1996 Mercedes Benz 300
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 29 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
The check engine light comes on and goes off at will.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-28
Also filed under Structure and vehicle speed control
Exterior lighting
3 of 8 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Power train
2 of 8 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Suspension
2 of 8 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
The welded bracket rusted, and in April 2003, the left hand coil spring bracket failed. Also, in febuary 2004, the right hand coil spring bracket failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-10
While slowing down to make a turn consumer heard a popping noise, then a bang, the right front coil spring upper cradle failed. The cause of the failure was undetermined.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-29
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Mercedes Benz 300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz 300 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes Benz 300?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.