AI Damage1999 Mercedes-Benz 300: common problems
Owners of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 300 filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 17% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 17% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle but the engine would not start. The contact exited the vehicle and tried to lock the doors but noticed that the key was not working. The contact used the spare key and drove the vehicle to the dealer where they stated that the main key needed to be replaced.
The car stalled while in motion in regular traffic, and was required to be towed to a mercedes benz dealership. I was notified that the reason for the failure was a defective crankshaft position sensor. Part number 003-153-74-28. The part was replaced.
The air bag sensor light illuminated on the console, consumer contacted mercedes and they informed him that an air bag sensor was defective. Please describe details.
Without warning the rear brake lights failed to illuminate due to a faulty base circuit.
Engine fuel line leaking, causing fuel to fume into engine compartment which may result in a fire. Dealer cannot resolve the problem.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 300 has 9 complaints (22 years in the data). This year has 6, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 300?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: won't start (17%), smoke, burning smell, fire (17%), stalls while driving (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 300?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1999 Mercedes-Benz 300 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1999 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.