCEDES 300E 2.8 SUDDENLY STALLED (WITHOUT ANY WARNING) ON A LOCAL EXPRESSWAY, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT (THE CAR FROM BEHIND ALMOST HIT ME). AFTER I HIRED A MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK, HE FOUND THAT THE ENGINE STALL WAS CAUSED BY BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS INSTALLED IN THIS CAR (ALSO SEE HTTP://WWW.MERCEDESDEFECTS.COM/2008/04/WIRE-HARNESS-DEFECT.HTML#COMMENT-FORM). I CALLED MERCEDES CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. THIS ENGINE STALL …

Owner-reported narrative. 53,999 miles reported. Look up ODI 10365668 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10074886 · 2004-06-06 (June 6, 2004)

1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 112,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10128437 · 2005-07-12 (July 12, 2005)

1994 E320 HAD INTERMINTENT RUNNING PROBLEMS. CAR WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, ESPECIALLY DURING A RAIN OR AFTER WASHING THE CAR. REPLACED MANY PARTS(MASS AIR METER, TUNE UP, OVP RELAY, FUEL PUMP RELAY, ETC) TO CHASE THE PROBLEM, NONE OF WHICH SOLVED IT. BEGAN TO LOOK ON MERCEDES FORUMS AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. BEFORE I REPLACED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IT BEGAN TO SMOKE HEAVILY FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD AN EXTINGUSIHER WITH ME AND STOPPED IT FROM CATCHING FIRE. MERCEDES COVERED PART OF THE COST UNDER THEIR "GOODWILL" PROGRAM HOW…

Owner-reported narrative. 125,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128437 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10172162 · 2006-10-30 (October 30, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS SCANNER INDICATED A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 95V031000 REGARDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL…

Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172162 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10190976 · 2007-05-16 (May 16, 2007)

FAILURE OF ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL ON FREEWAY.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 110,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10190976 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

