1996 Mercedes Benz 320

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercedes Benz 320
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:54:20.833Z

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.

Complaints
14

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1994: 49 complaints 1994 1995: 29 complaints 1996: 14 complaints 1996 14 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 30 complaints 2000: 17 complaints 2000 2001: 17 complaints 2002: 11 complaints 2002
1994: 49 complaints 1994 1995: 29 complaints 1995 1996: 14 complaints 1996 14 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 30 complaints 1999 2000: 17 complaints 2000 2001: 17 complaints 2001 2002: 11 complaints 2002
1994: 49 complaints 1994 1995: 29 complaints 1995 1996: 14 complaints 1996 14 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 30 complaints 1999 2000: 17 complaints 2000 2001: 17 complaints 2001 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.

FIREINJURY
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, 2008-03-20

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, 2012-08-10

Also filed under Engine

Cracked wiring harness. Discovered when rear lights would not work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-17

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, 1996-01-30

Seat belts

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

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 320 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.