MYRModel Year Report

1994 Mercedes Benz 280

○ Not enough data
1994 Mercedes Benz 280
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:44:31.817Z

Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz 280 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1994: 18 complaints 1994 1995: 47 complaints 1995 1996: 13 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2000
1994: 18 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19850
19860
19870
19880
199418
199547
199613
19975
19983
19993
20006

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100627

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080807

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060823

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SURGED FOWARD, HIT A WALL IN GARAGE, CAUSING PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY, WHILE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980416

Also filed under AIR BAGS

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
VISIBILITY

2 of 18 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Mercedes Benz 280 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1994 Mercedes Benz 280 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Mercedes Benz 280?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Mercedes Benz 280 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.