72.1%Usable mileage215 / 298 records

95.6%Valid incident date285 / 298 records

100.0%Valid filing date298 / 298 records

95.6%Ordered incident and filing dates285 / 298 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	2003	2004	2005	2006	2008
Electrical System	821.1% ODI 10219827 MERCEDES BENZ E320 YEAR 1994. MECHANIC SAYS I HAVE A DEFECTIVE ENGINE HARNESS. CAR SPARKS AND CAUGHT FIRE ONCE WHEN STARTED. THIS IS BECOMING A VERY COMMON PROBLEMS IN MERCEDES SOLD AROUND THE YEAR 1994. A SAFETY RECALL IS REQUIRED ASAP TO AVOID INJURY AND CONSUMER ROBBERY. *TR Look up ODI 10219827 at NHTSA ↗	628.6% ODI 10246053 · 155,104 mi THE WIRE HARNESS IS CRACKED. A/C COMPRESSOR STOPPED, AND THAT MADE RELAYS BLEW OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10246053 at NHTSA ↗	318.8% ODI 10350841 · 228,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY & LOST POWER, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I ALMOST GOT KILLED, I FINALLY PULLED ON THE SHOULDER& EASED TO SERVICE ROAD & I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT IDLE SPEED, THE A/C WAS RUNNING ALL THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TRIED TO REV ENGINE UP BY MOVING THE CABLE LEVER MANUALLY; THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE IDLE, HAD THE CAR TOWED TO EWING MERCEDES BENZ THEY HAD TO ORDER THE WHOLE ENGINE HARNESS. IT WILL COST ME $1100 OR MORE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THIS WIRING HARNESS IS … Look up ODI 10350841 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.2% ODI 10018552 · 55,500 mi APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES AFTER FIRST STARTING THE CAR FOR THE DAY AND DRIVING 5 OR 6 MILES ON RURAL ROADS, I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT FOR 20 OR 30 SECONDS AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT ON TO THE MAIN HIGHWAY. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE UNTIL I HAD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HALF WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND THEN IT SLOWLY RESPONDED WITH A VERY LOW LEVEL OF POWER. ONCE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY, I HAD TO HOLD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN 50 MILES PER HOUR. SINCE THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE OTHERWISE I ASSU… Look up ODI 10018552 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	823.5% ODI 10003555 · 39,000 mi SMALL AMOUNT OF FLUID SPILLED FROM CUP HOLDER IN 2000 E320 DURING BRAKING. DISABLED THE CAR ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BY DESTROYING ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. CARBECAME STUCK IN 2ND GEAR. WHEN PULLED OFF HIGHWAY AND TRIED TO RESTART, CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK. TOLD BY MB DEALER IN FRESNO, CA THAT EVEN MINUTE AMOUNTS OF LIQUID WILL DISABLE THE CAR IN THIS WAY. CAR DISABLED IN SAME WAY IN MAY 2000 BUT WAS NEVER TOLD BY MB THAT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO MOISTURE OR USING CUP HOLDER. NOT INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN CAR WAS LEASED IN 2000. Look up ODI 10003555 at NHTSA ↗	213.3% ODI 10157340 2001 BENZ E320 WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. TS NAR* THE CONSUMER NOTICED A SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE UNTIL THE VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVABLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW BEARINGS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS AND A NEW LEFT SPINDLE, ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (3 TIMES), FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, OIL LEVEL SENSOR, A/C CONT… Look up ODI 10157340 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10585495 · 102,000 mi I REITERATE ....THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP! MERCEDES BENZ INSTALLED POWER SEAT CONTROLLERS IN THIS CAR THAT FAIL VERY FREQUENTLY. THIS DESIGN FLAW CAUSES THE UNIT TO RUN POWER SEAT COMPONENTS CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, KEY REMOVED AND THE CAR IS LOCKED. WITHIN 2-11 HOURS, THE ACTIVITY OF THIS FAULT SEAT CONTROLLER UNIT DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY! WHEN YOU TRY TO JUMP START THE CAR AS PER MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS, THE PROCESS CAUSES THE REAR LEFT SAM (SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATOR MODULE DRIVER SIDE) TO LOSE PARTI… Look up ODI 10585495 at NHTSA ↗	715.6% ODI 10025906 · 3,800 mi THE 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E500 HAS A FAULTY GATEWAY MODULE AND SOFTWARE. THIS MODULE HAS RESULTED IN PROBLEMS BEING REPORTED IN MY CAR THAT THE BRAKES, SELF RESTRAINT SYSTEM, TELEPHONE SYSTEM, AND TIRE PRESSURE HAVE FAILED. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THE THE SAFTY SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL OR NOT. AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING A CAR THAT SAYS MY SRS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE BEEN IN THE MERCEDES SHOP NO LESS THAN 3 TIMES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. IT SIMPLY RE-OCCURS AFTER EACH REPAIR. *AK Look up ODI 10025906 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 10065011 · 4,000 mi ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 10065011 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10151126 · 5,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 03/28/06. JB Look up ODI 10151126 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10297534 · 21,670 mi MERCEDES BENZ 2006 E350. THE STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL HARNESS IS TO SHORT AND COMES APART DISABLING ALL AIRBAGS. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THE COMPANY WON'T PAY TO CORRECT IT. THE REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE AT $715.00 THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY DEFECT!! *TR Look up ODI 10297534 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	212.5% ODI 10125206 I HAVE A 1996 MERCEDES E300D AND RECENTLY I LEARNED FROM AN INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD ABOUT A SAFETY DEFECT ON THIS CHASSIS INVOLVING THE FRONT SUSPENSION. SPECIFICALLY IT'S THE UPPER SPRING SUPPORT OR PERCH AS SOME PEOPLE CALL IT WHICH CAN RUST AWAY AND BREAK FROM THE SUPPORTING BACK WALL, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RUSTING IS CAUSED BY OR AT LEAST CONTRIBUTED TO BY A POOR-QUALITY SEALANT THAT MERCEDES USES AROUND THAT AREA. AFTER SOME TIME THIS SEALANT LOSES ITS ADHESION OR STARTS TO CRACK, TRAPPING WATER UNDERNEAT… Look up ODI 10125206 at NHTSA ↗	1436.8% ODI 10018982 FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SPRING FLEW OFF CAR WHILE DRIVING AND TOOK A LARGE CHUNK OF THE TIRE WITH IT. *NLM Look up ODI 10018982 at NHTSA ↗	520.8% ODI 10101797 THE TOP SPRING MOUNT BROKE OFF THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A CHECK UP, AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE OTHER RIGHT SPRING NEEDED REPAIRS AS WELL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. AK THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. SC *JB Look up ODI 10101797 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 10162595 · 94,663 mi PURCHASED A USED 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E300 TURBO DIESEL END OF FEB 2006 WITH 92,494 MILES FROM A JAGUAR/LAND ROVER DEALER. TRADED IN A 1985 MERCEDES BENZ 300 TURBO DIESEL. BROUGHT CAR TO THE MECHANIC THAT DOES ALL MY WORK TO HAVE ALL FLUIDS CHANGED AND THE CAR CHECKED. MECHANIC CALLED TO RECOMMEND I NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE LEFT FRONT SPRING CAP WAS REPLACED. I VISITED THE MECHANIC AND VIEWED THE LEFT FRONT SPRING CAP. WHEN THE MECHANIC PUT HIS FINGER ON THE LEFT FRONT SPRING CAP HIS FINGER NAIL CHIPPED OFF FLAKES OF METAL IT WAS ENOUGH T… Look up ODI 10162595 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10224410 · 108,000 mi SPRING PERCH FAILED, CAUSING LEFT FRONT SPRING TO BRAKE AND COLLAPSE ONTO TIRE.. FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10224410 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.
