1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 125,250miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class. The part named most often is suspension, with 7 complaints (44% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and engine cooling (3). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 125,250 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension7 44%
- Electrical system6 38%
- Engine cooling3 19%
- Equipment1 6.3%
Example complaints
Suspension: “Upon mechanical inspection I was told that the front spring perch was corroded from the inner fender, if this is not corrected the front suspension will collapse. I have found that several e300d owners (96 and newer) have suffered the same issue regardless of mileage. There is already a recall for this dangerous issue in canada. It is of the utmost importance to have it completed in the us since there are many 96 to 02 300's on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10216321, filed 2008-01, 109,000 milesElectrical system: “Performing maintenance on the car, I noticed that the main engine electrical harness was almost completely deteriorated. The insulation on individual wires had rotted off, leaving exposed wiring. I noticed arching when power was applied. This is very dangerous and could result in a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10465991, filed 2012-07, 133,000 milesEngine cooling: “Engine and all electrical functions suddenly stopped while driving. After towing, it was discovered that the electrical wiring harness had virtually disintegrated. Parts and labor to repair approx. $1000. Filing now only because I just found out that it is a recurring problem on Mercedes-Benz vehicles around my year (1996).”
NHTSA complaint #10202793, filed 2007-09, 125,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 110,000 and 156,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V058000Apr 4, 1996Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Mercedes-Benz E Class 1996, C Class 1996, S Class 1996 +1 more
The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
Recall details for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10136029Jun 20, 2014Equipment. SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10015071Apr 5, 2005Body and structure. Trunk lid opens or closes too quickly while operating with remote trunk lid control button.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz E Class
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | 38,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 10 | 65,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 9 | 64,410 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 15 | 5,450 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2003 | 45 | 9,718 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 8 | 44,716 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 15 | 69,300 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 34 | 78,800 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 13 | 99,059 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 24 | 98,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 38 | 90,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 16 | 125,250 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 21 | 170,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 38 | 111,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 7 | 72,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz E Class model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 7 complaints (44% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 125,250 miles and the middle half falls between 110,000 and 156,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.