1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 83%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class, 83% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 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.
“1996 mercedes c220; electrical harness problems; engine will turn over but will not start; sometimes the car will start and run, then will cut off when slowing up at a stop or when putting into reverse. Several mechanics say that the mercedes company allowed inferior wiring to be used but will not stand behind the product. This is not safe and a recall should have been issued or dealers should pay for the replacement of the wiring.”
NHTSA complaint #10404400, filed 2011-06, 146,000 miles“Hesitation/ no response from engine. Signal lights/ emergency flashers not working at times. This problem put my family at risk since it was in a intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10172599, filed 2006-11, 82,000 miles“While driving at any speed on highway, engine will stall without prior warning, on different occassions had happened in middle of highway, and consumer had to pull vehicle off the road to avoid accidents. Dealer could not determine what had caused stalling. Consumer stated the check engine lights comes on frequently. Also the spark plugs were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8000709, filed 2001-12Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 | 54% |
| 2006 | 1 | 11% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 33% |
| 2002 | 10 | 32% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 2000 | 1 | 13% |
| 1999 | 3 | 43% |
| 1996 | 5 | 83% |
| 1995 | 45 | 92% |
| 1994 | 10 | 67% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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