Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Problem Reports » Most Reported

Problem Reports

Report A Problem

Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.

1994 Mercedes-Benz E420

High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Due to wear, high usage vehicles can experience ignition lock and tumbler failures. The ignition lock cylinder will generally require replacement to correct this concern.

8 Reports

Poor idle quality due to oil feed tubes falling into crankcase

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Oil feed tubes break and fall into the crankcase (engine) and the tappet becomes noisy (ticking), resulting in degraded idle quality. Our technicians recommend replacing all of the tubes at the same time, broken or not.

6 Reports

Coolant Leak/Overheating Due to Radiator Leak

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

A coolant leak may develop form the Radiator due to degradation of its plastic components. Replacement of the failed radiator will be necessary.

5 Reports

Erratic Engine Operation and Poor Fuel Economy Due to Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

A faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor can cause erratic/rough engine operation and fuel economy issues. Since this sensor measures the actual amount of air entering the motor, when it fails, the engine control module (ECM) takes the wrong information and delivers incorrect volumes of fuel to the cylinders.

4 Reports

Sunroof Components May Fail Due to Age and Wear

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The sunroof may not work correctly due to failed components as a result of age and wear. Repairing a sunroof can be labor intensive and very costly.

4 Reports

Engine Oil and Coolant Leaks Resulting in Fulid Intermix

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Internal and External engine oil & coolant leaks can develop from the head gasket and/or timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix which can result in severe engine damage.

3 Reports

Shifter Lever Bushings May Break Causing Loose Feel/Noise

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.

3 Reports

Electrical Issues Due to Degraded Engine Wiring Harness

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The engine wiring can degrade because the insulating material falls off leaving the bare wire exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch.

3 Reports

ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

As brake fluid becomes dirty over time, it can cause a failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly. Our technicians recommend a complete brake system flush every two years to help prevent this issue.

3 Reports

Transmission Oil Seals May Leak on High Mileage Vehicles

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

High mileage vehicles may develop a leak from one or more of the transmission oil seals.

3 Reports

Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The brakes may begin to squeak at about the 50 percent wear point. This is due to the size and material used for the brake pads and rotors.  The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge. This will generally require replacement of the rotors when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).

3 Reports

Noise and/or Smoke From Drive Belt Area

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The emissions air injection pump can seize, causing a loud squealing noise followed by smoke from the drive belt. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will break, turning on the alternator/battery warning light.

2 Reports

Throttle Valves May Experience Electrical Failure

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The electronic throttle assembly may suffer an electrical failure. It is often cheaper to send the valve to a service center for repair that to purchase a new part.

2 Reports

Excess Free Play in Steering and/or Alignment Issue

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

One or more of the following steering linkage components may wear prematurely;  tie rod ends, drag link, or idler arm. Our technicians remind us the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted if any of these items are replaced.

2 Reports

Emissions-related ports in cylinder head may clog

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420
Ports in the cylinder head related to the emissions air injection and EGR systems can clog; the cylinder head should be removed and the ports cleaned.
2 Reports

Buttons on temperature control assemblies work erratically due to wear of parts in control head

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420
Due to wear of mechanical parts in the control head, the buttons on temperature control assemblies work erratically or not at all. These control heads need to be replaced for this concern or when the display screen starts to fade out.
2 Reports

Coolant Hoses May Fail Unexpectedly

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The cooling system hoses may fail unexpectedly. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time.

2 Reports

Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur.

2 Reports

Worn seat springs/padding may cause lean or sag

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420
The seat springs and padding break down over time, causing a lean, tilt, or sag.
2 Reports

The Speedometer May Fail Due to Internal Drive Gear Wear

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Due to wear of the internal drive gear, the speedometer can stop working.

2 Reports

The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.

2 Reports

Improper Temperature Output From HVAC

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

One or more blend door vacuum actuators may fail resulting in the incorrect output temperature from the HVAC system. Failed actuators will require replacement to restore proper HVAC operation.

2 Reports

Head Light Lenses Become Cloudy/Opaque

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Due to exposure to the sun, lenses for head lights may become opaque (cloudy or hazy). This reduces the effectiveness of the lights. Our technicians tell us plastic polishes can improve the clarity of the lenses, but replacement of the lamp housings is the only way to regain the full intensity of the lights.

2 Reports

Premature Tire Wear Due to Cracked Lower Control Arm Bushings

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

The lower control arm bushings can wear and crack, resulting excessive movement at the control arm pivot point, leading to irregular and premature tire wear. Worn Ball joints can also cause similar tire wear symptoms. I some cases it may be necessary to replace the lower control arm, including bushings & ball joint to correct this concern.

2 Reports

Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

A fluid leak from the front of the vehicle may be a result of a worn steering dampening shock. Our technicians tell us that if a leak is noted from the dampening shock it should be replaced.

2 Reports

Cracked strut tower bushings may cause knocking noise on front end

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420
A knocking noise from the front end can be caused by cracked strut tower bushings.
2 Reports

Harsh Ride From Rear Due to Failed Dampening Actuator

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Vehicles with automatic level control that ride harshly in the rear (no give in the suspension) may have one or both dampening actuators which have failed. It is commonly recommended the actuators be replaced in pairs.

2 Reports

Interior Wood Trim Cracks Due to Age and Sun Exposure

Verified for the Mercedes-Benz E420

Due to age and sun exposure, the interior wood trim cracks and the finish gets a cloudy haze. Replacement if the trim would be the most common solution to the problem.

2 Reports
Ask a Question