US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Mercedes-Benz 500 recall history

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 500, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 6
Total Complaints 123
Years Covered 1984–2003

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Mercedes-Benz 500. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Mercedes-Benz 500, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Equipment and labeling

1 campaign · Years: 1990

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Visibility and lighting

1 campaign · Years: 1990–1994

These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Mercedes-Benz 500 in NHTSA complaint data are Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system, Electrical system:wiring.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2003 0 11 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, Suspension:front:springs:air suspension system.
2000 0 14 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash, Power train:automatic transmission, Power train:axle assembly.
1999 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:appliance:air conditioner, Seat belts:front:retractor, Structure:body:door.
1998 0 2 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly.
1997 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:appliance:air conditioner, Steering:hydraulic power assist:power steering fluid, Visibility:power window devices and controls.
1996 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc., Power train:automatic transmission, Structure:body:door.
1995 0 14 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Seat belts:front:retractor.
1994 1 8 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Electrical system:wiring, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.
1993 1 23 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system:wiring, Electrical system.
1993 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system:wiring, Electrical system.
1992 1 20 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system, Seats.
1991 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1990 2 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:hydraulic power assist:pump.
1985 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal.
1984 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front:control arm.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Visibility and Tires

Show recall evidence by year

1994

  • Visibility: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V175000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

1993

  • Visibility: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V175000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

1992

  • Visibility: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V175000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

1991

  • Visibility: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V175000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

1990

  • Tires: Sidewall: Safety recall involving the tires area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V062000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Left front and left rear tires may have been damaged by a worn chain drive of the conveyor system.
  • Visibility: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V175000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Mercedes-Benz models.

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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