1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300
1 recalls — 51 complaints — 2 TSBs
96V175000 Sep 19, 1996
VISIBILITY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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.
Complaint Statistics
51 total complaints
2 crashes 2 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 |
| STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 10, 2013
Incident date: Apr 5, 2013
THE ENGINE HARNESS PROBLEM AFTER OWNING MY CAR SINCE 1993. IT IS CLEAR THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS WAS MADE WITH BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL WHICH HAS NOW LOST IT'S PLASTIC COVERING OVER THE METAL WIRES. WITH WIRES EXPOSED AFTER THE ENGINE HARNESS DEGRATION, THE CAR WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO LAST ME FOR A LONG... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 28, 2011
Incident date: Jun 11, 2007
MY WIRING HARNESS HAS FAILED ON MY 1993 300E MERCEDES BENZ THE INSULATION COME OFF WIRING. *KB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Nov 28, 2011
Incident date: Jun 11, 2007
MY WIRING HARNESS HAS FAILED ON MY 1993 300E MERCEDES BENZ THE INSULATION COME OFF WIRING. *KB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Aug 6, 2011
Incident date: Jul 17, 2011
MY RESEARCH INDICATE THAT THIS ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM IS AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR MANY MERCEDES BENZ, 300 E, AND 300SE CARS WITH THE TWIN CAM ENGINES MADE BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1993-1995. NOT ONLY I AM UNABLE TO HAVE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE, BUT I AM TOLD BY THE REPAIR FACILITY THAT THIS PRESENTS... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 27, 2011
Incident date: Apr 1, 2011
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF MY VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACT ERRATICALLY. AT START, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT NORMALLY IDLE; INSTEAD IT LURCHED BETWEEN 500-1500 RPM. DURING OPERATION, AT A RANDOM POINTS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO PRESSING THE GAS, INSTEAD SURGING POWER UNTIL I STOP AND IDLE FO... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 12, 2008
Incident date: Nov 11, 2008
1. BURNING SMELL 2. POOR RUNNING FAST IDLE TO NO IDLE 3. BM NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 2, 2008
Incident date: Jun 2, 2008
THE ENGINE / FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300E 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 ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jun 2, 2008
Incident date: Jun 2, 2008
THE ENGINE / FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300E 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 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2008
Incident date: Jun 2, 2008
THE ENGINE / FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300E 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 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 15, 2008
Incident date: Mar 17, 2006
VEHICLE IS 1993 MERCEDES 300E SEDAN. 1. STRANGE THINGS GO ON WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2. WHEN UNLOCKING KEY, SOMETIMES THE ALARM WILL GO ON. 3. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER REPAIR WAS DONE. 4. SOMETIMES AIR BLOWER WILL WORK, SOMETIMES NOT. 5. SOMETIMES ANTENNA WILL COME UP,... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 8, 2008
Incident date: Apr 28, 2008
1993 300E 3.2 M104 ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DISINTERGRATING, WIRE INSULATION FALLS APART ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WIRES EVEN NOT EXPOSED TO HEAT DAMAGED. CHRONIC PROBLEM ALL 3 OF OUR MERCEDES HAVE THIS PROBLEM THE 300E THE WORST. I WORKED AT MERCEDES AND REPLACED THESE HARNESS EVERY WEEK. THIS IS VERY UNS... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 27, 2008
Incident date: Jan 6, 2008
THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS OF MY MERCEDES 1993 300E WIRES HAD DISINTEGRATED CAUSING SHORTAGES ON THE WIRES. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE MERCEDES WITH SUCH HIGH REPUTATION ON QUALITY WOULD IGNORE SUCH FAILURES ON THEIR PART. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Jan 16, 2008
Incident date: Jan 16, 2008
FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS IS DRY ROTTED AS SEEN IN THE IMAGES ON THIS SITE. I JUST RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A MAJOR DEFECT WITH THE HARNESS ASSEMBLY DUE TO POOR WORKMANSHIP THIS IS CERTAINLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MERCEDES SHOULD REPLACE THE HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Aug 3, 2007
Incident date: Aug 2, 2007
I OWN A 1993 MERCEDES 300E THAT FOR THE SECOND TIME HAS HAD ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. I FIND THIS TO BE A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM WITH INSULATION FROM THE WIRE BECOMING BRITTLE AND FALLING OFF. I OF AT LEAST THREE OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A TIME BOMB ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 16, 2007
Incident date: Jan 1, 2007
WIRING HARNESS DISINTERGRATED CAUSING WIRES EXPOSED AND TOUCHING OTHER WIRES. LITTLE OR NO INSULATION IS LEFT ON MOST WIRES. THE ENGINE SURGES/CHARGES WHILE COMPLETE IDLE AND BREAK FULLY ON HOLD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Mar 12, 2007
