1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 165,086miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl · diesel RWD · 18 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by engine cooling (1) and steering (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 165,086 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 57%
- Engine cooling1 14%
- Steering1 14%
- Tires1 14%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The engine wiring harness of my 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD has cracked insulation throughout and is beginning to short-circuit with the risk of causing dangerous engine malfunction and fire. I have read many reports of other Mercedes-Benz cars of the same age range 1992-1997 having the exact same defect eco wiring . Just look at any online forum or talk to any mercedes technician. This is a known issue with mercedes that they refuse to recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10905561, filed 2016-09, 189,000 milesEngine cooling: “I purchased a 1993 mercedes benz-300SD through a local business man in columbia, sc who had the car on lease. I paid the leasing company, mercedes corporation for the car. This car had to have a new motor at 46,000 miles. I am now told that I might have to have another motor. I have had to repace the motor for the fan that runs the air/heat; replace units that controls the factory installed telephone and now am being told that the new motor will cost from $10,000 to $12,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #730628, filed 2000-09Tires: “Was traveling about 65mph on highway and vehicle was shaking and vibrating. Also, lost control for a few monutes. He steered t vehicle to safety. Driver's rear tire tread separated.”
NHTSA complaint #869893, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 141,172 and 189,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300SD RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 19 | $5,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10057241Nov 17, 2014Electrical system. Mercedes my-all models 164.195 212.095, 221-195 222-163, 245.286 . Vehicles must be examined immediately after an accident to avoid damage to hv battery.
- 10055958Apr 29, 2014Engine. Exhaust gas recirculation or in air charge system. Updated 8/6/14.
- 10055956Apr 3, 2014Engine. Engine indicator lamp lights up, engine in limp home mode, fault codes present in gas recirculation system.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 300SD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 7 | 165,086 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 300SD model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 1.
Has the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD (300SD, 3.5L 6-cyl · diesel) at 19 mpg combined, 18 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300SD reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 165,086 miles and the middle half falls between 141,172 and 189,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.