Mercedes Benz C Class stalling problems

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Engine · 119,293 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercedes benz c280. While driving approximately 40 MPH the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and battery lights began illuminating moments before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v058000, engine and engine cooling:engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 119,293.

Filed Jan 13, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · VA

I own a 1995 mercedes benz c280. This vehicle year and model has a possible critical engine wiring harness problem where the insulation on the harness disintegrates very quickly. This disintegration can cause the car to stall and catch fire while driving. There are of course other related severe problems that can occur since the wiring harness is critical to the operation of the vehicle. A few of the other critical components affected are ignition, fuel injection, cooling, timing, mixtures and various other systems/sensors of the car. After speaking to the manufacturer (mb-USA in ny), local dealers, owners and reading various websites, I believe that mercedes benz is aware of this problem but will not issue a voluntary recall. The only available repair I am aware of is to replace the entire engine wiring harness. Since the disintegration can occur due to the normal operational engine heat irregardless of mileage, it is my understanding that this can happen at any time. It is highly likely that a affected car with higher miles is much more susceptible to the failing of the wiring harness. This naturally also leaves drivers and passengers of older affected cars much more susceptible to the dangerous and fatal effects of a engine wiring harness failure. I ask that the federal safety agency investigate this further and issue a recall on behalf of all of the owners. I know that my car falls in the category where the harness is possibly bad, and you are welcome to contact me to see the condition of the my car's engine wiring harness. I hope at the least you can seek a resolution for me from the manufacturer in remedying a known issue in the model I own.

Filed Dec 29, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 70,003 miles · FL

2003 mercedes c240 stalls immediately after prolonged turnpike travel ( 1.5 hours) at exit ramp to an arterial roadway. This increases rearend accident potential. Mercedes checked vehicle but no report codes indicated. Suggested that it may be computer of sensor related. Mercedes suggested pulling over for 30 min. To let computer reset. First incident 12/17/08 second incident 12/28/08.

Filed Sep 22, 2008 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NJ

My 1995 mercedes benz c280 was running rough and stalled on the road. Brought vehicle to mercedes dealer and found the engine wiring harness to be defective and deteriorating and crumbling cracked and exposed wires. My ignition portion failed where the wires connect to the spark plugs and high energy coils shorting out against the engine frame. Vehicle towed and technicians replaced engine harness parts plus labor $1,500. Repair bill. The harness is a manufactured dealer new item only no repair could be made as the entire wiring harness is defective and controls critical functions of the engine operation.

Filed Aug 26, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz c class. While driving 35 MPH or higher, the esp indicator light illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and repaired once before for the same failure. The failure occurs intermittently while driving 35 MPH. The dealer stated that they will not order the parts and make the repair again. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 09/23/08 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle stalled in braking mode.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Electrical · SC

Defective engine harness causes the vehicle to lurch and stall at critical moments like when proceeding through an intersection or entering a highway. This has caused several close calls and is very dangerous. Mercedes seems to be in denial of this problem even though they are very much aware it exists. The part is approx 1,000.00 plus labor to fix a manufacturers defect. I understand that this has caused fires in some of these vehcles. All I want is mercedes to hand me a new harness so I can repair my car. But if someone gets injured due to this problem.

Filed Feb 28, 2008 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · NY · fire

Failure of the engine wiring harness that caused smoking and fire, caught in time. Wiring insulation is faulty, made brittle due to engine heat. Also caused car to stall and not restart without costly repair.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MD

Stalling in traffic caused by failure of crankshaft position sensor.

Filed Mar 30, 2007 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · GA

Wire insulation on my engine wiring harness has disintegrated exposing the internal wiring completely, especially in bent areas. This is a result of normal operation of the vehicle. As this happens the engine runs worse, problems associated include surging in idle, stumbling of engine upon initial acceleration and stalling or running engine. The only course of action is to replace the wiring harness with a "newly" purchased harness from mercedes benz. The only problem with that idea is I will be purchasing a wiring harness manufactured during roughly the same time the vehicle was in production that uses the same defective, advanced degrading wiring.

Filed Dec 3, 2006 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · CA

My mechanics told me that I need to replace the engine wiring harness in my 1995 mercedes c280 with 118k mi. It cause the cylinder misfired. I never heard or experienced this problem with other cars in my life. When I search the information on the web, it's a common problem for 1994 & 1995 mercedes c280. I am very surprised that it has never been recalled. It will causes the car to stall during take off and on the road while driving.