MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercedes Benz 320

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercedes Benz 320
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:44:22.787Z

Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz 320 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1994: 49 complaints 1994 1995: 29 complaints 1996: 14 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 30 complaints 2000: 17 complaints 2000 2001: 17 complaints 2002: 11 complaints 2002
1996: 14 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199449
199529
199614
199719
199839
199930
200017
200117
200211

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY 1996 MERCEDES BENZ S320 CAUGHT ON FIRE 3/16/08 DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HARNESS WIRING THAT CAUSE BURNED WIRES IN THE CONSOLE, UNDER THE SEAT, THE DOOR PANELS, DAMAGED THE VACUUM LINES, SIDE VIEW MIRROR AND POTENTIALLY THE CONTROL UNITS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080320

CAR WENT COMPLETED "DEAD" AT STOP SIGN. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE. CALLED MECHANIC AND WIRES WITHIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WIRE INSULATION CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF AND SHORTING WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120810

Also filed under ENGINE

CRACKED WIRING HARNESS. DISCOVERED WHEN REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080417

WHEELS

1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.

VISIBILITY

1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.

STRUCTURE

1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DOORS ARE NOT PROPERLY CLOSED THERE IS NO INDICATION OF THE DOOR BEING OPEN. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960130

SEAT BELTS

1 of 14 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mercedes Benz 320 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz 320 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 320?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz 320 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.