RoadVitals

1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
38
Latest Nov 6, 2010
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 38 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and suspension categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical3068.2%
  • Engine613.6%
  • Suspension24.5%
  • Driver assistance12.3%
  • Brakes12.3%
  • Fuel system12.3%
  • Interior & seats12.3%
  • Steering12.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
95V031000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Feb 21, 1995
50,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT PASSENGER METAL FOOT REST CAN, OVER TIME, ABRADE THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE FOOT REST CAUSING THE WIRING HARNESS TO SHORT CIRCUIT.
The risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE THE WIRES TO OVERHEAT, STALL THE ENGINE, OR INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY AN AIRBAG, ANY OF THESE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL WIRING HARNESS CABLE FASTENER TIES AND EDGE PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR SHARP EDGES OF THE METAL FOOT REST.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 38
Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2010

WIRE HARNESS DECAY, DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10364292
Incident
Nov 3, 2010
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 20, 2010
Fire reported

I TURNED ON THE SWITCH OF MY 1994 E320 MERCEDES NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE. OPENED HOOD IT WAS ON FIRE. AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS, PLUGS, BUT CAR IS STILL SURGING NOT IDLING PROPERLY. REPLACED INTAKE AIR SENSOR, PLANNING TO REPLACE IDLE ACTUATOR, AND OVP RELAY. 153,000 MILES I HAVE SPENT 3000.00. MY SON WAS PRESENT AND PUT OUT THE FIRE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE. I HAVE ALL OLD PARTS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10339207
Incident
Sep 20, 2008
Mileage
153,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 4, 2010

ENGINE OCCASIONALLY STALLING AT ANY SPEED INCLUDING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. MECHANIC TRACED TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS SHORTING. THE DRIVING IS UNSAFE AS THERE IS A REAL POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE WITH MANY FIRES REPORTED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10334576
Incident
May 30, 2010
Mileage
72,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 14, 2009

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 HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATED 06/09/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SPRING HOUSING SHROUD WAS CORRODED. THE WHEEL DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AND THE WHEEL BUCKLED UNDER THE FRONT FENDER. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT TO BE A STRUCTURAL FAILURE. UPDATED 06/10/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10268748
Incident
Apr 12, 2009
Mileage
140,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 7, 2009

1. POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE, UNSAFE DRIVABILITY, HESITATION AND STALLING. 2. FREQUENCY OF PROBLEM IS VERY OFTEN. QUALIFIED MERCEDES-BENZ REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED ISSUE AS ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION DEGRADATION. THEY HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THESE HARNESSES FAIL, ACCORDING TO THEIR HEAD MECHANICS. IN CONVERSATIONS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER MECHANICS, THEY, TOO, HAVE WITNESSED AN EXTREMELY HIGH FAILURE RATE. 3. ENGINE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,210.00. *TR

NHTSA ID
10264371
Incident
Mar 17, 2009
Mileage
90,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 31, 2008

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.

NHTSA ID
10253378
Incident
Dec 5, 2008
Mileage
60,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 26, 2008
Fire reported6 injuries reported

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 CRUCIAL SAFETY DEFECT AND I CANNOT FIND ANY RECOURSE VIA MERCEDES BENZ TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I FEEL THAT I AM A DANGER TO THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND TO MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10246768
Incident
Jul 8, 2008
Electrical
Filed Sep 8, 2008

CRUMBLING ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IN MY CAR. I'VE COLLECTED AND RESTORED CARS FOR MANY YEARS, AND FIND THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT TO BE UNBELIEVABLE - ESPECIALLY FROM MERCEDES BENZ. FURTHERMORE THE LACK OF RESPONSE OR RECALL IS FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT MB IS INDIFFERENT ABOUT EXISTING OWNER SATISFACTION, CUSTOMER SAFETY AND THE QUALITY OF THE BRAND THEY SO PROUDLY PRODUCE. THE REPAIR IS A $900+ EXPENSE TO ME, AND THERE'S NO ASSISTANCE FROM MB. *TR

NHTSA ID
10241399
Incident
Aug 1, 2008

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI68.05-P-059193

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink

885040

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

TRUNK LID OPENS OR CLOSES TOO QUICKLY WHILE OPERATING WITH REMOTE TRUNK LID CONTROL BUTTON. *TT

5410117

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CONSUMER SHUTOFF DISPLAYED IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHILE DRIVING. *TT

PSIMBNA4020M

TIRES

UPDATED INFORMATION TO REFLECT ADDITON OF APPROVED TIRES. *YC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz E Class by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2008500—
2006101144.1
2005931—
2004154049.9
2003454046.7
2002800—
2001150238.7
2000341343.5
1999131239.6
1998240237.7
1997381243.9
1996162143.7
1995212048.5
1994Viewing382053.8
1993720—
1992020—
1991010—
1990010—
1989010—
1988010—
1987010—
1986010—
1985010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.