VehicleVerdict

1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median S-Class year — the 1995 model ranks #5 of 16 S-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 72% of all reports (23 of 32), far ahead of engine at 3.

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other S-Class years?

S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted101 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 14 complaints1995: 32 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 101 complaints2001: 46 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 43 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints
S-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2372%
Engine39%
Fuel System13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Brakes13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 4, 2013 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2013 · fire

“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. MY EXPERIENCE AS AN EX-AIRCRAFT MECHANIC (16 YEARS),…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 15, 2002

“REAR SEAT BELT LOCKS UP. IMPORTED REPAIR SHOP ORDERED SEVERAL SEAT BELTS, ALL WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER & THEY DIDN'T KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 1, 1999

“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. CONSUMER STEERED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND APPLIED PARK BRAKE, PULLED KEY FROM IGNITION AND JUMPED OUT OF VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 18, 2001

1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — common questions

Is the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1995 model at #5 of 16 S-Class years. It is one of the S-Class years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 S-Class problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), engine (3 complaints), seat belts (1 complaints).

Does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Class years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1995. The cleanest record among S-Class years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.