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	1231.6% ODI 10025241 · 40,000 mi THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 IS CRACKED BECAUSE OF THE USE OF POOR WIRING INSULATION CAUSING MY CAR TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. TO RESTART IT, I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, PUT THE SHIFTER GATE TO P, TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY BACK, AND FINALLY RESTART IT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN MANY ACCIDENTS BECUASE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE BENZ TECHS TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT MERCEDES-BENZ REFUSES TO MAKE IT A RECALL. *AK Look up ODI 10025241 at NHTSA ↗	628.6% ODI 10171241 · 216,000 mi DURING ENGINE WORK MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD DEGRADED AND EXPOSED BARE WIRES IN SOME AREAS. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDED FANS RUNNING CONSTANTLY AND INTERMITTENT AC OPERATION. MY RESEARCH INDICATED THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE MERCEDES-BENZ W124 BODY STYLE WIRING HARNESS, INCLUDING ASSOCIATED DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS, SMOKE AND IN SOME CASES FIRES. APPARENTLY THE HARNESS HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO DEGRADE EASILY UPON THE END OF ITS LIFE IN A LANDFILL, BUT THE HARNESSES ARE DEGRADING WHILE … Look up ODI 10171241 at NHTSA ↗	318.8% ODI 10170578 · 110,000 mi ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DISINTEGRATION IN MY 1996 E300D MERCEDES SEDAN. *NM Look up ODI 10170578 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.	16.7% ODI 10067575 · 4,900 mi INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE DISTRONIC RADAR-CONTROLLED CRUISE CONTROL. IN EXTREME WET CONDITIONS THE CAR IN FRONT IS INTERMITTENTLY NOT SEEN BY THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT. THIS FAULT PERSISTS FOR SOME DAYS AFTER THE WET CONDITIONS SUBSIDE. THE CAR'S FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM SOMETIMES DETECTS THIS AS A FAULT, BUT RESETS ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY LEADING TO THE DANGEROUS CONDITION RECURRING RANDOMLY. *AK Look up ODI 10067575 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.
Suspension:Front	12.6% ODI 10268748 · 140,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS WERE CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE STABILIZER BAR WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY IS ONLY VALID IN CANADA AND NOT THE UNITED STATES. THEREFORE, THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HA… Look up ODI 10268748 at NHTSA ↗	14.8% ODI 10247655 · 270,000 mi 1. ERRATIC STEERING. 2.SECOND OCCURRENCE. 3.BEING REPLACED & OLD PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10247655 at NHTSA ↗	425.0% ODI 10121680 RIGHT FRONT SPRING PERCH MOUNT BROKE ON MY 1996 E300D MERCEDES WHILE BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A STOP SIGN CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. VEHICLE GAVE NO FOREWARNING SIGNS, AND HAD IN-FACT JUST BEEN SERVICED WEEK PRIOR. MERCEDES DENIES ANY DEFECT, AND I HAD TO PAY FOR TOWING AND REPAIR COMPLETELY. THANK GOD IT DID NOT OCCUR AT HIGHWAY SPEED! I AM NOW READING THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS OF MERCEDES OWNERS, AND I JUST WANTED TO REPORT MY OWN EXPERIENCE! Look up ODI 10121680 at NHTSA ↗	410.5% ODI 10000808 · 64,000 mi SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO FRONT PASSENGER SUSPENSION COMPONENT AND FRONT FRAME RAIL. RUST HOLE BIG ENOUGH TO PUT A HUMAN FIST INTO. APPROXIMATELY $3000 IN RUST REPAIRS, ON A CAR WITH LESS THAN 67,000 MILES ON IT. *JB Look up ODI 10000808 at NHTSA ↗	28.3% ODI 10159242 · 140,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE FRONT END COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SPRING PERCH FRACTURED. THE SPRING PERCH WAS REPLACED. Look up ODI 10159242 at NHTSA ↗	646.2% ODI 10155942 · 7,500 mi FAIL OF SPRING PERCH ON 1999 MERCEDES E-CLASS DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING PROCESS POSSIBLE RESULTING IN FATAL INJURY. *JB Look up ODI 10155942 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10416902 · 148,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SPRING TOWER HAD FRACTURED. HE ALSO NOTICED CORROSION ON THE SPRING TOWER. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000. Look up ODI 10416902 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10232529 · 53,000 mi FRONT STRUTS FAILED, AIR SUSPENSION (AIR LEAK) AND WHEELS COLLAPSED UP INTO WHEEL WELLS. THE FRONT WHEELS COULD NOT BE TURNED AT ALL; IF TURNED THE TIRES WOULD HAVE RUBBED ON THE WHEEL WELLS RESULTING IN SUDDEN DEFLATION. THIS COLLAPSE OCCURED AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOLLOWING 140 MILES OF INTERSTATE DRIVING. I BELIEVE THE LEAK OCCURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AS THE COMPUTER INDICATED MY MPG HAD DROPPED 2 MPG COMPARED TO EARLIER IN THE DAY. THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. (SENT FROM GERMANY), INDICATING EITHE… Look up ODI 10232529 at NHTSA ↗	12.2% ODI 10344140 · 31,690 mi I OWN A MERCEDES BENZ E-500, 2003, WITH ONLY 31,700 MILES ON IT. ON FRIDAY, JULY 16, I HAD IT SERVICED AT MY LOCAL MB DEALER IN LARCHMONT, NY. ON SUNDAY, JULY 18, AS I STARTED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE, A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING "STOP. CAR TOO LOW". I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY WILL LOOK AT IT BUT, I BELIEVE IT IS A FAILURE OF THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) AIRMATIC SUSPENSION, THE CAR IS OBVIOUSLY OUT OF WARRANTY BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT, AFTER ONLY 31,700 MILES, THAT SUCH A PART CAN FAIL. I'M RATHER HESITANT TO DRIVE IT TO THE D… Look up ODI 10344140 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10281886 · 56,500 mi ON OR ABOUT JUNE 22, 2009, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE 64 WHEN THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE AND THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT SHOCK TO IMMEDIATELY BREAK. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR FELL ONTO THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE MERCEDES DEALER COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CORRESPONDED BY E-MAIL WITH 2 MERCEDES REPRESENTATIVES WHO TOLD ME THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE WA… Look up ODI 10281886 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring	1128.9% ODI 10026308 THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED WHILE CONSUMER WAS MAKING A HIGH SPEED MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL TO ENGAGE. THIS REDUCED THE ENGINE'S POWER TO APPROXIMATELY 20%, SLOWING THE CAR DOWN, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. 1994, MERCEDES BENZ, 320.