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 PER YEAR
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.
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, 20130123
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, 19970616
2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system.
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, 20130123
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. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20110712
1 of 4 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. QCAW
NHTSA ODI report, 19980917
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
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, 20130123
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mercedes Benz SL320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.