1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 82%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 82% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1994 mercedes e420 was not starting properly (asr light coming on, on several occasions). Took it to mechanic who noticed electric tape on some connections, then later found out why. The wiring harness had deteriorated in multiple places. I was left stranded at a meeting in the pouring rain and could not get back to the hospital one evening.”
NHTSA complaint #10169654, filed 2006-09, 135,000 miles“My mechanic noticed that the upper wiring harness was deteriorating badly and the insulation had disintegrated completely , exposing bare wire at numerous spots. I had this wiring harness replaced because it could have LED to expensive damage to electronic parts and / or a dangerous situation on the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #10156025, filed 2006-04, 64,500 miles“I need a new head gasket to repair an oil leak. My mechanic told me that in the process of getting to the oil leak he had to take off the wiring harness upon which the harness disintegrated in his hand. I am very concerned the mb would you biodegradable material to manufacturer an important part of the vehicle. The replacement part is $1,000 and needs to be done now since the repairing the existing harness could cause a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10155874, filed 2006-04, 108,000 miles“I turned on the switch of my 1994 e320 mercedes noticed smoke coming from under hood on passenger side. Opened hood it was on fire. Air flow sensor had just been replaced. I have since replaced wiring harness, plugs, but car is still surging not idling properly. Replaced intake air sensor, planning to replace idle actuator, and ovp relay. 153,000 miles I have spent 3000.00. My son was present and put out the fire and disconnected the battery. I could have lost my life. I have all old parts replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10339207, filed 2010-06, 153,000 miles“1994 mercedes e320 was involved in the electrical wiring harness failure - insulation was cracking and peeling off and shorted out - this caused the throttle body and traction control to short out the main computer of the car. I have read other complaints from other mercedes owners telling me that mercedes does not have a recall. This cost me over $3,000 dollars in repairs and usage loss. Now, I am still chasing more electrical problems from the wiring harness defects.”
NHTSA complaint #10222079, filed 2008-03, 110,000 milesRelated recalls
- 95V031000Feb 21, 1995The front passenger metal foot rest can, over time, abrade through the wiring harness under the foot rest causing the wiring harness to short circuit.Covers: Mercedes-Benz E Class 1992–1995, 124 1992–1995
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 9 | 20% |
| 2002 | 3 | 38% |
| 2001 | 3 | 20% |
| 2000 | 11 | 32% |
| 1998 | 4 | 17% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 6 | 38% |
| 1995 | 15 | 71% |
| 1994 | 31 | 82% |
| 1993 | 7 | 100% |
Other parts of the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class
6 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E Class
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