1993 Mercedes Benz 500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › 500 › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Mercedes Benz 500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1993 Mercedes Benz 500. Newest first.
If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. if the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Pump operation in the absence of fluid can cause the pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a fire1 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Wire harness defect causing short in system smoke inside the vehicle while driving on a county road immediately pulled over cutting other drivers off just to get vehicle in a safe and secured location.
- Electrical system
Engine light on due to faulty engine wiring harness. Many electrical problems, insulation cracked all throughout harness. Requires replacement!! *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mercedes-benz 500 sel. the contact stated that the vehicle would stall sporadically without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the vehicle had overheated and caused several wires to melt. The vehicle was not repaired.…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mercedes-benz 500 sel. the contact stated that the vehicle would stall sporadically without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the vehicle had overheated and caused several wires to melt. The vehicle was not repaired. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 116,000 and the current mileage was 125,000. the vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
" extremely dangerous engine wire harness " I believe the faulty wire harness coating was manufactured from 1991 to 1996 by mercedes benz. the plastic coating that protect the wires from touching as they go to eight fuel injectors, completely dissolve in many areas.....causing a multitude of…
" extremely dangerous engine wire harness " I believe the faulty wire harness coating was manufactured from 1991 to 1996 by mercedes benz. the plastic coating that protect the wires from touching as they go to eight fuel injectors, completely dissolve in many areas.....causing a multitude of events: 1) sudden engine failure 2) engine fires 3) extreme loss of power, causing car to jerk intensely with the power steering going in and out making it "almost impossible" to control car. I have replaced the "engine wire harness" once, & now needs another on my 93 mercedes 500 sel with 170,000 miles (this will be the 3RD wire harness). (m.b.u..s..a.) IS very much aware of their "faulty harness" and have been sent pictures of cars burned to the ground, thousands of letters and pictures consumers consumers, but refuse take responsibility for this "defective-part" ((they refuse to recall this potentially deadly harness)) this problem IS so intensely dangerous to everyone on a road way, because the reactions when these wires touch are "completely unprodicab e". Make mercedes stand up to the plate and "r e c a l l " this extremely dangerous e n g I n e w I r e h a r n e s s ! With manufacture dates 1991 through 1996. (Not positive of exact years, but somewhat accurate) my 1993 500 sel stalled in middle ln. on hwy. 280 in san jose ca. On 11-29-2007 @ 5:15 p.m. (Near 7TH street exit) nearly resulting in my death. Cars trying to avoid me during their unexpected and sudden stop and/or lane changes. cars skidding, sliding, losing control....it was a nightmare!!!. it's a wonder no one including myself was k I l l e d. I'm 46 yrs old, & that was "the most dangerous situation, & closest to my being killed that I 've experienced!" there's no warning to the side effects when the wire harness warms up and the unprotected wires begin to cross current with one another. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
When my 1993 mercedes benz 500 sel warms to its normal running temp. It begins to act as if it IS not getting fuel. it cuts out intensely and then dies out completely. this IS very dangerous when pulling out anywhere. I was told that it IS the fuel injection wiring harness. when the car finally…
When my 1993 mercedes benz 500 sel warms to its normal running temp. It begins to act as if it IS not getting fuel. it cuts out intensely and then dies out completely. this IS very dangerous when pulling out anywhere. I was told that it IS the fuel injection wiring harness. when the car finally quits completely, you are stranded roadside of at least 15 min. Until it will start again. I have been told that this wire harness has caused fires which have destroyed others with this same defective wire coating. please help us make mercedes do a recall, they are risking our lives! I was struck by a driver when having to push my car to the curb when stalling from this wire harness problem. fortunately I was not hit at a faster speed. all I received was some major bruising on my hip from the cars bumper. I suffered with pain for over a week. I am not filing for getting hurt, only to fix this well known defective coating on the mercedes benz wiring harness. please help us with obtaining a recall on this very potentially dangerous problem. thank you! p.s sept 1 IS when this problem started and happens every day now when the car warms up. they want 1400 dollars for a new harness when the 1ST one was made d e f e c t I v e l y ! *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
My mechanic told me on 11/3/2007 that the wire harness on my 1993 mercedes 500 sel could cause fire or death to my family and that mercedes benz U.S.A. Knows about the faults in the wire harness and knows the people are in danger and have yet to do a recall on years (1992 through 1996) please help…
