Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL500 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 50
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz SL500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1995 compares with every other Mercedes Benz SL500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
412.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
515.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
39.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1753.1%
150,000+ miles
13.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2006peak 7Apr 2019
Recalls on the 1995 Mercedes Benz SL500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E014000
WHEELS
CERTAIN ZF TRADING NORTH AMERICA AFTERMARKET WHEEL BEARING KITS, LEMFOERDER P/N 1402301, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON 1992-2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (R129) VEHICLES AFTER APRIL 1, 2005. THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS USED IN THE WHEEL BEARING KIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, SHEAR OFF AND BREAK. IF BOTH CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS BREAK, THE BRAKE CALIPER MAY BECOME UNFIXED AND, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKED, THE BRAKE ROTOR COULD DRAG THE CALIPER, CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE TO RUPTURE AND THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION TO BE DAMAGED.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 1,000 milesChino, CAFire2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
91-96 MERCEDES ENGINE WIRE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES COMPLETELY TO SHORTING OUT ALL GAUGES AND ENGINE OPERATIONS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS... DEADLY DANGEROUS . THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A MASS GROUP TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NHTSA FOR NOT DEMANDING MERCEDES TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL ON ITS DEADLY MISTAKE. ( WE HAVE NOT LOST A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TODAY FROM 1989... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11016263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesChino, CAFire2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
91-96 MERCEDES ENGINE WIRE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES COMPLETELY TO SHORTING OUT ALL GAUGES AND ENGINE OPERATIONS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS... DEADLY DANGEROUS . THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A MASS GROUP TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NHTSA FOR NOT DEMANDING MERCEDES TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL ON ITS DEADLY MISTAKE. ( WE HAVE NOT LOST A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TODAY FROM 1989... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11016263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesMilton, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE A 1995 SL500 MERCEDES BENZ AND THE WIRES GOING TO THE BRAKE SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE, IF I HAD NOT HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THE HOLE CAR MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE ALSO I WAS NO GOING FAST WHEN THE FUMES STARTED CHOKING ME AND MY EYES BURNED. I COULD HAVE KILLED MY SELF OR SOMEONE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10242737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesMilton, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
I HAVE A 1995 SL500 MERCEDES BENZ AND THE WIRES GOING TO THE BRAKE SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE, IF I HAD NOT HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THE HOLE CAR MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE ALSO I WAS NO GOING FAST WHEN THE FUMES STARTED CHOKING ME AND MY EYES BURNED. I COULD HAVE KILLED MY SELF OR SOMEONE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10242737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesMilton, FLFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I HAVE A 1995 SL500 MERCEDES BENZ AND THE WIRES GOING TO THE BRAKE SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE, IF I HAD NOT HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THE HOLE CAR MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE ALSO I WAS NO GOING FAST WHEN THE FUMES STARTED CHOKING ME AND MY EYES BURNED. I COULD HAVE KILLED MY SELF OR SOMEONE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10242737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,750 milesErie, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. STARTED SMALL FIRE THAT WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. I REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS AND CLEANED ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION HAD TURNED TO POWDER IN MANY LOCATIONS SHORTING FUEL INJECTORS, MASS SENSOR AND CAM MAGNETS.
NHTSA complaint #10172352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 100,000 milesWashougal, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE WIRE HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED DUE TO MERCEDES' CHOICE TO USE BIODEGRADABLE WIRE INSULATION. WIRES ARE SHORTING WHICH ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT, COULD LEAD TO A FIRE AND HAVE CAUSED THE ANTI SLIP REGULATOR SAFETY SYSTEM TO FAIL AND THE CAR TO RUN IN LIMP MODE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED POWER. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN I LOST POWER INITIALLY AND AT THE TIME WAS SURPRISED BY THE LOSS OF POWER. I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO CONTROL ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED FULLY RESPONDING TO INPUT. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND AM SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THIS HAS NOT BEEN PUT OUT AS A RECALL ITEM.
