Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 13 of 15 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WER…
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TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE CARS ARE COMMON I LEARNED FROM SEARCHING THE MDZ BULLETIN BOARDS. I HAVE 6 FAILED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE ACTUATORS (AT $1800 EACH!!) EXHIBITING THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. ONE EXHIBITED UNCOMMANDED WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. THE OTHERS FAILED BY ENTERING THE 'LIMP HOME' MODE. MERCEDES BENZ NORTH AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS SERIOUS DEFECT BUT REFUSES TO REPAIR OR WARRANT THIS DEFECTIVE SAFETY SYSTEM. I WAS SHOCKED THAT MY CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED IN THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING COMPARTMENT HARNESS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10151360
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1994 Mercedes Benz Sl Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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