1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220, 6% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Upper spring perch rusted away from car causing my 16year old son to crash. I bought the 1996 C220 for him for safety. Come to find out this is a common problem and mercedes should be held accountable for this known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10630565, filed 2014-09, 167,000 miles“During brake inspection right front lower suspension control arm was observed to be on verge of failure due to internal rust out of control arm at the ball joint junction. Wheel would have separated from control arm within a few more miles as the control arm was already split apart with only a thread of metal remaining. Failure at any significant speed would likely have been life threatening.”
NHTSA complaint #10661234, filed 2014-11, 158,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164810Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10135599Mar 24, 2015Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220
17 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220
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