U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz E300 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

42 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

109,315 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 to 2009 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 21 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 42 complaints (21.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	9	21.4%
Braking behavior	7	16.7%
Engine operation	3	7.1%
Steering behavior	3	7.1%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.4%

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

Component breakdown

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

Electrical System

Suspension

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

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

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	9
Suspension	7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger	2
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	2
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	2

Electrical System: 9; Suspension: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger: 2; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 2; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 7

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998

1999

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2020

2023

1998: 2; 1999: 1; 2001: 4; 2002: 5; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 1; 2016: 5; 2017: 2; 2020: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10639600 · 2014-09-28 (September 28, 2014)

THE INSULATION ON THE ENGINE GLOWPLUG WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED LEAVING THE COVERING IN DUST EXPOSING BARE WIRES THAT SHORT OUT AND CAUSE MALFUNCTIONS. MBUSA WAS CONTACTED AND THE ONLY RESPONSE WAS TO GET A LOCATION. I INQUIRED A SECOND TIME BUT GOT NO RESPONSE EXCEPT A NEW HARNESS WAS $565 AT LOCAL DEALER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10639600 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11000303 · 2017-06-20 (June 20, 2017)

ALL OF THE WIRE INSULATION ON THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD DECAYED. SEVERE RISK OF FIRE. APPARENTLY MERCEDES-BENZ USED BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRE INSULATION. WHEN EXPOSED TO THE HEAT THAT IS IN THE ENGINE BAY, THE COATING COVERING THE WIRES DISINTEGRATES. VEHICLE HAS 90,000 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER, NO ACCIDENTS.

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000303 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10181780 · 2007-02-06 (February 6, 2007)

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES E300. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. RECALL#05V505000 RELATED TO THE 1999 SLK MERCEDES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10181780 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8014435 · 2002-07-22 (July 22, 2002)

ROTORS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY WERE MAKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, AND THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT ROTORS WERE ONLY SUPPOSE TO LAST 20000 MILES.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8014435 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10884495 · 2016-07-13 (July 13, 2016)

MAIN WIRE HARNESS DEFECTIVE. INSULATION LEADING TO ALL SENSORS AND GLOW PLUGS HAS DEGRADED OR DISAPPEARED. BARE METAL WIRE IS EXPOSED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DRIVEABILITY, STALLING AND FIRE HAZARD AND SMOKE HAS BEEN DETECTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 170,023 miles reported. Look up ODI 10884495 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10040616 · 2003-09-24 (September 24, 2003)

PROBLEMS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE HESITATING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND HAS SPENT APPROX $3800.00 IN REPAIRS FOR DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *CB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040616 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10892918 · 2016-08-03 (August 3, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED AND A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE SUSPENSION SHOCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED WELDING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,8…

Owner-reported narrative. 171,872 miles reported. Look up ODI 10892918 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10874484 · 2016-06-15 (June 15, 2016)

MY FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM SHEARED OFF JUST AFTER PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY, I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RIPPED OFF. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH MINUTES BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. THE STEERING DID FEEL STRANGE ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE. THIS EVEN RESULTED IN THE FRONT WHEEL DISCONNECTING FROM THE CAR COMPLETELY. A QUICK EXAMINATION OF THE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY REVEALED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF AT THE WELD OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE CONTROL ARM SHEARED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE, BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 129,273 miles reported. Look up ODI 10874484 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10232188 · 2008-06-24 (June 24, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. SHE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF SHE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE GRINDING NOISE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE MECHANIC AND THEN TO DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FULL OF SHAVINGS AND TO INSTALL A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT FLUID CHECKS AND CHANGES FOR TRANSMISSIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 115,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10232188 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2001

2002

2009

1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2009: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz E300 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Change in recalls
1995	6	Not available
1996	1	0
1997	8	0
1998	9	0
1999	13	0
2001	2	Not available
2002	1	0
2009	2	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

