1995 Mercedes Benz E320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E320 › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Mercedes Benz E320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
96 complaints3 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Engine wiring harness insulation falling off - copper wires exposed and may result in short and engine failure at highway speeds - could result in injury or death.*dt consumer stated wiring IS defective and that mercedes has been aware of the nature of the defect for many years.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
TL* the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. While driving at 55 mph, there was smoke under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel lines and the fan belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,664. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
On this 1995 mercedes E320, would not pass emissions, took to dealer, was told the engine compartment wiring harness needed to be replaced, at a cost of $1500. The wiring harness was crumbling everywhere. I checked online and it IS a very common problem with all E20. I checked no recall for this…
On this 1995 mercedes E320, would not pass emissions, took to dealer, was told the engine compartment wiring harness needed to be replaced, at a cost of $1500. The wiring harness was crumbling everywhere. I checked online and it IS a very common problem with all E20. I checked no recall for this problem. This IS totally a manufacturing problem, the coating to the wiring has disintegrated and it IS unsafe to drive these cars. I have spent over $2,000 to try to get this car to pass emissions, it fails so bad I cant even get a waiver. *tr
- Electrical system
Purchased in late spring 2014. Fire in right door electrical wiring mid june. stall at red light in mid july. stall on highway, stop and go traffic in mid september. and stall at a red light sept. 27, 2014. bought it, it had 107,000miles. *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
I dropped off my car at auto shop due to my car starting rough, the ac and fan cut off, and check engine light came on. I was also concerned that this could be the wire harness as I had read about problem on the internet, and had discussed possible issue with various mercedes mechanics. I was…
I dropped off my car at auto shop due to my car starting rough, the ac and fan cut off, and check engine light came on. I was also concerned that this could be the wire harness as I had read about problem on the internet, and had discussed possible issue with various mercedes mechanics. I was told that mercedes benz had installed bio degradable wire harness that were resulting in premature deterioration. while my car was in the service bay at s the automotive shop my engine wire harness caught on fire! the mechanic was able to put the fire out before entire car and his shop caught on fire. I have asked him to retain harness for evidence, he said harness IS in pieces due to extreme heat of this electrical fire. I am so thankful that the car caught on fire at the shop, or my entire family could have been killed. I say this as my electric locks were messed up, and sometimes I had to wait up to a minute or more to open the car doors and trunk, and also to lock my vehicle due to some sort of short. we could have all burned to death if the car caught on fire while driving on the highway, and we could not of exited the vehicle. this IS a serious safety issue, and there needs to be a recall. there are over 700 complaints, along with dozens of fire complaints, regarding engine wiring harness defect on mercedes benz built between 1991-1997 with the national highway traffic safety administration. How many safety reports, engine harness fires, and possible harness fires resulting in death does it take for action in the form of a recall by mercedes benz and the nhtsa? this IS not a matter "if" these wire harness with fail, but when and how. I would like to request an investigation regarding my engine wiring harness that failed and caught on fire, and resulting damage to my car. *tr
- Electrical system
Engine wiring harness failed. the wires crumbled. vehicle no longer runs. *ln
- Electrical system
The electrical insulation on the engine wiring harness failed and cause the engine to misfire. My concern IS either an electrical short could cause a fire or computer failure. *tr
- Electrical system
Wiring harness deterioration due to manufacturer defect. wiring harness insulation deteriorates leading to other component failures, and compromised safety, fire hazard, drivability compromised. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
The wires in the wiring harness connecting to the coils for the fuel injection system are disintegrating. currently this IS causing the car to loose power, run rough, only 2-4 cylinders are firing. my mechanic said he found on the web that this IS happening a lot to mercedes cars made during the…
The wires in the wiring harness connecting to the coils for the fuel injection system are disintegrating. currently this IS causing the car to loose power, run rough, only 2-4 cylinders are firing. my mechanic said he found on the web that this IS happening a lot to mercedes cars made during the time period my car was made but mercedes never issued a recall for this huge problem. my cost to fix this problem was estimated at $3200.00 or more depending on how much of the wiring system has disintegrated and what other systems are affected. I called mercedes on howe ave in sacramento and after checking my vin number said my car has never been recalled for this problem or any other problems. *tr
- Electrical system
The car began to idle rough months before, it completely stopped. I thought this was just a mass airflow sensor, but after getting that fixed I didn't know what it was. A few months later, the car stopped in the middle of the road. It could have ended in a crash but thankfully I was on a road with…