NHTSA complaint #11194764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aliquippa, PA
AIR BAGS
CAR CAN HARDLY RUN--WITHOUT STALLING-HARD TO START MERCEDES DEALER SAID TO SELL IT BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11162777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aliquippa, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR CAN HARDLY RUN--WITHOUT STALLING-HARD TO START MERCEDES DEALER SAID TO SELL IT BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11162777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aliquippa, PA
ENGINE
CAR CAN HARDLY RUN--WITHOUT STALLING-HARD TO START MERCEDES DEALER SAID TO SELL IT BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11162777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesChino, CAFire2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
91-96 MERCEDES ENGINE WIRE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES COMPLETELY TO SHORTING OUT ALL GAUGES AND ENGINE OPERATIONS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS... DEADLY DANGEROUS . THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A MASS GROUP TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NHTSA FOR NOT DEMANDING MERCEDES TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL ON ITS DEADLY MISTAKE. ( WE HAVE NOT LOST A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TODAY FROM 1989... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11016263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesChino, CAFire2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
91-96 MERCEDES ENGINE WIRE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES COMPLETELY TO SHORTING OUT ALL GAUGES AND ENGINE OPERATIONS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS... DEADLY DANGEROUS . THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A MASS GROUP TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NHTSA FOR NOT DEMANDING MERCEDES TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL ON ITS DEADLY MISTAKE. ( WE HAVE NOT LOST A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TODAY FROM 1989... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11016263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEncino, CA
STEERING
I HAVE 1995 SL500 LAST 8 YEARS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, RELATED TO WIRING HARNESS ,MISFIRE ,STEERING PUMP,AIR PUMP AND MORE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER.ALL THE WIRES ARE DETERIORATING,I THNIK WE NEED NHTSA TO INSPECT THESE CAR MANUFACTURERS.IF MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE FAULTY WIRING THEY SHOULD STAND UP AND OFFER REPAIRS AT THE MERCEDES DEALERS.FREE. REGARDS
NHTSA complaint #10966708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEncino, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE 1995 SL500 LAST 8 YEARS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, RELATED TO WIRING HARNESS ,MISFIRE ,STEERING PUMP,AIR PUMP AND MORE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER.ALL THE WIRES ARE DETERIORATING,I THNIK WE NEED NHTSA TO INSPECT THESE CAR MANUFACTURERS.IF MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE FAULTY WIRING THEY SHOULD STAND UP AND OFFER REPAIRS AT THE MERCEDES DEALERS.FREE. REGARDS
NHTSA complaint #10966708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEncino, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE 1995 SL500 LAST 8 YEARS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, RELATED TO WIRING HARNESS ,MISFIRE ,STEERING PUMP,AIR PUMP AND MORE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER.ALL THE WIRES ARE DETERIORATING,I THNIK WE NEED NHTSA TO INSPECT THESE CAR MANUFACTURERS.IF MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE FAULTY WIRING THEY SHOULD STAND UP AND OFFER REPAIRS AT THE MERCEDES DEALERS.FREE. REGARDS
NHTSA complaint #10966708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesTaunton, MA
AIR BAGS
MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT
NHTSA complaint #10920297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesTaunton, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT
NHTSA complaint #10920297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesTaunton, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT
NHTSA complaint #10920297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerfield, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO STALL. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS LATER ABLE TO JUMP START VEHICLE, HOWEVER STILL HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING AND NO ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN INFORMED IT IS A "HARNESS WIRING ISSUE".
NHTSA complaint #10724745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerfield, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO STALL. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS LATER ABLE TO JUMP START VEHICLE, HOWEVER STILL HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING AND NO ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN INFORMED IT IS A "HARNESS WIRING ISSUE".
NHTSA complaint #10724745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerfield, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO STALL. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS LATER ABLE TO JUMP START VEHICLE, HOWEVER STILL HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING AND NO ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN INFORMED IT IS A "HARNESS WIRING ISSUE".
NHTSA complaint #10724745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesVancouver, WA
SEAT BELTS
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS WEAKENED OVER TIME AND DOESN'T RETRACT THE BELT. BELT FITS LOOSE OVER TORSO AND GETS SHUT IN DOOR EASILY SINCE IT DOESN'T RETRACT POSSIBLY CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO THIS SAFETY CRITICAL INSTALLATION.
