1992 Mercedes Benz 400E
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
17 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY WAS MELTED THROUGH AND SOME FLAME WAS STILL GLOWING IN THE DRIVER SIDE AIR FILTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140619
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
1992 MERCEDES E 400 MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. HARNESS FRIED DUE TO POOR WIRING INSULATION. I OWN TWO MERCEDES AND BOTH ARE FOR SALE. WILL NEVER BUY A CAR FROM MERCEDES EVER AGAIN. TOO MUCH MONEY AND TOO MANT PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071019
MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS CURRENTLY DETERIORATING CAUSING THE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED TO AN INTENSE AMOUNT OF HEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030204
1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
ACCELERATION SLIP CONTROL UNIT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980717
1 of 19 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: power train.
FIRE1 of 19 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
1992 MERCEDES BENZ 400E. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES RENDERED VEHICLE USELESS. *SMD MERCEDES BENZ WROTE TO THE CONSUMER, STATING THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALL CAMPAIGNS ON THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140306
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PLASTIC BRAKE HYDRAULIC HOSE FROM THE AUTOMATIC SLIP CONTROL UNIT WAS MISROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE PRE-RESISTOR FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY ENGINE COOLING FAN WHICH BECOMES HOT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIO
Remedy: REPLACE AND REROUTE ANY HOSE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED.
Campaign 92V083000 — check if this car was fixed
HIGH AMBIENT ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURES ARE EXPERIENCED AFTER THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED AND THEN PARKED. IF THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED A SHORT TIME LATER AND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER IS SATURATED WITH F
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER VENT LINE AWAY FROM THE ELECTRIC FAN PRERESISTOR. IN ADDITION, THE PRERESISTOR WILL HAVE A LARGER HEAT SHIELD AND A FUSED WIRING HARNESS WILL BE INSTALL
Campaign 94V004000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Mercedes Benz 400E — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V083000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V004000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1992 Mercedes Benz 400E 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 1992 Mercedes Benz 400E?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 89% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Mercedes Benz 400E have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.