1996 Mercedes Benz SL320
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Wiring harness is disintergrating. Car runs very rough. Visible bare wires. Check engine light comes on and goes off. Smells of burning wire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-23
Also filed under Electrical system and engine and engine cooling
Fuel : June 07. Gas leaked from underneath vehicle near back wheel on passenger's side. June 11, took to mercedes dealer to have checked and they could not find anything wrong with it.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-06-16
Electrical system
2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My car appears to over heat, but it's actually just the temp gauge jumping around erratically. The mechanic says it's the wiring harness - a known problem in these cars which is being ignored by the manufacturer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-12
Equipment
1 of 4 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
Air conditioner failed. Qcaw
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-17
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
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 SL320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL320 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 SL320?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL320 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.