1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320, 9% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 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.
“After filling up on gas just two days ago, there was a very peculiar smell. It smelled of gas fumes. Just today, I noticed that my gas gauge was going down quite fast and it wasn't until just now that my gas tank is leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10541922, filed 2013-09, 152,000 miles“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 2007-09Related service bulletins
- 10167553Jul 1, 2013Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load…
- 10029105Apr 2, 2009Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 50% |
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2006 | 9 | 22% |
| 2005 | 122 | 53% |
| 2004 | 117 | 58% |
| 2003 | 88 | 41% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 9% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 8% |
| 1994 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320
19 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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