Most common 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Share of the 27 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz S Class complaints by model year
Best S Class years: 1996, 1995, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003. Compare all years →
What 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class owners say
Electrical system all 22 →
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.
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 compartment. I have read hundreds of reports of other Mercedes-Benz cars of the same age range having the exact same defect. This is a known defect to Mercedes as far back as 1997 that they continue to refuse to recall. The NHTSA appears to be looking at this defect as a separate issue by year and model...it is definitely not! It was a supplier issue for all Mercedes models of the years 1991-1997 and should be investigated as such. You have over 700 reports of this problem. Do something...now!!!
Engine & cooling
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.
Engine started to run poorly while underway and then quit entirely. Traced to shorts in engine wiring caused by a disintegration of insulation in engine compartment. There seemed to be a burning at the site of the failure by the discoloring of the copper stands.
1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.0L 12-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 S Class rates better than average: 81% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S Class at the same age. It is one of the best S 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 S Class?
The electrical system — 22 complaints, 81% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › front underhood. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz S Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1995 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2002, 2001 and 2003. See the full Mercedes-Benz S Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Mercedes-Benz S Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 134,000 miles; 10% 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.