1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320, 9% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“Engine and engine cooling:engine the drive belt pulley on the engine is develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. The drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering. Consequence: loss of these systems can cause the car to over heat, lose power from the battery, and loss of control of the car increasing the potential for a vehicle accident I took it to the dealership, and they said that there is no recall on the car and they can not help me so nothing was done to correct the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10373163, filed 2010-12, 95,000 miles“When I found out that my dear wife was dying from advanced kidney failure, I went out and bought a beautiful 1996 e 320 (from its original owner). However, when he decided to advertise the car, he carefully pressure-washed the engine compartment, etc., so it would look its best. After which, he could not get the engine to fire again, so he had it towed to the local dealer, who charged him almost $800 to dry off the spark plug wires, & replace the spark plug boots !!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10201995, filed 2007-09“The contact owns a 1996 mercedes e 320. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH, black smoke circulated throughout the air vents inside the vehicle. The contact shifted the gear into park and exited the vehicle. Immediately, the vehicle engulfed into flames and was completely destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was notified and sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The investigator stated there was no product defect regarding the fire . …”
NHTSA complaint #10326399, filed 2010-04, 95,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10136031Jun 23, 2014Engine noises (rattling) after engine start
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 17% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 9% |
| 1999 | 18 | 22% |
| 1998 | 8 | 22% |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 8% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320
19 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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