NHTSA complaint #10631372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesDunwoody, GA
STEERING
THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THESE HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO NOTHING ON A FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. MERCEDES AND THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH KNOW THAT VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE HARNESS ARE DEATH TRAPS. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED, BUT WIRING HARNESS WAS NEVER INVESTIGATED AS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT. WHY ARE YOU NOT TAKING ACTION AGAINST MERCEDES? EVERY VEHICLE STILL ON THE ROAD SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IF IT HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10513085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesDunwoody, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THESE HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO NOTHING ON A FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. MERCEDES AND THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH KNOW THAT VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE HARNESS ARE DEATH TRAPS. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED, BUT WIRING HARNESS WAS NEVER INVESTIGATED AS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT. WHY ARE YOU NOT TAKING ACTION AGAINST MERCEDES? EVERY VEHICLE STILL ON THE ROAD SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IF IT HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10513085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesDunwoody, GA
ENGINE
THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THESE HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO NOTHING ON A FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. MERCEDES AND THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH KNOW THAT VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE HARNESS ARE DEATH TRAPS. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED, BUT WIRING HARNESS WAS NEVER INVESTIGATED AS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT. WHY ARE YOU NOT TAKING ACTION AGAINST MERCEDES? EVERY VEHICLE STILL ON THE ROAD SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IF IT HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #10513085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,890 milesRotonda West, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE AS I CAREFULLY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER MECHANIC FOUND THE WIRE INSULATION ON THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE GAS ACTUATOR WHERE SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED AND EXPOSING BARE WIRES INSIDE. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS COSTING OVER $3,300.00 PARTS AND LABOR FOR THESE 2 REPAIRS ALONE.. I THINK THIS DEFECT WOULD HAVE SHOW UP MUCH SOONER ON MY VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT I ONLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE SEASONALLY AND THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AT 44K. I COLLECT MANY OLD CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS INSULATION DEFECT ON A 18 YEAR OLD VEHICLE BEFORE. I DO NOT THINK THIS DEFECT IS ACCEPTABLE ON A VEHICLE THAT ORIGINALLY COST NEARLY 100K. AS THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND STARTED SHOWING UP MANY YEARS AGO ON OTHER CARS, MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD PROVIDE AT LEAST SOME RELIEF TO OWNERS FOR THE REPAIR COSTS OF THEIR POOR ENGINEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10511697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,890 milesRotonda West, FL
ENGINE
WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE AS I CAREFULLY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER MECHANIC FOUND THE WIRE INSULATION ON THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE GAS ACTUATOR WHERE SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED AND EXPOSING BARE WIRES INSIDE. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS COSTING OVER $3,300.00 PARTS AND LABOR FOR THESE 2 REPAIRS ALONE.. I THINK THIS DEFECT WOULD HAVE SHOW UP MUCH SOONER ON MY VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT I ONLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE SEASONALLY AND THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AT 44K. I COLLECT MANY OLD CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS INSULATION DEFECT ON A 18 YEAR OLD VEHICLE BEFORE. I DO NOT THINK THIS DEFECT IS ACCEPTABLE ON A VEHICLE THAT ORIGINALLY COST NEARLY 100K. AS THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND STARTED SHOWING UP MANY YEARS AGO ON OTHER CARS, MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD PROVIDE AT LEAST SOME RELIEF TO OWNERS FOR THE REPAIR COSTS OF THEIR POOR ENGINEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10511697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,890 milesRotonda West, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE AS I CAREFULLY DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER MECHANIC FOUND THE WIRE INSULATION ON THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE GAS ACTUATOR WHERE SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED AND EXPOSING BARE WIRES INSIDE. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS COSTING OVER $3,300.00 PARTS AND LABOR FOR THESE 2 REPAIRS ALONE.. I THINK THIS DEFECT WOULD HAVE SHOW UP MUCH SOONER ON MY VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT I ONLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE SEASONALLY AND THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AT 44K. I COLLECT MANY OLD CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS INSULATION DEFECT ON A 18 YEAR OLD VEHICLE BEFORE. I DO NOT THINK THIS DEFECT IS ACCEPTABLE ON A VEHICLE THAT ORIGINALLY COST NEARLY 100K. AS THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND STARTED SHOWING UP MANY YEARS AGO ON OTHER CARS, MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD PROVIDE AT LEAST SOME RELIEF TO OWNERS FOR THE REPAIR COSTS OF THEIR POOR ENGINEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10511697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesJupiter, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES IN THE CAR AT A COST OF $3500.00. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AGAIN AT A SIMILAR COST. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS NONSENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10510279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPeru, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AS IT WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY (COMPUTER CODES, STALLING, ETC) FOUND OUT THAT IN 1995 THE MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY PUT BIODEGRADABLE WIRING. HAD TO SEND TO GERMANY FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS ($1500) MAY HAVE TO PURCHASE THE OTHER WIRING HARNESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE ($3000). WHAT KIND OF CAR COMPANY PUTS BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN THEIR CARS?? A MERCEDES IS KNOWN TO LAST UP TO SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES, BUT NOT WHEN THE WIRING STARTS DISINTEGRATING!! I HAVE SINCE FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CLASS ACTION SUITS FOR THIS SAME MATTER AGAINST THE MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY. THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE OR THE PROBLEM. HAD I KNOWN OF THIS, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE!
NHTSA complaint #10479888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPeru, IL
ENGINE
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AS IT WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY (COMPUTER CODES, STALLING, ETC) FOUND OUT THAT IN 1995 THE MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY PUT BIODEGRADABLE WIRING. HAD TO SEND TO GERMANY FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS ($1500) MAY HAVE TO PURCHASE THE OTHER WIRING HARNESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE ($3000). WHAT KIND OF CAR COMPANY PUTS BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN THEIR CARS?? A MERCEDES IS KNOWN TO LAST UP TO SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES, BUT NOT WHEN THE WIRING STARTS DISINTEGRATING!! I HAVE SINCE FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CLASS ACTION SUITS FOR THIS SAME MATTER AGAINST THE MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY. THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE OR THE PROBLEM. HAD I KNOWN OF THIS, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE!
NHTSA complaint #10479888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.