MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercedes Benz E320

▲ Better than typical
1996 Mercedes Benz E320
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:09:03.553Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz E320 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1994: 11 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 45 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1998: 37 complaints 1998 1999: 83 complaints 2000: 44 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2002: 23 complaints 2002 2003: 214 complaints 2004: 203 complaints 2004 2005: 231 complaints 2006: 41 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 10 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009
1996: 45 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199411
199596
199645
199763
199837
199983
200044
200138
200223
2003214
2004203
2005231
200641
200717
200810
20098

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show 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

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

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20070419 — PE (closed 20070809)

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 2001 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

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 electrical system, accounting for 20% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.