My mechanic told me on 11/3/2007 that the wire harness on my 1993 mercedes 500 sel could cause fire or death to my family and that mercedes benz U.S.A. Knows about the faults in the wire harness and knows the people are in danger and have yet to do a recall on years (1992 through 1996) please help us get a recall in the wire harness before people get burnt or die these wires just fall apart and then touch each other and that IS when the danger starts, this really IS a serious and dangerous situation and we are asking for your help. thank you! *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
1993 mercedes benz 500sel wiring harness failure- insulation on wiring became brittle and began to fall off. Shorts in wiring lead to trouble lights coming on and needed to be replaced. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
My 500E sedan was experiencing erratic throttle control and intermittent stalling while driving, thus placing me at risk of no control of the vehicle. *Tr an examination of both the engine wiring harness and throttle-body showed disintegration of the wires protective insulation. both items were replaced at a cost of approx. $1,900.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
1993 mercedes benz 500E engine wiring harness insulation cannot stand up to the heat of the engine and loses its insulation, creating an engine malfunction and possible fire hazard.*ak
- Electrical system
1993 mercedes 500E wiring harness disintegrated. the ignition module was also defective *ts the defective ignition module has cut spark to half the cylinders in the engine. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
Shorting in electrical systems causing failures of ignition and computer systems intermittently. root cause analysis show that failure of the sheathing and materials of the wiring harnesses cause corruption of electrical circuits and require complete replacement of harnesses due to poor quality materials. complete replacement of the wiring harnesses was completed in july of 2005. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Shorting in electrical systems causing failures of ignition and computer systems intermittently. root cause analysis show that failure of the sheathing and materials of the wiring harnesses cause corruption of electrical circuits and require complete replacement of harnesses due to poor quality materials. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Car will quit all of a sudden and leave me with no brakes and no steering. This IS due to a brake down in the engine electrical harness. This IS going to cause an accident and or a fire. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
Engine wiring harness degraded and started becoming brittle resulting in warning lights, failed water temperature sensing and ultimately poor running of engine and wiring harness crumbling. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Both engine / fuel injection wiring harnesses of my 1993 mercedes-benz 500E (115,000 miles), have cracked insulation throughout. they are shorting out, causing stalling and the imposition of (involuntary/unacceptable) risks of dangerous engine malfunctions and/or fires inside the engine…
Both engine / fuel injection wiring harnesses of my 1993 mercedes-benz 500E (115,000 miles), have cracked insulation throughout. they are shorting out, causing stalling and the imposition of (involuntary/unacceptable) risks of dangerous engine malfunctions and/or fires inside the engine compartment. Numerous reports of other mercedes-benz vehicles of the same age document said (identical) defects. Although this issue IS known to mercedes-benz, a recall has been refused, outright/has yet to transpire. Please advise, asap; thank you. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
1993 mercedes benz 500E - stalls, rough idle and hesitation. the car due to wiring defect shuts down during driving activities ie. Pulling into traffic and almost in a serious accident. this was reported to mercedes USA and reported to dealership, they stated unaware of problem but would replace for $1200. per clubs and user groups (www.500ecstasy.com) all owners have replaced or experienced same problems. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Mercedes benz wiring harness defect.*mr the consumer stated the manufacturer needs to acknowledge there IS a problem with their vehicles. *jb updated 08/22/06. *Jb updated 12/07/15.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The engine/fuel injection wiring harness of my 1993 mercedes-benz 500E (64,000 miles), has cracked insulation throughout and IS beginning to short out, with the risk of causing dangerous engine malfunction, and even fire inside my engine compartment. I have read many reports of other mercedes-benz…
The engine/fuel injection wiring harness of my 1993 mercedes-benz 500E (64,000 miles), has cracked insulation throughout and IS beginning to short out, with the risk of causing dangerous engine malfunction, and even fire inside my engine compartment. I have read many reports of other mercedes-benz cars of the same age range having the exact same issue. This IS a know issue with mercedes that they refuse to recall. *nm
- Unknown or other
Possible odometer tampering. *ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Rear seat belt does not function since purchase.
- Vehicle speed control
Upon starting the vehicle when turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing the consumer to run into a store window, killing a bystander. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
ABS brakes failed, pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in brakes fading/extended stopping distance. also replaced front brake pads. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
The traction control has prevented the driver from moving the vehicle when any portion of vehicle IS on ice/snow on amain highway or in driveway. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 39407Modified steering lock.
- 39181Bonding headlamp lens to housing.
Every Mercedes Benz 500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.