1999 Mercedes-Benz 320 problems
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz 320 has 45 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (16%) concerns electrical system. Next are engine (11%) and air bags (7%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 45 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 16% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 51,000 miles 12 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 7 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 0 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 12 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 50,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a fire; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1999 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the Mercedes-Benz 320 with enough data (25 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Transmission disengaged then downshifted (1st) while driving. Brakes engaged. Car came to violent halt , then car and passengers were lurched back & forth uncontrollably without operator input, rpms erratic until key removed. Freeway incident would have resulted in fatalities. Car was not drivable, mfg denied similar claims, see NHTSA item # sb605899. Trauma of event has resulted in inability to drive vehicle (concern for safety and fear of reoccurance).
While driving 40 MPH vehicle suddenly started smoking on the right side. Then two minutes later, vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled.
While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the engine timing chain. The problem was not resolved.
While driving, the power steering fluid hose clamp opened without warning. As a result the power steering failed. The vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealer. The cause has had not been determined. Please provide additional information.