*AK Look up ODI 10026308 at NHTSA ↗	419.0% ODI 10136061 · 155,000 mi MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS CURRENTLY DETERIORATING CAUSING THE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED TO AN INTENSE AMOUNT OF HEAT. *JB Look up ODI 10136061 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	12.6% ODI 10222207 · 201,000 mi MY MB E300D'S ENGINE WILL CUT OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT STARTED GRADUALLY JUST CUTTING OFF WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION OR WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. FEELING IT WAS ANYTHING FROM FUEL TO COMPUTER PROBLEMS I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THEY ADVISED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND WANTED TO START REPLACING PARTS LIKE RELAYS. THE PROBLEM CAME TO A HEAD WHILE MY WIFE WAS ACCELERATING ON AN INTERSTATE RAMP INTO TRAFFIC RUNNING 70MPH. THE CAR CUT OFF CAUSING NEAR CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS. THIS IS OF COURSE UNACCEPTABLE. MER… Look up ODI 10222207 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	37.9% ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	29.5% ODI 10007091 THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART.*JB Look up ODI 10007091 at NHTSA ↗	16.3% ODI 10042638 1996 MERCEDES-BENZ STALLS OUT.MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. JB *NLM Look up ODI 10042638 at NHTSA ↗	12.6% ODI 8012522 ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN, ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING AND BRAKES WERE LOST WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. SLC Look up ODI 8012522 at NHTSA ↗	312.5% ODI 10050830 · 74,000 mi FAILURE OF HARMONIC CRANKSHAFT BALANCER IN 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E320. *LA Look up ODI 10050830 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	213.3% ODI 10022108 INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 MERCEDES E320. AK THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIR BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE WASHER TUBE CAME OFF AND CAUSED WASHER FLUID TO LEAK. THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED WHICH CAUSED IT TO READ INCORRECTLY. THE HEAD REST MOTOR FAILED. SCC *NLM Look up ODI 10022108 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	36.7% ODI 10038749 MY 2003 E 320 HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES BECAUSE WHEN I COME TO A STOP AT TIMES IT WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL LIGHT UP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE VEHICLE HAS 19,000 MILES ON IT. *PH Look up ODI 10038749 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10151126 · 5,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 03/28/06. JB Look up ODI 10151126 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	511.1% ODI 10468261 · 103,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPEATED THE DEALER'S SENTIMENTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000. Look up ODI 10468261 at NHTSA ↗	320.0% ODI 10467522 · 60,000 mi I CAME OUT TO MY GARAGE ONE MORNING TO FIND A MY CAR WREAKING OF FUEL. I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR AROUND FOR A FEW TO SEE IF IT THE PUNGENT ODOR WOULD GO DISSIPATE ALTOGETHER. DURING THIS TIME, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TO LET HIM DO A QUICK ONCE-OVER BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE DAY. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING ONTO MY EXHAUST. BEING THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE THE TOOLS AND WHATNOT TO REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT, I HAD IT TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ. I WAS NOT GOING TO LET MY GIRLFRIEND DRIVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. NO WAY, NO HOW. SKYLAND AUTOMOTIVE(M… Look up ODI 10467522 at NHTSA ↗	555.6% ODI 10475532 · 40,876 mi I FILLED MY GAS TANK AND THE NEXT DAY I SMELLED GAS BOTH NEAR MY DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL AND INSIDE THE CAR IN THE REAR SEAT AREA. I FILLED THE CAR AS I ALWAYS DID UNTIL CLICK AND I AM SURE NONE SPILLED, AS I AM VERY FUSSY ABOUT MY CAR. I CANNOT PUT THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AS IT FILLS THE GARAGE WITH FUMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW UPON FUELING UP. IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. I HAVE SEEN WHERE OTHERS I KNOW HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL MERCEDES. *TR Look up ODI 10475532 at NHTSA ↗	330.0% ODI 10458202 · 50,000 mi FUEL SMELL WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED UP ...FUEL LEAKING AT TOP OF FUEL TANK ...THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE W211 E CLASS CARS FROM 2003 TO 2009 DEALER WANTS 2000.00 TO REPAIR THIS FLAW IN THE FUEL SYSTEM MERCEDES WILL NOT HELP AT ALL WITH THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10458202 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	37.9% ODI 10155874 · 108,000 mi I NEED A NEW HEAD GASKET TO REPAIR AN OIL LEAK. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING TO THE OIL LEAK HE HAD TO TAKE OFF THE WIRING HARNESS UPON WHICH THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATED IN HIS HAND. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE MB WOULD YOU BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL TO MANUFACTURER AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS $1,000 AND NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW SINCE THE REPAIRING THE EXISTING HARNESS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *JB Look up ODI 10155874 at NHTSA ↗	314.3% ODI 10232360 · 187,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT IT CONTINUED TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. HE ARRIVED HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT IT FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:W… Look up ODI 10232360 at NHTSA ↗	212.5% ODI 10202793 · 125,500 mi ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. AFTER TOWING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS HAD VIRTUALLY DISINTEGRATED. PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR APPROX. $1000. FILING NOW ONLY BECAUSE I JUST FOUND OUT THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES AROUND MY YEAR (1996). *TR Look up ODI 10202793 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.	514.7% ODI 10130400 DT: ON THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED SUDDENLY. THEY PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN CALLED A TOW TRUCK. CONSUMER WAITED 30-45 MINUTES AND THE ENGINE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN MOVED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MILES AND THE IT STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY WERE CURRENTLY LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ON. THERE HAD BEEN NO PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE PRIOR TO THIS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED A MONTH PRIOR, THE CONSUMER HAD SPILLED COFFEE IN THE GEAR SHIFTER.*AK Look up ODI 10130400 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.	16.7% ODI 10111089 · 14,500 mi TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK POSITION TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. BF THE PLASTIC PIECE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER WAS LOOSE AND THE TIRE WAS RUBBING THE PLASTIC. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK WHICH HAD COME FROM THE PAN IN THE ENGINE. SC WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHANGE THE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE IN THE VEHICLE. Look up ODI 10111089 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.

