1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class Problems & Complaints

Better than average70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E Class at the same age

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 70% fewer than a typical E Class model year at the same age, making the 1995 one of the better E Class years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (15 complaints, typically around 160,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

21complaints
1recalls
0crashes
2fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems

  • Electrical system~160,000 miles
    1571%
  • Engine & cooling~187,000 miles
    629%
  • Seats~126,000 miles
    210%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~246,000 miles
    15%
  • Steering~270,000 miles
    15%
  • Suspension~270,000 miles
    15%
  • Stability & traction control~229,000 miles
    15%
  • Other / not specified~229,000 miles
    15%

Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz E Class complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200821163824133415845159105
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz E Class. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best E Class years: 1995, 1996, 2008. Years to avoid: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →

1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls (1)

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 95V-031 · Feb 21, 1995 · 50,000 vehicles

The front passenger metal foot rest can, over time, abrade through the wiring harness under the foot rest causing the wiring harness to short circuit.

Remedy: Dealers will install additional wiring harness cable fastener ties and edge protective covering for sharp edges of the metal foot rest.

What 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class owners say

Electrical system

Wiring harness has same problem as noted by other owners-started with wiring to mas melting. I rewired that-drove car another year with small electrical problems blowing fuses without finding cause-drove car to work one day,ran fine,came out to go home and it had a miss. Removed cover over injectors and found all the wiring was bare.this is a common problem with mbs and they should have a recall.

150,000 miles · Jun 2005 · fire

During engine work my mechanic indicated that the engine wiring harness had degraded and exposed bare wires in some areas. Electrical problems included fans running constantly and intermittent ac operation. My research indicated that numerous people had experienced problems with the Mercedes-Benz w124 body style wiring harness, including associated damage to other components, smoke and in some cases fires. Apparently the harness had been designed to degrade easily upon the end of its life in a landfill, but the harnesses are degrading while still in use, to the detriment of the consumer. I had the mechanic replace the harness, which I have kept and can produce if helpful. Cost of the new harness and labor was approximately $500, since my car is a diesel. Similar harnesses for gasoline engine cars can cost in excess of $1,000. …

Wiring › Front underhood · 216,000 miles · Oct 2006

Engine & cooling

At approximately 3 pm on the reported date the vacuum pump operating the right rear headrest to my 1995 Mercedes Benz e300d special edition got stuck or the relay malfunctioned, causing the pump to run continuously, building up friction and causing a fire that completely burnt the inside rear section of my vehicle. Car was parked and ignition was off at the time of the fire. Fire was reported to the sandy springs fire department and investigated by their fire investigator. Insurance adjuster attributed cause of fire to failed vacuum pump. Car was declared a total loss and I allowed my insurer took possession of the vehicle.

246,000 miles · Sep 2008 · fire

Wiring harness has same problem as noted by other owners-started with wiring to mas melting. I rewired that-drove car another year with small electrical problems blowing fuses without finding cause-drove car to work one day,ran fine,came out to go home and it had a miss. Removed cover over injectors and found all the wiring was bare.this is a common problem with mbs and they should have a recall.

150,000 miles · Jun 2005 · fire

1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl diesel4-speed automaticRWD23 / 29 / 25
3.2L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD18 / 24 / 20
4.2L 8-cyl4-speed automaticRWD16 / 22 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class a good car?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 E Class rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E Class at the same age. It is one of the best E Class years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class?

The electrical system — 15 complaints, 71% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › front underhood. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and seats (2).

How many recalls does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?

There is 1 recall for the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class, the most recent from February 21, 1995 (wiring). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2000, 1997, 1998 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz E Class years comparison.

At what mileage do 1995 Mercedes-Benz E Class problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 170,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.