1996 Mercedes Benz S500
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
DISINTEGRATED WIRING IN ALL THE WIRING HARNESSES AND IS SHORTING OUT EVERYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140723
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mercedes Benz S500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz S500 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 S500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz S500 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.