Incident date: Mar 2, 2007
DECAYED ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. MISCELLANEOUS ENGINE ERROR INDICATIONS, ASR LIGHT COMING ON (CAR IN "LIMP HOME" MODE). NOT TRACEABLE TO ANY COMPONENT FAILURE. INABILITY TO START THE CAR. REFUSAL OF INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO WORK ON THE CAR UNTIL THE WIRING HARNESS HAS BEEN REPLACES. FAILURE OCCURS ON 6... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Apr 20, 2006
Incident date: Apr 13, 2005
I OWN A 1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E. I NOTICED A SECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS UNDERNEATH MY HOOD BACK AGAINST THE FIREWALL HAS BEGUN TO DETERIORATE. THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC ON THE WIRING HARNESS IS CRACKING, EXPOSING WIRE. LOOKS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD. MY CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 31, 2006
Incident date: Mar 28, 2006
WHEN HAVING THE CAR SERVICED, THE REPAIR FACILITY IDENTIFIED MAJOR DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THEY INDICATED THAT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE OR LOSING ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Mar 31, 2006
Incident date: Mar 31, 2006
1993 MERCEDES BENZ 300E THE WIRING ON THE FUEL INJECTOR SYSTEM (AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS OF THE HARNESS) WAS REPLACED 5 YEARS AGO AS DEFECTIVE NOW IT IS DEFECTIVE AGAIN. MERCEDES BENZ REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AS THE R... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 31, 2006
Incident date: Feb 20, 2006
1993 MB 300E - WIRING HARNESS HAS BEGUN TO DETERIORATE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND OR NOT START. STALLING CAN OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THUS LOSING ALL POWER TO PROPERLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Feb 3, 2005
Incident date: Dec 1, 2004
HEAD GASKET AND FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS. *BF *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 3, 2005
Incident date: Dec 1, 2004
HEAD GASKET AND FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS. *BF *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Jan 12, 2004
Incident date: Dec 19, 2003
DURING A RECENT SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE AT AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CENTER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSULATION COVERING MY WIRES WERE DECOMPOSING AND THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED TO THE ENGINE, HENCE CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MY FAMILY. DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THE POSSIBLE ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jan 27, 2003
Incident date: Jan 23, 2003
MERCEDES 1993 300E WIRE HARNESS ENGINE WIRING HARNESS.(300E MERCEDES) CRACKED AND BRITTLE. MADE WITH VERY POOR MATERIALSMADE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE OF MERCEDES. IF YOU OWN ONE OF THESE CARS IT IS WELL KNOWN YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE YOUR HARNESS. MERCEDES KNOWS OF THIS... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jan 27, 2003
Incident date: Jan 23, 2003
MERCEDES 1993 300E WIRE HARNESS ENGINE WIRING HARNESS.(300E MERCEDES) CRACKED AND BRITTLE. MADE WITH VERY POOR MATERIALSMADE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE OF MERCEDES. IF YOU OWN ONE OF THESE CARS IT IS WELL KNOWN YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE YOUR HARNESS. MERCEDES KNOWS OF THIS... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Oct 18, 2002
Incident date: Nov 26, 2001
I TALKED TO SEVERAL MACHANICS AND TO DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE I AM VERY SUPRISED THAT IT HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL DURING TAKE OFF AND ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT WILL STALL.SOMETHING MUST BE DONE BEFORE PERSONS... Read more
Fire
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 25, 2002
Incident date: Mar 22, 2002
MY RESEARCH INDICATE THAT THIS ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM IS AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR MANY MERCEDES BENZ, 300 E, AND 300SE CARS WITH THE TWIN CAM ENGINES MADE BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1993-1995. NOT ONLY I AM UNABLE TO HAVE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE, BUT I AM TOLD BY THE REPAIR FACILITY THAT THIS PRESENTS... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Sep 17, 2001
Incident date: May 17, 2001
A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKS WHICH PREVENTS COOLING OF THE VEHICLE. R134A STOP LEAK APPLIED HOWEVER IT DID NOT SEAL LEAK.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 27, 2001
Incident date: Jun 23, 2001
TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jan 22, 2001
Incident date: Dec 11, 2000
VEHICLE WAS IN ACCIDENT 9-2-00. DEALER TOLD INSURANCE COMPANY (CHUBB) THAT THERE WAS $5000 DAMAGE. AFTER CONTACTING RALPH KOOS AT MERCEDES USA, HE FOUND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. CONCOURS WAS REIMBURSED FOR MORE THAN THE CAR WAS WORTH. HOWEVER MERCEDES ASSURED US THAT THE CAR ... Read more