50.0%Usable mileage21 / 42 records

88.1%Valid incident date37 / 42 records

100.0%Valid filing date42 / 42 records

88.1%Ordered incident and filing dates37 / 42 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	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2001	2002	2009
Electrical System	583.3% ODI 10639598 WIRE INSULATION COVERING HAS DETERIORATED DUE TO HEAT AND AGE LEAVING POWDER OF INSULATION AND BARE WIRES CAUSING MALFUNCTION. MBNA WAS CONTACTED BUT NEVER ANSWERED EXCEPT TO GET MY COUNTRY. SECOND ATTEMPT AT COMMUNICATING WITH THEM GOT NO RESPONSE. *TR Look up ODI 10639598 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 10884495 · 170,023 mi MAIN WIRE HARNESS DEFECTIVE. INSULATION LEADING TO ALL SENSORS AND GLOW PLUGS HAS DEGRADED OR DISAPPEARED. BARE METAL WIRE IS EXPOSED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DRIVEABILITY, STALLING AND FIRE HAZARD AND SMOKE HAS BEEN DETECTED. Look up ODI 10884495 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10876659 THE WIRE HARNESS IS BRITTLE AND THE INSULATION IS DISINTEGRATING, RESULTING IN SHORTS AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY. Look up ODI 10876659 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10671712 THE WIRING INSULATION INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT HAS DEGRADED AND CRUMBLED LEAVING ONLY THE BARE COPPER WIRE SHOWING. THESE WIRES HAVE SHORTED GOING OVER BUMPS CAUSING A LOSS OF LIGHT TO OCCUR. *TR Look up ODI 10671712 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10452566 · 40,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E300. WHILE PARKED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS OVERHEATING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND WIRES TO MELT. THE DRIVER SIDE HAD A BLACK HOLE DEVELOPING IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND CIRCUIT BOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE AP… Look up ODI 10452566 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	116.7% ODI 10892918 · 171,872 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED AND A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE SUSPENSION SHOCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED WELDING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,8… Look up ODI 10892918 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 10513726 · 200,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE TOP FRONT SPRING MOUNT FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TR Look up ODI 10513726 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 10597179 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E-300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUSPENSION COLLAPSE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. HE AND HIS WIFE HEARD A FEW LOUD THUDS, A FEW SECONDS APART AS SOME THINGS STRUCK THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER REMOVED THE TIRE AND EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE COULD SEE THE LEFT FRONT SPRING PERCH WAS RIPPED LOOSE WHERE THE SPOT WELDING WAS WEAKENED BY RUST. HE COULD ALSO SEE THAT THE SPRING, TOGETHER WITH ANY RELATED HARDWARE, WAS MISSING. THE CONSUMER BELIE… Look up ODI 10597179 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10376126 · 194,560 mi HAD A SPRING PERCH FAILURE ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE WHILE I WAS REVERSING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN THE MORNING. THE SPRING FELL ON THE GROUND AND THE BODY OF THE CAR RESTED ON THE WHEEL. MY LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ROOT CAUSE AS RUST WHERE THE PERCH ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. Look up ODI 10376126 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10040616 PROBLEMS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL.MR THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE HESITATING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND HAS SPENT APPROX $3800.00 IN REPAIRS FOR DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. CB Look up ODI 10040616 at NHTSA ↗	222.2% ODI 10060517 · 106,223 mi UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN CRASH, RESULTING FROM OIL INTO INTAKE FROM SEAL ON TURBO CHARGER. CAR HAD BEEN ROUTINELY SERVICED 5 DAYS PRIOR, WITH ERROR MESSAGE ON AIR MASS SENSOR. PART WAS REPLACED. THIS ERROR MESSAGE ALSO OCCURRED 15 MONTHS BEFORE, AND WAS ALSO REPLACED THEN. CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING NORMAL PRIOR TO BOTH SERVICING. NO ENGINE INDICATOR WARNINGS EVER CAME ON PRIOR TO CRASH. SEAT BELT APPARATUS ALSO BROKE UPON IMPACT ON DRIVERS SIDE WHEN MY HEAD STRUCK IT. *JB Look up ODI 10060517 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.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 8000665 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, GEARS SHIFTED BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN TWO GEARS; ACCELERATION AT 25-50 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. AK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AT 40 MPH AND VEHICLE IS BUCKING, DEALER REPLACED RESONANCE FLAP, AND FUEL INJECTION PUMP, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINS OF POOR FUEL EFFICIENCY. TT Look up ODI 8000665 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	215.4% ODI 10232188 · 115,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. SHE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF SHE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE GRINDING NOISE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE MECHANIC AND THEN TO DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FULL OF SHAVINGS AND TO INSTALL A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT FLUID CHECKS AND CHANGES FOR TRANSMISSIO… Look up ODI 10232188 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10081309 · 65,000 mi I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 10 IN GULFPORT, MS IN A LIGHT RAIN ( IT HAD BEEN HEAVY 2 HOURS BEFORE ) WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 65 MPH. I HAD JUST COME OVER THE LORRAINE COWEN (SPELLING?) EXIT AND A LITTLE AFTER THE CAR WAS ON THE FLAT ROAD, THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING SPUN 180 DEGREES AND WE WERE BACKWARD ON THE INTERSTATE. SEEING THE TRACKS ON THE SHOULDER THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR CAME OFF THE INTERSTATE BACKWARDS AT ABOUT A 15 TO 20 DEGREE ANGLE, SPUN ANOTHER 270 DEGREES AT THE LOWER EXTENT OF THE CLEARED EMBANK… Look up ODI 10081309 at NHTSA ↗	17.7% ODI 10198500 · 109,315 mi ENGINE FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING IN TRAFFIC IN MY 1999 MERCEDES E300 TURBO DIESEL. BOTH IN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND DEALER IN FT. MYERS CAN NOT FIND AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND TRAFFIC HAZARD. *TR Look up ODI 10198500 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.
