1995 Mercedes Benz S Class
Only 27 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 27 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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 27 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2003 | 28 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
22 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WIRE HARNESS SHORTED OUT DUE TO NAKED WIRES WITH NO INSULATION CAUSING THE HARNESS TO CATCH FIRE BURNING HARNESS AND FRYING THE ALTERNATOR. THE CAUSE WAS SAID TO BE WIRE HARNESS DETERIORATED. IMPROPER INSULATION ON THE HARNESS. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20130903
Also filed under ENGINE
THE ENGINE CONTROL/FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ S420 (61,000 MILES), HAS CRACKED INSULATION THROUGHOUT AND IS BEGINNING TO SHORT-CIRCUIT WITH THE RISK OF CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE MALFUNCTION--AND EVEN FIRE--INSIDE MY ENGINE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120314
4 UNITS OF S600 (V12) AND 1 UNIT S500 ALL SUFFERED DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I AM NOT THE FIRST VICTIM, AND MERCEDES BENZ AS A COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS PLEASE STOP PRETENDING YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE CAUSE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20050909
2 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
1 of 27 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 70 MPH. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT IT DID NOT SLOW VEHICLE. VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT, ENGINE ROARING AND RPMS IN RED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20011031
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 of 27 total reports mentions: traction control system.
1 of 27 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MICHELIN TIRES.(MXV4) I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT TIRE. I HAD TWO UNEXPLAINED BLOWOUTS ON THE HIGHWAY, AND A YEAR LATER A "BUBBLE" ON THE SIDEWALL OF ANOTHER TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040110
SAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1995 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1995 Mercedes Benz S Class 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 1995 Mercedes Benz S Class?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 81% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.