1994 Mercedes-Benz 280 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 56%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Mercedes-Benz 280, 56% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1994 c280 mercedes has engine wiring harness defect due to wires shearing and being exposed. From internet research it is clear that this is a design defect and that the insulation is not heat resistant. The car started to smoke due to exposed wires touching and shorted out a.c. The car cannot be driven now until wiring harness is replaced due to risk of fire. This car is a death trap - just glad I caught it when I did.”
NHTSA complaint #10237366, filed 2008-08, 123,000 miles“I have a 1994 mercedez benz c280 and was purchased in 2004 with approximately 94,000 miles. Not long after having the car I start having erratic misfire codes showing up on the computer. I was told that it was possible a wiring harness problem which this make and year of car is having. Now I find on the internet a report dated in 2007 of over 300 people with mercedez vehicles from 1991 to 1996 having similar problem. This site ask if I would add my car to the list.”
NHTSA complaint #10237975, filed 2008-08, 94,000 miles“Engine wiring harness has brittle insulation; has hundreds of cracks; insulation is falling off of wires; is short circuiting, motor is running rough; missing some; sounds like its not running on all cylinders. Wiring harness is heating where it is short circuiting. I have seen some smoking; was on fire once so far.”
NHTSA complaint #10340330, filed 2010-06, 154,000 miles“The engine wiring harness (that supplies 12 volts dc to the coils that convert it into high voltage for use in the spark plugs), had a critical failure in the wire insulation. Over time the insulation will harden and crack to the point that wires short out. This failure is not limited to only this harness, in fact it has been found to cause electrical fires in other parts of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10166285, filed 2006-08, 173,000 miles“1994 c280 mercedes caught fire after being driven for about 15 minutes. Mercedes was destroyed and car next to it totaled as well. House damaged (cars were in driveway). Fire inspector said fire started under hood, appears it was probably the wiring harness. Firemen had to use special foam to put fire out because of magnesium parts on mercedes, can't use water because it will cause an explosion. It burned for over an hour and took the firemen at least half an hour to put it out. This needs to be addressed by mercedes benz.”
NHTSA complaint #10410371, filed 2011-07, 250,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1994 Mercedes-Benz 280
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Mercedes-Benz 280
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology