1993 Mercedes Benz 500
Only 22 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1993
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1993: 23 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2003 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
17 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 sel. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall sporadically without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-05-27
When my 1993 Mercedes Benz 500 sel warms to its normal running temp. It begins to act as if it is not getting fuel. It cuts out intensely and then dies out completely. This is very dangerous when pulling out anywhere.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-11-29
Wire harness defect causing short in system smoke inside the vehicle while driving on a county road immediately pulled over cutting other drivers off just to get vehicle in a safe and secured location.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-13
Service brakes
2 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 23 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Upon starting the vehicle when turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing the consumer to run into a store window, killing a bystander. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-11-03
Seat belts
1 of 23 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other.
Power train
1 of 23 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
The traction control has prevented the driver from moving the vehicle when any portion of vehicle is on ice/snow on amain highway or in driveway.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-25
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1996-11-15Visibility96V175000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.
Buy-smart checklist
1993 Mercedes Benz 500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V175000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 1993 Mercedes Benz 500 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 1993 Mercedes Benz 500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 74% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 Mercedes Benz 500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.