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	25,835–151,500 mi	90,000 mi	31	ODI 10258838 · 155,000 mi WIRING HARNESS DEFECT / FAILURE, LEADING TO INOPERABLE AND FIRE. TR Look up ODI 10258838 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10365668 · 53,999 mi RECENTLY MY 53K MILE (VERY LOW MILEAGE) 1993 MERCEDES 300E 2.8 SUDDENLY STALLED (WITHOUT ANY WARNING) ON A LOCAL EXPRESSWAY, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT (THE CAR FROM BEHIND ALMOST HIT ME). AFTER I HIRED A MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK, HE FOUND THAT THE ENGINE STALL WAS CAUSED BY BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS INSTALLED IN THIS CAR (ALSO SEE HTTP://WWW.MERCEDESDEFECTS.COM/2008/04/WIRE-HARNESS-DEFECT.HTML#COMMENT-FORM). I CALLED MERCEDES CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. THIS ENGINE STALL … Look up ODI 10365668 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10222079 · 110,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES E320 WAS INVOLVED IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS FAILURE - INSULATION WAS CRACKING AND PEELING OFF AND SHORTED OUT - THIS CAUSED THE THROTTLE BODY AND TRACTION CONTROL TO SHORT OUT THE MAIN COMPUTER OF THE CAR. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS TELLING ME THAT MERCEDES DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL. THIS COST ME OVER $3,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS AND USAGE LOSS. NOW, I AM STILL CHASING MORE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE WIRING HARNESS DEFECTS. TR Look up ODI 10222079 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	80,000–116,250 mi	97,030 mi	20	ODI 10193470 · 125,000 mi I STOPPED THE CAR A FEW MINUTS AGO WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING PERCH BROKE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT DRIVING OTHERWISE I COULD POSSIBLY INJURED OR DEAD. AK Look up ODI 10193470 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10037983 · 93,000 mi FAX FM TOM AND HELEN SILVER (NJ) RE THE DEFECTIVE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ON THEIR 1997 E 420 MERECEDES BENZ. MR WHILE THE VEHICLE SAT IDLING, THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING DETACHED (PROBABLE PARTIAL DETACHMENT) FROM ITS WELDED POSITION AND CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT ABILITY TO SUPPORT THAT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS ABOUT TO GIVE AWAY. (E 420) SCC JB Look up ODI 10037983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10043901 · 90,000 mi I AM A MERCEDES BENZ TECHNICIAN OF 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND HAVE BECOME AWARE OF AN OUTRAGEOUSLY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION. ON CERTAIN MODELS OF MERCEDES BENZ "210" BODIES THE SUPPORT THAT HOLDS THE UPPER PORTION OF THE COIL SPRING IN PLACE IS RUSTING OFF OF THE FRAME. IF IT BREAKS ALL OF THE WAY THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION WILL COLLAPSE. IT IS ONLY HAPPENING TO THE RIGHT FROM AND NOT THE LEFT BELIEF IS AN IMPROPER WELD OR DEFECTIVE METAL IN THE MOUNT ITSELF. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT EFFECTS 96-98 CARS SO FAR. THE… Look up ODI 10043901 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	102,000–144,450 mi	118,500 mi	22	ODI 10005860 · 75,000 mi MY 1993 300CE WIRING HARNESS HAS TOTALLY DRIED UP AND CRACKED IN NUMEROUS PLACES. RESULTING IN INTERNITTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND WASTED DOLLARS SPENT ON TROUBLE SHOOTING. Look up ODI 10005860 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10056735 · 131,050 mi WIRING HARNESS: UNDER HOOD TOP OF MOTOR FAILED. SHEATHING HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND INDIVIDUAL WIRING STRANDS HAVE MELTED TOGETHER. VEHICLE QUIT RUNNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. BURNT WIRE COULD BE SMELLED WHEN HOOD WAS RAISED.AK Look up ODI 10056735 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10025241 · 40,000 mi THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 IS CRACKED BECAUSE OF THE USE OF POOR WIRING INSULATION CAUSING MY CAR TO DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. TO RESTART IT, I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, PUT THE SHIFTER GATE TO P, TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY BACK, AND FINALLY RESTART IT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR, I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN MANY ACCIDENTS BECUASE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE BENZ TECHS TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT MERCEDES-BENZ REFUSES TO MAKE IT A RECALL. AK Look up ODI 10025241 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front	77,000–140,000 mi	103,460 mi	19	ODI 10268748 · 140,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS WERE CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE STABILIZER BAR WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY IS ONLY VALID IN CANADA AND NOT THE UNITED STATES. THEREFORE, THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HA… Look up ODI 10268748 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247655 · 270,000 mi 1. ERRATIC STEERING. 2.SECOND OCCURRENCE. 3.BEING REPLACED & OLD PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. TR Look up ODI 10247655 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10162031 · 208,000 mi THE SPRING RIGHT UPPER SPRING MOUNT ON MY 1996 MB E300 RUSTED THROUGH. THE CAR DROPPER AND I HIT THE STREET, RUINED MY RADIATOR, AND THE TOTAL REPAIR COSTS ARE GREATER THAN $4000 (VERBAL ESTIMATE). I REPORTED THIS TO MERCEDES BENZ NA AND SPOKE TO RON ST PIERRE THE NE REGIONAL MANAGER ( [phone removed] X7125) WHO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS OLD AND MB WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. UPON SEARCHING THE NHTSA WEB SITE, I HAVE SEEN ABOUT 10 + REPORTS OR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS GOING BACK 1 OR 2 YEARS AND NOTHING FROM MB REPORTING THIS AS A PROBLEM. THE … Look up ODI 10162031 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	106,150–152,432 mi	121,783 mi	14	ODI 10172529 · 53,090 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED. INTENSE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REQUIRED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. AFTER BEING TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 95V031000, WHICH PERTAINED TO THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. SECONDLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM ACTIVA… Look up ODI 10172529 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10158491 · 125,000 mi MB USA REFUSES TO REPLACE FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. DISINTEGRATES WITH AGE DO TO USE OF SUB-STANDARD HARNESS COVERS. *NM Look up ODI 10158491 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	5,000–112,000 mi	70,000 mi	9	ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10364292 · 150,000 mi WIRE HARNESS DECAY, DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. TR Look up ODI 10364292 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10344298 · 170,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ E420. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY FOR A FEW WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT NEEDED A SPARK PLUG HARNESS, SPARK PLUGS, A DISTRIBUTION CAP, ROTORS AND A C… Look up ODI 10344298 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	54,500–100,750 mi	80,610 mi	12	ODI 10468261 · 103,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES E CLASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPEATED THE DEALER'S SENTIMENTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000. Look up ODI 10468261 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10476883 · 210,000 mi EACH TIME I FILL UP THE GAS TANK TO CAPACITY, THE FUEL TANK EMITS VAPORS. IT SEEMED SOMEWHAT TOLERABLE IN THE PAST, THOUGH THIS PAST WEEK, IT WAS ENOUGH TO GO THROUGH WALLS AND UP 2 STORIES. IT'S PAST TOLERABLE AND JUST DOWNRIGHT UNACCEPTABLE NOW. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY OWNER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. FRANKLY I'M AMAZED A COMPANY WITH THE "PEDIGREE" OF MERCEDES BENZ HAS ALLOWED THIS TO GO UNSOLVED ACROSS THE MARKET. TR Look up ODI 10476883 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10550379 · 53,000 mi STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EVIDENT AFTER FILL UP. THIS COINCIDED WITH ACCURACY ISSUES OF THE FUEL GAUGE, WHERE VEHICLE NOW RUNS OUT OF GAS WHEN GAUGE INDICATES 1/4 TANK. THE STRONG SMELL OF GAS HAPPENS NOW REPEATEDLY WITH EVERY FILL UP, WHICH SEEMS TO INDICATE SOME FORM OF LEAKAGE AT OR NEAR THE TOP OF THE TANK. TR Look up ODI 10550379 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	68,000–144,250 mi	105,000 mi	12	ODI 10155874 · 108,000 mi I NEED A NEW HEAD GASKET TO REPAIR AN OIL LEAK. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING TO THE OIL LEAK HE HAD TO TAKE OFF THE WIRING HARNESS UPON WHICH THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATED IN HIS HAND. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE MB WOULD YOU BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL TO MANUFACTURER AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS $1,000 AND NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW SINCE THE REPAIRING THE EXISTING HARNESS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. JB Look up ODI 10155874 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10172162 · 102,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS SCANNER INDICATED A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 95V031000 REGARDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL… Look up ODI 10172162 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10253378 · 60,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL WHEN APPROACHING A COMPLETE STOP. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,800. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADDED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURS AT A HIGH FREQUENCY WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. Look up ODI 10253378 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