The car began to idle rough months before, it completely stopped. I thought this was just a mass airflow sensor, but after getting that fixed I didn't know what it was. A few months later, the car stopped in the middle of the road. It could have ended in a crash but thankfully I was on a road with fairly light traffic. Upon inspection, the wiring harness on my '95 E320 completely was wearing away, specifically around the ignition coils. I'm ashamed of mercedes for not recalling this problem, as it (i have found out after reading) IS an infamous problem with mb from 1993-96. I hope that they sort this out so no one gets in a crash, or worse. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling
1995 mercedes benz E320. Consumer states disintegrating wiring harness defect *tgw the consumer stated the head gasket developed a leak, but in order to do the repair a new wiring harness IS needed.*jb
- Electrical system · Fuel system, other
I have two mercedes benz W124 cars. Both cars have had the wiring harness failure and that destroyed many very expensive electronic components on the cars. 1993 300E 4 door sedan, wiring harness failure and destroy many things very expensive on the car 1995 E320 cabriolet rare collectors convertible made in 1994 and 1995 only! Please send me two forms to fill out. *tr
- Electrical system
Wiring harness deteriorated causing electrical short-circuit. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1995 mercedes E-320. While having the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic for unrelated failures, the contact was advised to replace the wiring harness because the insulation on the wires was deteriorating. The contact was also informed that the deterioration of the…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 mercedes E-320. While having the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic for unrelated failures, the contact was advised to replace the wiring harness because the insulation on the wires was deteriorating. The contact was also informed that the deterioration of the insulation could lead to engine fires as well as the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 156,000. the vin was not available.
- Electrical system
1995 mercedes benz E320 engine wiring harness and throttle actuator wiring . The wire insulation used on the engine wiring harness and the throttle actuator in my car has badly degraded! This causes all kinds of shorts within the electronics of the vehicle and problems with the electric throttle…
1995 mercedes benz E320 engine wiring harness and throttle actuator wiring . The wire insulation used on the engine wiring harness and the throttle actuator in my car has badly degraded! This causes all kinds of shorts within the electronics of the vehicle and problems with the electric throttle system in this car. The problems with the throttle actuator caused my car to go in and out of limp mode(reduced power) while I was driving. This caused my car to accelerate very quickly and nearly caused an accident!. this problem needs to be a manufacturers recall before somebody's throttle gets stuck and they get hurt or before their car burns. *tr
- Electrical system
1995 mercedes E320 wagon. The engine wire harness has disintegrated leaving exposed wires in engine bay that could cause fire. Also causes acceleration and idle problems along with various intermittent warning lights. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
The whole engine wiring harness that runs all over my engine IS defective. The insulation around the wiring literally fell apart, as everyone else on here described as breaking into brittle pieces and disintegrating. The car shut off completely in the middle of the highway. A service advisor at a…
The whole engine wiring harness that runs all over my engine IS defective. The insulation around the wiring literally fell apart, as everyone else on here described as breaking into brittle pieces and disintegrating. The car shut off completely in the middle of the highway. A service advisor at a local dealership knows about it and says they won't fix it because "the government hasn't ordered them to recall it" and went on to give me a quote for nearly $2,000. Now my car IS stuck in a shop with all the bare wires showing and the decayed insulation in pieces all over the floor. I don't know what to do. I did a lot of research and apparently it IS a defect in every 1995 E320 manufactured in the us. A lot of people say it also affects 1993-1994, as well as other models with the same engine. I'm the original owner, bought the car new from the dealership in 1995. It only has 57,533 miles on it and has always been garage kept. *Tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that she had just left a repair shop where a bulb was replaced when she was driving at approximately 30 mph and smelled burning wires. She took her foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle suddenly hesitated. She turned around…
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that she had just left a repair shop where a bulb was replaced when she was driving at approximately 30 mph and smelled burning wires. She took her foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle suddenly hesitated. She turned around to go back to the repair shop but noticed that the vehicle had caught fire. She called the fire department and the fire was put out. She was not sure if a fire report was filed. The contact then drove back to the repair shop where the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle caught fire again after leaving the repair shop. The contact called the fire department again and the fire was extinguished. Once again, she was not sure if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was returned to the same repair shop where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by an electrical problem and a brake failure. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 143,728. The current mileage was approximately 144,000.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. While turning the key in the ignition, the air bag suddenly deployed. The contact filed a police report and called the dealership but the dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 307,000.
