In the European service world, Mercedes-Benz electrical-system failures land on our lifts with regularity. 1,561 complaints across 120 year-model entries (2005–2024) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 632 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 69,837 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $850; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Read the specific complaints before assuming the worst — the category covers everything from a forty-dollar switch to a twenty-five-hundred-dollar module.
Mercedes-Benz electrical problems
1,561 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mercedes-Benz vehicles for electrical issues. 1 active recall campaign. See electrical across all makes →
Worst-affected Mercedes-Benz model-years for electrical Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Mercedes-Benz electrical 7 on file
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Freightliner Sprinter and 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
The improper software may cause problems with the electronic stability control system, the air bag control unit or the engine management software. These problems can result in an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Cabrio and AMG GT-C Cabrio vehicles
If the air bags do not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
If conductive material, such as metal, unintentionally drops into the opening and contacts the terminals on the battery, an electrical short can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Common questions
How many Mercedes-Benz electrical complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,561 complaints across 120 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 1 active recall campaigns cover electrical issues across the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Which Mercedes-Benz model has the most electrical complaints?
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with 199 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 C-Class (146) and 2010 C-Class (56).
What does it cost to fix Mercedes-Benz electrical problems?
Independent shops average $850 for electrical repairs across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mercedes-Benz electrical recalls?
Yes — 7 active recall campaigns cover electrical on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.