1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 38%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 38% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 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.
“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 miles“I was driving on the freeway & lost power, the engine would not accelerate. I almost got killed, I finally pulled on the shoulder& eased to service road & I noticed the engine was running at idle speed, the A/C was running all the electrical system was functioning. Check engine light was on. I tried to rev engine up by moving the cable lever manually; the engine would not go above idle, had the car towed to ewing mercedes benz they had to order the whole engine harness. It will cost me $1100 or more to have it replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10350841, filed 2010-08, 228,000 miles“After several electrical abnormalities, I examined the engine compartment, which for all practical purposes, looks as new. I was shocked to see that the wiring at the glow plug relay was deteriorated and bare. I also noted that all the wiring in the engine compartment was brittle to the point that any manipulation, no matter how slight,. Would cause the insulation to fall away. This is a fire hazard. I have parked the car, and removed the battery, since I feel it is too dangerous to even park in the yard.”
NHTSA complaint #10453136, filed 2012-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 9 | 20% |
| 2002 | 3 | 38% |
| 2001 | 3 | 20% |
| 2000 | 11 | 32% |
| 1998 | 4 | 17% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 6 | 38% |
| 1995 | 15 | 71% |
| 1994 | 31 | 82% |
| 1993 | 7 | 100% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class
7 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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