- Electrical system
1995 mercedes benz e 320, deteriorating wiring harness in the engine compartment. I believe to be causing my check engine light to come on even after replacing the mass air sensor and 02 sensor. This problem was noticed over 10 years ago but are unaware of the complaints other owners have. Now the…
1995 mercedes benz e 320, deteriorating wiring harness in the engine compartment. I believe to be causing my check engine light to come on even after replacing the mass air sensor and 02 sensor. This problem was noticed over 10 years ago but are unaware of the complaints other owners have. Now the harness IS brittle and in constant repair. I tend to think that this kind of components should last the life of the vehicle. *Tr
- Electrical system
The insulation on the wires inside the wiring harness from ecu to the rest of the car has become brittle and IS falling off, allowing wires within the harness to short out to each other. this can destroy various sensors and perhaps the engine control computer itself. although my mechanic has…
The insulation on the wires inside the wiring harness from ecu to the rest of the car has become brittle and IS falling off, allowing wires within the harness to short out to each other. this can destroy various sensors and perhaps the engine control computer itself. although my mechanic has seen many 1995 mercedes benz cars with this defect, mbusa claims to not have any knowledge of this defect. I am replacing the wiring harness at a cost of approx $1600. the original wiring harness IS available for inspection. shorting together of the wires in the wiring harness may cause fires and the sudden loss of control of vehicle. I request that nhtsa investigate this seemingly common problem that mercedes benz claims not to have heard of. *Tr
- Electrical system › Wiring
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. the contact noticed that the engine warning light would sporadically illuminate on the instrument panel. upon further inspection, he noticed that the wiring harness failed. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID…
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercedes benz E320. the contact noticed that the engine warning light would sporadically illuminate on the instrument panel. upon further inspection, he noticed that the wiring harness failed. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 95v031000 (electrical system:wiring); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
How many complaints on faulting wiring harness does it take to make mercedes benz except the fact they screwed up and need to replace the defective harness free of charge!!! I have both a 1994 & 1995 E320 cab., both of which are having issues with electrical wiring harness. After paying $80,000 +…
How many complaints on faulting wiring harness does it take to make mercedes benz except the fact they screwed up and need to replace the defective harness free of charge!!! I have both a 1994 & 1995 E320 cab., both of which are having issues with electrical wiring harness. After paying $80,000 + for a benz, I and no one else should be faced with the cost of such an obvious flaw. I was raised in a benz home but I guess you don't get what you pay for anymore. Bad! Bad! '!@#$%!! *Tr
- Electrical system
Wire harness burnt out because of biodegradable wire casing rotting away and wires touching causing smoke and burnt out. *Tr
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.
- 10235972Enclosed for your information and pursuant to part 579.5, please find our latest Service and Warranty Bulletins for March, 2016
- 10186142Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10179951AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10167553Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load - Bosch) is stored in the engine control unit.
- 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
- 10167000Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10166090Possible complaints: 1. Memory function of electric seat fore/aft adjustment not functioning. 2. Seat fore/aft adjustment with easy entry/exit feature not functioning. 3. Head restraint presetting not functioning. 4. Seat fore/aft adjustment can only be adjusted for 2 sec with the seat adjustment switch (seat can only be adjusted in longitudinal direction in fits and starts). 5. Function "Collision avoidance when folding down the rear seat backrest" not functioning (seat fails to move forward when the rear seat backrest is folded down).
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10151948Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10151924Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10136031Engine noises (rattling) after engine start
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135598Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10044222Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly. Dirt deposits on the seat belt guide due to soiled seat belt. Also included models 169, f cell, 246, and 231. No model years given.
- 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10044180Xentry: 'airmatic- service required' or 'elc- service required' in display- 'fc5151- B22/3 (rear axle sensor): signal implausible' stored.
- 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
- 10033067Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10032709Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle IS subject to torsion or when steering wheel IS turned. This IS mainly heard when the vehicle IS stationary or when the vehicle IS moving slowly. Relative movement between the frame type integral support and steering plate can cause the plate to make contact with the frame type integral support of the front axle, which in turn causes noises.
- 10029105Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy, combustion noise, vehicle stalls). May be caused by malfunction at pressure regulator valve (prv) due to improper installation.
- 10028686Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, AMG (compressor) AMG, bluetec and wagon. Model years unknown. Updated 9/18/09.
- 10028649Mercedes: srs indicator lamp on. The srs light IS illuminated and diagnostic fault code(s) b9223 and/or b9243 are stored in the srs ecu. The resistance of the ignition squib circuit for the sidebag may be too high. Model 211. All model years.
- 10025663Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ML 320 and gl320); 211.022 (E320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
- 10025649Water entry at a-pillar on model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 282, 283 (E320 cdi; E320; e500;e55amg; E320 4matic; E500 4matic; E320 wagon; 320 4matic). Unknown years.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10010912Steering wheel heater not operating correctly or inoperative at cold temperatures. Mercedes benz model 211. Model year unknown. Model 211 (e series). Update 8/8/2008.
Every Mercedes Benz E320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.