2006: 0 complaints · 2008: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	0	0	0
2008	0	3	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2006	10	0	0
2008	5	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	Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	Suspension:Front	Electrical System:Wiring	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine And Engine Cooling
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10264268 · 203,433 mi WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR I SMELT PLASTIC BURNING. I STOPPED THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE END CLOSE TO THE DASH. TOOK THE CAR TO SHOP. THEY TOLD ME THAT ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED, BECAUSE OF INSULATION COVER FOR WIRING. WHEN I START TO INVESTIGATE FOR THE PART,THEY TOLD ME THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MERCEDES BENZ E 320 CLASS. I CHECK WITH INTERNET, MERCEDES BENZ CLUB I FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS RECALL FOR 1992-1995 E CLASS, FOR:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING.WITH CAMPAIGN#95V031000. WHEN I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ U.S… Look up ODI 10264268 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10246768 IN MY 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320, THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS COMPLETELY DEGRADED IN SOME PARTS, CAUSING THE INDIVIDUALLY INSULATED WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER, CAUSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. MY CAR HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY SEVERAL TIMES, NEARLY KILLING MYSELF AND ENDANGERING OTHERS. MY FRIEND'S 1995 MERCEDES BENZ E420 HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHILE WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, CAUSING SEVERE BURNS ON HIS UPPER ARMS AND SMOKE INHALATION INJURIES BETWEEN ME, HIM, AND SEVERAL PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS A C… Look up ODI 10246768 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10038749 MY 2003 E 320 HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES BECAUSE WHEN I COME TO A STOP AT TIMES IT WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL LIGHT UP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE VEHICLE HAS 19,000 MILES ON IT. *PH Look up ODI 10038749 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10041141 · 2,500 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENTS SINCE I GOT IT IN JANUARY 28,2003. IT HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID ITS FIX. AUTOHAUS MERCEDES BENZ IN POMPANO BEACH , FLORIDA SOLD ME A CAR THAT HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP MORE THAN 10 TIMES . 1)WHIPPERS VERY LOUD AND DON'T CLEAN. 2) FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK 3) TIRE SENSORS DO NOT WORK 4)STEREO SHUTS OFF AND ON 5)ALIGNMENT PROBLEM CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT. 6)ENGINE IS VERY LOUD 7)ENGINE HESITATES. 8) SOS MALFUNCTION 9)MERCEDES BENZ PHONE DOES NOT WORK. 10) LOWJACK … Look up ODI 10041141 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10267079 · 229,000 mi MAIN AND AUXILIARY WIRING HARNESSES PLASTIC WIRE COATING IS CRUMBLING OFF LEAVING THE COPPER WIRES EXPOSED AND PRONE TO SHORTS..MY VEHICLE GAUGES FOR THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, ABS, AIR BAGS, TRACTION, AND THE LESSER IMPORTANT GAUGES ARE WORKING ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL. MERCEDES USA DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY WIRING RELATED PROBLEMS (OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS) FOR THE E SERIES 124 TYPE BODY VEHICLES BUT IT HAS AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF NEW AND IMPROVED HARNESSES THAT VARY IN PRICE FROM A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO THE THOUSANDS. TR Look up ODI 10267079 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10453136 AFTER SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ABNORMALITIES, I EXAMINED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES, LOOKS AS NEW. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THE WIRING AT THE GLOW PLUG RELAY WAS DETERIORATED AND BARE. I ALSO NOTED THAT ALL THE WIRING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BRITTLE TO THE POINT THAT ANY MANIPULATION, NO MATTER HOW SLIGHT,. WOULD CAUSE THE INSULATION TO FALL AWAY. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE PARKED THE CAR, AND REMOVED THE BATTERY, SINCE I FEEL IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO EVEN PARK IN THE YARD. TR Look up ODI 10453136 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	0	—	0	1 ODI 10243255 · 99,059 mi ON APRIL 27, 2008 MY CAR'S FRONT LEFT SIDE SPRING FAILED WHEN DRIVING BACK HOME AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE PERCH RIPPED OFF, IT SOUNDS LIKE MY WHEEL CAME OFF. THE STEERING WAS JAMMED AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND FOUND THE SPRING ON THE PAVEMENT. ON MAY 3, 2008 I DROVE TO NEAREST AUTO SHOP WHICH IS ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY AND PAID $80 FOR AN INITIAL CHECK UP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THE SPRING PERCH RUSTED AWAY AND BROKE. I COMPLA… Look up ODI 10243255 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10155874 · 108,000 mi I NEED A NEW HEAD GASKET TO REPAIR AN OIL LEAK. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING TO THE OIL LEAK HE HAD TO TAKE OFF THE WIRING HARNESS UPON WHICH THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATED IN HIS HAND. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE MB WOULD YOU BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL TO MANUFACTURER AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS $1,000 AND NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW SINCE THE REPAIRING THE EXISTING HARNESS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *JB Look up ODI 10155874 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front	0	1 ODI 10243255 · 99,059 mi ON APRIL 27, 2008 MY CAR'S FRONT LEFT SIDE SPRING FAILED WHEN DRIVING BACK HOME AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE PERCH RIPPED OFF, IT SOUNDS LIKE MY WHEEL CAME OFF. THE STEERING WAS JAMMED AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND FOUND THE SPRING ON THE PAVEMENT. ON MAY 3, 2008 I DROVE TO NEAREST AUTO SHOP WHICH IS ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY AND PAID $80 FOR AN INITIAL CHECK UP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THE SPRING PERCH RUSTED AWAY AND BROKE. I COMPLA… Look up ODI 10243255 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring	1 ODI 10264268 · 203,433 mi WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR I SMELT PLASTIC BURNING. I STOPPED THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE END CLOSE TO THE DASH. TOOK THE CAR TO SHOP. THEY TOLD ME THAT ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED, BECAUSE OF INSULATION COVER FOR WIRING. WHEN I START TO INVESTIGATE FOR THE PART,THEY TOLD ME THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MERCEDES BENZ E 320 CLASS. I CHECK WITH INTERNET, MERCEDES BENZ CLUB I FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS RECALL FOR 1992-1995 E CLASS, FOR:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING.WITH CAMPAIGN#95V031000. WHEN I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ U.S… Look up ODI 10264268 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10172162 · 102,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS SCANNER INDICATED A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 95V031000 REGARDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL… Look up ODI 10172162 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	5 ODI 10246768 IN MY 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E320, THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS COMPLETELY DEGRADED IN SOME PARTS, CAUSING THE INDIVIDUALLY INSULATED WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER, CAUSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. MY CAR HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY SEVERAL TIMES, NEARLY KILLING MYSELF AND ENDANGERING OTHERS. MY FRIEND'S 1995 MERCEDES BENZ E420 HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHILE WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, CAUSING SEVERE BURNS ON HIS UPPER ARMS AND SMOKE INHALATION INJURIES BETWEEN ME, HIM, AND SEVERAL PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS A C… Look up ODI 10246768 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10038749 MY 2003 E 320 HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES BECAUSE WHEN I COME TO A STOP AT TIMES IT WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL LIGHT UP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE VEHICLE HAS 19,000 MILES ON IT. *PH Look up ODI 10038749 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10041141 · 2,500 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENTS SINCE I GOT IT IN JANUARY 28,2003. IT HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID ITS FIX. AUTOHAUS MERCEDES BENZ IN POMPANO BEACH , FLORIDA SOLD ME A CAR THAT HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP MORE THAN 10 TIMES . 1)WHIPPERS VERY LOUD AND DON'T CLEAN. 2) FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK 3) TIRE SENSORS DO NOT WORK 4)STEREO SHUTS OFF AND ON 5)ALIGNMENT PROBLEM CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT. 6)ENGINE IS VERY LOUD 7)ENGINE HESITATES. 8) SOS MALFUNCTION 9)MERCEDES BENZ PHONE DOES NOT WORK. 10) LOWJACK … Look up ODI 10041141 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E420- WIRING HARNESS IS DECAYING. THE WIRES ARE BRITTLE AND MELTING TOGETHER. THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRE IS GONE; AS A RESULT, THE WIRE IS BARE AND UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SUFFER FROM ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS; SUCH AS, STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, SURGING IN TRAFFIC JAMS, AND GAUGES INTERMITTENTLY GO HAYWIRE.*AK Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	2 ODI 10267079 · 229,000 mi MAIN AND AUXILIARY WIRING HARNESSES PLASTIC WIRE COATING IS CRUMBLING OFF LEAVING THE COPPER WIRES EXPOSED AND PRONE TO SHORTS..MY VEHICLE GAUGES FOR THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, ABS, AIR BAGS, TRACTION, AND THE LESSER IMPORTANT GAUGES ARE WORKING ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL. MERCEDES USA DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY WIRING RELATED PROBLEMS (OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS) FOR THE E SERIES 124 TYPE BODY VEHICLES BUT IT HAS AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF NEW AND IMPROVED HARNESSES THAT VARY IN PRICE FROM A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO THE THOUSANDS. TR Look up ODI 10267079 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10453136 AFTER SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ABNORMALITIES, I EXAMINED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES, LOOKS AS NEW. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THE WIRING AT THE GLOW PLUG RELAY WAS DETERIORATED AND BARE. I ALSO NOTED THAT ALL THE WIRING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS BRITTLE TO THE POINT THAT ANY MANIPULATION, NO MATTER HOW SLIGHT,. WOULD CAUSE THE INSULATION TO FALL AWAY. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE PARKED THE CAR, AND REMOVED THE BATTERY, SINCE I FEEL IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO EVEN PARK IN THE YARD. TR Look up ODI 10453136 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10155874 · 108,000 mi I NEED A NEW HEAD GASKET TO REPAIR AN OIL LEAK. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING TO THE OIL LEAK HE HAD TO TAKE OFF THE WIRING HARNESS UPON WHICH THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATED IN HIS HAND. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE MB WOULD YOU BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL TO MANUFACTURER AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS $1,000 AND NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW SINCE THE REPAIRING THE EXISTING HARNESS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *JB Look up ODI 10155874 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10172162 · 102,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS SCANNER INDICATED A WIRING PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 95V031000 REGARDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL… Look up ODI 10172162 at NHTSA ↗	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