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10181780 · 89,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES E300. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. RECALL#05V505000 RELATED TO THE 1999 SLK MERCEDES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. AK Look up ODI 10181780 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10104456 · 85,000 mi I HAVE A 2001 325I BMW. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS GET SO HOT THAT THEY MELT THE TAIL LIGHT BULB HOLDER AND WIRING. THIS CAUSES A BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE.*AK ON THE NEXT PAGES OF THIS FORM IT ASK FOR A VEHICLE MANUF - I COULD NOT FIND BMW TO CLICK ON SO I CLICKED ON THE MERCEDES . IT WOULD NOT LET ME GO ON UNTIL I CLICKED ON A MAKERS NAME. Look up ODI 10104456 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 528916 CERTAIN NEW MERCEDES HAVE HEADLIGHTS WITH A BLUE TINT WHICH CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS BECAUSE OF THE BRIGHTNESS AND GLARE. Look up ODI 528916 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 8014435 ROTORS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY WERE MAKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, AND THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT ROTORS WERE ONLY SUPPOSE TO LAST 20000 MILES.*AK Look up ODI 8014435 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 745838 EXITING THE FREEWAY, VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE WITH BRAKES APPLIED, ABS SYSTEM WAS LOCKING & UNLOCKING, AND TIRES WERE SPINNING ON WET PAVEMENT. CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT BEEN ENGAGED. WITH COLLISION IMMINENT, DRIVER MOVED GEAR SELECTOR TO NEUTRAL, ENGINE THEN RACED TO TACHOMETER RED-LINE, AND STAYED THERE. DRIVER TURNED ENGINE OFF, WAITED SEVERAL SECONDS AND RESTARTED ENGINE. VEHICLE HAS PERFORMED NORMALLY SINCE.*AK Look up ODI 745838 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	Too few reports for a range	130,012 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 11000303 · 90,000 mi ALL OF THE WIRE INSULATION ON THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD DECAYED. SEVERE RISK OF FIRE. APPARENTLY MERCEDES-BENZ USED BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRE INSULATION. WHEN EXPOSED TO THE HEAT THAT IS IN THE ENGINE BAY, THE COATING COVERING THE WIRES DISINTEGRATES. VEHICLE HAS 90,000 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER, NO ACCIDENTS. Look up ODI 11000303 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11331311 · 212,000 mi THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS MADE WITH BIODEGRADABLE INSULATION THAT HAS CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF THE THE WIRES CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITS IN THE GLOW PLUG SYSTEM. Look up ODI 11331311 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10884495 · 170,023 mi MAIN WIRE HARNESS DEFECTIVE. INSULATION LEADING TO ALL SENSORS AND GLOW PLUGS HAS DEGRADED OR DISAPPEARED. BARE METAL WIRE IS EXPOSED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DRIVEABILITY, STALLING AND FIRE HAZARD AND SMOKE HAS BEEN DETECTED. Look up ODI 10884495 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	135,000–194,560 mi	171,872 mi	5	ODI 10892918 · 171,872 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED AND A SQUEAKY NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE SUSPENSION SHOCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED WELDING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,8… Look up ODI 10892918 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10513726 · 200,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE TOP FRONT SPRING MOUNT FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TR Look up ODI 10513726 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10874484 · 129,273 mi MY FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM SHEARED OFF JUST AFTER PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY, I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RIPPED OFF. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH MINUTES BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. THE STEERING DID FEEL STRANGE ON THE HIGHWAY BEFORE. THIS EVEN RESULTED IN THE FRONT WHEEL DISCONNECTING FROM THE CAR COMPLETELY. A QUICK EXAMINATION OF THE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY REVEALED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF AT THE WELD OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE CONTROL ARM SHEARED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE, BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE … Look up ODI 10874484 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	Too few reports for a range	106,223 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10060517 · 106,223 mi UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN CRASH, RESULTING FROM OIL INTO INTAKE FROM SEAL ON TURBO CHARGER. CAR HAD BEEN ROUTINELY SERVICED 5 DAYS PRIOR, WITH ERROR MESSAGE ON AIR MASS SENSOR. PART WAS REPLACED. THIS ERROR MESSAGE ALSO OCCURRED 15 MONTHS BEFORE, AND WAS ALSO REPLACED THEN. CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING NORMAL PRIOR TO BOTH SERVICING. NO ENGINE INDICATOR WARNINGS EVER CAME ON PRIOR TO CRASH. SEAT BELT APPARATUS ALSO BROKE UPON IMPACT ON DRIVERS SIDE WHEN MY HEAD STRUCK IT. *JB Look up ODI 10060517 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	115,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10232188 · 115,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, SHE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. SHE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF SHE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE; HOWEVER, THE GRINDING NOISE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE MECHANIC AND THEN TO DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FULL OF SHAVINGS AND TO INSTALL A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATED THAT FLUID CHECKS AND CHANGES FOR TRANSMISSIO… Look up ODI 10232188 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger	Too few reports for a range	87,158 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10081309 · 65,000 mi I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 10 IN GULFPORT, MS IN A LIGHT RAIN ( IT HAD BEEN HEAVY 2 HOURS BEFORE ) WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 65 MPH. I HAD JUST COME OVER THE LORRAINE COWEN (SPELLING?) EXIT AND A LITTLE AFTER THE CAR WAS ON THE FLAT ROAD, THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING SPUN 180 DEGREES AND WE WERE BACKWARD ON THE INTERSTATE. SEEING THE TRACKS ON THE SHOULDER THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR CAME OFF THE INTERSTATE BACKWARDS AT ABOUT A 15 TO 20 DEGREE ANGLE, SPUN ANOTHER 270 DEGREES AT THE LOWER EXTENT OF THE CLEARED EMBANK… Look up ODI 10081309 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10198500 · 109,315 mi ENGINE FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING IN TRAFFIC IN MY 1999 MERCEDES E300 TURBO DIESEL. BOTH IN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND DEALER IN FT. MYERS CAN NOT FIND AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND TRAFFIC HAZARD. *TR Look up ODI 10198500 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Too few reports for a range	87,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10181780 · 89,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES E300. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. RECALL#05V505000 RELATED TO THE 1999 SLK MERCEDES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. AK Look up ODI 10181780 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10104456 · 85,000 mi I HAVE A 2001 325I BMW. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS GET SO HOT THAT THEY MELT THE TAIL LIGHT BULB HOLDER AND WIRING. THIS CAUSES A BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE.*AK ON THE NEXT PAGES OF THIS FORM IT ASK FOR A VEHICLE MANUF - I COULD NOT FIND BMW TO CLICK ON SO I CLICKED ON THE MERCEDES . IT WOULD NOT LET ME GO ON UNTIL I CLICKED ON A MAKERS NAME. Look up ODI 10104456 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2002: 1 complaints · 2009: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2002	1	1	1
2009	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2002	1	0	0
2009	2	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	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger	Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	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

