1996 Mercedes Benz E320
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 45 |
| 1997 | 63 |
| 1998 | 37 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 44 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 214 |
| 2004 | 203 |
| 2005 | 231 |
| 2006 | 41 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2009 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
42% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES-BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOOK AND VIBRATED BEFORE COLLAPSING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180716
THE FRONT LEFT UPPER SPRING SUPPORT BRACKET RUSTED AND BENT UNDER NORMAL DAILY DRIVING CONDITIONS, THIS ALLOWED THE SPRING TO BECOME PARTIALLY EXPOSED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20011030
27% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF STORE ALLOWING A 93 YEAR OLD LADY TO GO SHOPPING,AS I WAS PARKED THERE I WAS SIDESWIPED, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE AUTO SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, AFTER DOING THIS I DISCOVERED THAT THE KEY CAN'T START THE CAR...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130620
Also filed under STEERING
THIS VEHICLE (1996 MERCEDES E320) HAS HAD A HISTORY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. MANY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AT GREAT EXPENSE!
NHTSA ODI report, 20120909
THE WIRING ON THE CAR IS DISINTEGRATING HARNESS WIRES EVERY WIRE WAS A GREAT CAR WIRING CAUSING VARIOUS PROBLEMS COST MORE TO FIX THEN ITS WORTH HELP ME! *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080602
11% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AT THE END OF A FREEWAY OFF RAMP ON A RAINY DAY AND WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND AFTER ONE SPIN BOUNCED INTO A UTILITY POLE, HITTING THE CAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041222
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A T-BONE COLLISION AT 25 MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020313
11% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES E 320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, BLACK SMOKE CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100419
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz E320 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.