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
Jan 22, 2001
Incident date: Dec 11, 2000
VEHICLE WAS IN ACCIDENT 9-2-00. DEALER TOLD INSURANCE COMPANY (CHUBB) THAT THERE WAS $5000 DAMAGE. AFTER CONTACTING RALPH KOOS AT MERCEDES USA, HE FOUND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. CONCOURS WAS REIMBURSED FOR MORE THAN THE CAR WAS WORTH. HOWEVER MERCEDES ASSURED US THAT THE CAR ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Dec 4, 2000
Incident date: Nov 1, 1999
DRIVER'S RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN DRIVER LEANS FORWARD AND BACK. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, THE ENGINE DIES WITHOUT ANY APPARENT REASON. *YH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Dec 4, 2000
Incident date: Nov 1, 1999
DRIVER'S RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN DRIVER LEANS FORWARD AND BACK. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, THE ENGINE DIES WITHOUT ANY APPARENT REASON. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 23, 2000
Incident date: Jul 5, 2000
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILED. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Mar 31, 2000
SEAT BELT CAME APART DUE TO LOSS OF SPRING. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Mar 18, 2000
Incident date: Feb 15, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 16, 1999
Incident date: Jul 21, 1999
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD BLEW OUT, CAUSING COOLING LEAKAGE. DEALER HAS REPLACED ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD. ALSO REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL AND IGNITION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 16, 1999
Incident date: Jul 21, 1999
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD BLEW OUT, CAUSING COOLING LEAKAGE. DEALER HAS REPLACED ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD. ALSO REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL AND IGNITION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Dec 16, 1999
Incident date: Jul 21, 1999
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD BLEW OUT, CAUSING COOLING LEAKAGE. DEALER HAS REPLACED ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD. ALSO REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL AND IGNITION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Mar 26, 1999
FAN BELT WAS ON THE PULLY INCORRECTLY CAUSING IT TO RUB AGAINST THE WATER HOSE RESULTING IN A HOLE.
TIRES
Oct 20, 1998
Incident date: Jan 20, 1997
MICHELIN TIRES #224/60 R26 97V, WORN UNEVENLY AND EXCESSIVELY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 14, 1998
HEAD GASKET FAILED.
TIRES
Jun 27, 1997
MICHELIN TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. (224/60R26)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 22, 1996
Incident date: Aug 22, 1993
DURING OPERATION THE CAR EXPERIENCES SUDDEN ACCELERATION. PROBLEM OCCURS ONLY WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 25, 1996
Incident date: Jul 30, 1995
ELECTRICAL FAILURE, CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS /FRONT SEAT POWER ADJUSTMENT TO MALFUNCTION. *AK
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Jan 25, 1996
Incident date: Jul 30, 1995
DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Jan 25, 1996
Incident date: Jul 30, 1995
NOISY STEERING WHEEL.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jan 25, 1996
Incident date: Jul 30, 1995
BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Dec 11, 1995
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 50MPH, 11:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, DRIVER'S AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY. TT
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Jun 26, 1995
Incident date: Apr 21, 1995
HAD A FRONTAL COLLISION, DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
Crash
1 injured
Showing 50 of 51 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins — 1993 MERCEDES-BENZ 300
2 manufacturer communications from 2 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| 011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 1 |
MBNA82/81
Feb 1, 1995
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
BONDING HEADLAMP LENS TO HOUSING. *TW
00340
Jun 1, 1993
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
MODIFIED STEERING LOCK. *TW
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ 300 across all model years (1971–1993).
16
Total Recalls
289
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
17
Reported Crashes
14
Reported Fires
1
Reported Deaths
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 | 3 | View |
| 1999 | 0 | 6 | View |
| 1998 | 0 | 2 | View |
| 1997 | 0 | 10 | View |
| 1996 | 0 | 23 | View |
| 1995 | 0 | 23 | View |
| 1994 | 0 | 7 | View |
| 1993 (current) | 1 | 51 | |
| 1992 | 1 | 25 | View |
| 1991 | 2 | 32 | View |
| 1990 | 4 | 5 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 7 | View |
| 1988 | 1 | 8 | View |
| 1987 | 1 | 38 | View |
| 1986 | 0 | 18 | View |
| 1985 | 0 | 6 | View |
| 1984 | 0 | 4 | View |
| 1983 | 0 | 10 | View |
| 1982 | 0 | 6 | View |
| 1980 | 0 | 3 | View |
| 1978 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 1972 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1971 | 3 | 0 | View |