3 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 170,023 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10884495 · 170,023 mi

Look up ODI 10884495 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10040616

Look up ODI 10040616 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10071820

WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE A SUGGESTIVE REMEDY, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. *AK

Look up ODI 10071820 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,470 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10143726 · 40,470 mi

FUEL LINE LEAKS X4. 1999 MERCEDES 300 TD. STARTING IN FEB. 03 FIRST FUEL LINE LEAK. CAR WOULD NOT START TOWED TO DEALER. FUEL LINE REPLACED. TWICE AGAIN IN MARCH OF 03, FUEL LINE LEAKS. REPAIRED BY DEALER. NOV.23 05, CAR CAME TO A STOP WHILE DRIVING. CAR TOWED TO DEALER. FUEL LINE LEAK DIAGNOSED. ALL FUEL LINES AND CUT OFF SWITCH REPLACED. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10143726 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 89,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10181780 · 89,000 mi

Look up ODI 10181780 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 762873

STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING ON TO ROAD, DEALER REPLICATED, REPLACED STEERING RACK, NOT SURE IF THAT WAS CAUSE. THIS IS JUST A WARNING IN CASE OTHER CARS EXHIBIT SAME PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 762873 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10452566 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ E300. WHILE PARKED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS OVERHEATING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND WIRES TO MELT. THE DRIVER SIDE HAD A BLACK HOLE DEVELOPING IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND CIRCUIT BOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE AP…

Look up ODI 10452566 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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