1996 Mercedes Benz S Class
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 27 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2003 | 28 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Just came back from vacation. Check engine light was on before. Stopping at the gas station we noticed the smoke coming out the hood. Temperature was rising to a 100 c. Since then even in local driving temperature goes over normal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-08
Visibility
1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
My passenger rear window has completely fallen into the door upon touching the window switch. This has happened while driving and it is a recurring problem. Since I have had the car, I have repaired this issue three times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-22
Steering
1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercedes S420. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the vehicle to steer to the left.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-06
Equipment
1 of 6 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Electrical system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Wiring harness is defective.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-02-20
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-04-22Engine and engine cooling96V058000 The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V058000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class 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 S Class?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.