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

32 mentions · 10.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,500 mi (25 usable records).

ODI 10365668 · 53,999 mi

Look up ODI 10365668 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10074886 · 112,000 mi

Look up ODI 10074886 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10128437 · 125,000 mi

Look up ODI 10128437 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

15 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10313837 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E420. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN LIGHTLY DRIZZLED WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. SUDDENLY, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE…

Look up ODI 10313837 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 550878

REAR ABS BRAKES FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NLM

Look up ODI 550878 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 730632

THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH "BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM" WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO HELP TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL FASTER WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED DURING A PANICK STOP. DURING A PANIC STOP, IN MY CASE AT 10 MPH, WHEN I HIT THE BREAKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD AS A ROCK AND REFUSED TO TRAVEL DOWN, EXHIBITING THE SO CALLED "HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE" WITH THE THE VEHICLE CONTINUING TO MOVE AND COLLIDING WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT. I TOOK MY E320 TO AN AUTHORIZED LOCAL MBZ DEALER, AUTOBAHN MOTORS IN BELMONT-CA, WITHIN TWO HOURS OF THE ACCIDENT FOR A CHECK …

Look up ODI 730632 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

12 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,500 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 770199

MY CAR IS PRESENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME WITH A MAJOR FUEL LEAK. EACH TIME HAS BEEN FOR A DIFFERENT LEAK. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN DONE BY A MERCEDES HOWEVER REPLACEMENT PART HAVE BEEN PURCHASE FROM MERCEDES AND MY REPAIRER HAS BEEN TOLD THAT DIESEL LEAKS ARE NOT UNCOMMON IN THESE MODELS. THIS IS MY THIRD MERCEDES DIESEL AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. CERTAINLY THIS SEEMS TO BE TO BE A FIRE HAZARD. DT

Look up ODI 770199 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10456826 · 78,000 mi

FUEL LEAKING FROM VEHICLE NEAR REAR LEFT TIRE. FOUND FUEL AROUND FUEL SENSOR UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT. MOST EVIDENT AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK. FIRST DISCOVERED LEAK AT 70K MILEAGE AND AGAIN ON 128K. *TR

Look up ODI 10456826 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10535366

I PURCHASED THE MERCEDES IN APRIL 2013 OF THIS YEAR AND LESS THAN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASING THE CAR I HAD MAJOR REPAIRS DONE TO THE CAR. I SLIGHTLY SMELLED FUEL VAPORS WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR HOWEVER I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST A POSSIBLE AFTER EFFECT OF ME REFUELING THE CAR. OVER THE COURSE OF TWO MONTHS THE FUMES BECAME WORSE AND WORSE AND I STAY WITH A MIGRAINE EVERYDAY. TODAY WAS UNBEARABLE AS IT IS HOT OUTSIDE AND IT IS BECOMING HARD TO CONCENTRATE AND IT FEELS LIKE MY HEAD IS ABOUT TO BURST. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER AS THIS IS TH…

Look up ODI 10535366 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

11 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 102,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10172162 · 102,000 mi

Look up ODI 10172162 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10178717 · 122,000 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY OTHER CARS WHEN TRYING TO QUICKLY EXIT BUSY FREEWAY. TOOK CAR TO MERCEDES MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE CAR NEEDED A NEW $600.00 ENGINE HARNESS. WE ASKED IF THIS IS A RARE PROBLEM AND HE SAID ALL 1993 AND 1994 E420 MERCEDES NEED THE HARNESS AT ABOUT 100 THOUSAND MILES AND THEY USED A BIODEGRADEABLE COVER ON THE HARNESS AND IT FAILS FROM ENGINE HEAT. HE ALSO SAID IF WE DON'T REPLACE IT, THE ENGINE WILL STOP WHEN DRIVING, AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH ALL MERCEDES ME…

Look up ODI 10178717 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10194973 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE MERCEDES DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 118,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Look up ODI 10194973 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

7 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10196287

THE INSULATION ON THE ENGININE WIREING HARNESS HAS DISENTIGRATED. THIS IS THE ENGINE / FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS AND IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH 1991-1996 MERCEDES-BENZ M104 ENGINES. THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE RISK AS WELL AS AN ACCIDENT HAZARD AS IT WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE (AND POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC.) TO FAIL AT SPEED. MERCEDES WILL NOT RECALL THE PART AND RELACEMENT IS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Look up ODI 10196287 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10102183 · 49,035 mi

THE CRANK SHAFT BALANCER DISINTEGRATED WITHOUT WARNING AT 40 MPH RESULTING IN PARTIAL ENGINE DESTRUCTION, OIL PAN, FAN BLADE, FAN SHROUD, IDLER PULLEY,ETC. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MBZ DEALER AND REPAIRS COMPLETED IN AMOUNT OF $1584. MBZ AREA REPRESENTATIVE OFFERED 50% COMPENSATION. MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA WAS CONTACTED FOR COMPENSATION OF BALANCE AND OBLIGED. THE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT BALANCER MIGHT NOT BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS A RESULT MOST CERTAINLY IS! I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT WOU…

Look up ODI 10102183 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121674 · 70,000 mi

DRIVING CAR AT 55 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED, LOST POWER STEERING, WAS ABLE TO DIRECT CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. HAD CAR TOWED TO SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED PROBLEM, SUGGESTING IT GO TO A MB DEALER. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE

Look up ODI 10121674 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

4 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,994 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10054897 · 7,237 mi

THE PURGE VALUE FOR THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM, MAKES A TAPPING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AT IDLE, AS IF THE CAR IS LOW ON OIL. WHEN I TOOK THIS IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THE TAPPING NOISE WAS, THEY EXPLAINED THAT A LOUD METAL TAPPING NOISE WAS NORMAL ON THE MERCEDES. THEY STATED THEY WOULD PUT A NEW "PURGE VALUE" IN THE CAR TO SEE IF THAT WOULD QUITE THE LOUD NOISE IN THE ENGINE. UPON DOING SO, THE CAR BEGAN JERKING BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE PROBLEM BECOMES GRADUALLY WORSE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, T…

Look up ODI 10054897 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10060856 · 4,487 mi

VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AND SLOWS UNEXPECTEDLY. UPON ACCELERATION WILL JERK BACK AND FORTH AS IT IS ABOUT TO STALL.

Look up ODI 10060856 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10071611 · 3,000 mi

WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE JERKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION NINE TIMES, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED LOST OF POWER STEERING DUE TO FLUID LEAKING INTO THE GROUND. DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING GEAR BOX. ALSO, SUNROOF DOESN'T CLOSE. DEALER REPLACED SLIDING ROOF ANGLE BRACKET. *LA

Look up ODI 10071611 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10239384 · 76,500 mi

DRIVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD WITHOUT THE USE OF POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES. FINALLY STARTED AND DID NOT STALL AGAIN. NEXT DAY, SAME THING HAPPENED. WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND THAT THEY ARE A COMMON FAILURE ON A MERCEDES. VEHICLE HAS 76K MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10239384 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule