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U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz E420 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

7 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

133,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 to 1997 model years. Data updated: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 7 complaints (71.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior228.6%
Electrical and battery issues228.6%
Transmission and shifting114.3%

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
5
Electrical System:Wiring
1
Engine
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Power Train
1
Seat Belts
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System5
Electrical System:Wiring1
Engine1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
Seat Belts1

Electrical System: 5; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Engine: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train: 1; Seat Belts: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 1 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.

2011
1
2012
1
2013
1
2015
1
2016
2
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20111
20121
20131
20151
20162
20181

2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 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 10494506 · 2013-01-23 (January 23, 2013)

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Owner-reported narrative. 149,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10463407 · 2012-06-28 (June 28, 2012)

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 132,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10671831 · 2015-01-12 (January 12, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 3/17/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015 *JS

Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10671831 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

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

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1994
0
1997
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19940
19970

1994: 0; 1997: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz E420 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
199420Not available
199750Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

85.7%Usable mileage6 / 7 records
100.0%Valid incident date7 / 7 records
100.0%Valid filing date7 / 7 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates7 / 7 records

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

Problems by model year

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

Component complaint heatmap
Component19941997
Electrical System
2100.0%
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

360.0%
ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
150.0%
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10937153 · 142,000 mi

MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 WENT IN TO LIMP MODE WITH NO WARNING WHILE MERGING ON TO 65 MPH TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT FAILED TO SHIFT WITH NO WARNING

Look up ODI 10937153 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10671831 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 3/17/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015 *JS

Look up ODI 10671831 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10721950

1997 MERCEDES BENZ E-420. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT INADVERTENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING THE CONSUMERS' HEAD TO HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THE CONSUMER HAD A THROBBING HEAD PAIN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *JS

Look up ODI 10721950 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System125,000–142,000 mi135,000 mi5
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10838937 · 84,732 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ E420. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TO BE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,732.

Look up ODI 10838937 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:WiringToo few reports for a range132,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range149,350 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range125,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range132,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range142,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10937153 · 142,000 mi

MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 WENT IN TO LIMP MODE WITH NO WARNING WHILE MERGING ON TO 65 MPH TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT FAILED TO SHIFT WITH NO WARNING

Look up ODI 10937153 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range135,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10671831 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 3/17/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015 *JS

Look up ODI 10671831 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1994: 0 complaints · 1997: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1994000
1997000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1994200
1997500

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

Components reported together

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

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemElectrical System:WiringEngineEngine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingFuel/Propulsion SystemPower TrainSeat Belts
Electrical System—0
1
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10937153 · 142,000 mi

MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 WENT IN TO LIMP MODE WITH NO WARNING WHILE MERGING ON TO 65 MPH TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT FAILED TO SHIFT WITH NO WARNING

Look up ODI 10937153 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10671831 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 3/17/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015 *JS

Look up ODI 10671831 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System:Wiring0—00
1
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

000
Engine
1
ODI 10494506 · 149,350 mi

THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING VERY RAPIDLY (BETTER THAN 1600 RPM) AND I LOST CONTROL ON THE ICY ROADS. I WAS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE FAST IDLE WITH THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRAGGING THE FRONT TIRES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME FAULTY, DETERIORATING WIRING PROBLEM THAT TENS OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO THIS SITE. EXACTLY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER? I HAVE BEEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADES ALL OF MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH DEFECTIVE, DETERIO…

Look up ODI 10494506 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10441071 · 125,000 mi

COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR

Look up ODI 10441071 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Exterior Lighting0
1
ODI 10463407 · 132,000 mi

THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WIRING ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10463407 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
ODI 10937153 · 142,000 mi

MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 WENT IN TO LIMP MODE WITH NO WARNING WHILE MERGING ON TO 65 MPH TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT FAILED TO SHIFT WITH NO WARNING

Look up ODI 10937153 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Power Train
1
ODI 10671831 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 3/17/15*CN UPDATED 8/18/2015 *JS

Look up ODI 10671831 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Seat Belts0000000—

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.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.