1996 Mercedes-Benz 300 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 25%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 182,625miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 300, 25% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 182,625 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving at 70 MPH on cruise control and electronics on front dash went blank, car decelerated, and I had to get off the road before it stopped. Car would not start for approximately 30 minutes. Was able to restart and drive to safety. Drove car home after a few days - in area away from home and had to use rental. On return home with vehicle, it again stalled out while driving at 40mph on a drawbridge at night! Again, car was able to eventually get restarted and driven to safety. I have had car at mercedes dealership and two other car repair centers that were endorsed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088701, filed 2004-08, 159,600 miles“Car stalls at 40+ MPH in traffic apparently choked for fuel. After 5 to 10 minutes at rest - the car can be started although the key must be held in the start position for 30 to 40 seconds. This is a 1996 300d mercedes benz 4-door sedan. It was diagnosed by a certified mercedes benze repair center, cummins automotive, which verified thru fault codes that he engine wiring harness is bad. Upon inspection they have found insulation wear that has caused the fault (wires touching each other) that has caused the stalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10213383, filed 2008-01, 205,650 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2 | 33% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
| 1996 | 2 | 25% |
| 1995 | 7 | 44% |
| 1993 | 24 | 62% |
| 1992 | 5 | 23% |
| 1991 | 3 | 16% |
| 1988 | 1 | 14% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 300
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology