1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,948miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320, 11% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,948 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.
“Front spring perches must have been rusted at the welding seam. When I was driving at 35 MPH I heard a big snap and the front of the car hit the ground at which point I lost steering control. The front perches must have dislodged and almost caused accident while I was driving. This is a vital part of the suspension/steering system and should be recalled. The dealership would not help out replacing this part. This is clearly a manufacturing issue and should be recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10265591, filed 2009-04, 134,000 miles“The perch assembly that held the wheel welding came apart from the frame . This occurred while driving at 60 MPH which resulted in the consumer temporarily losing control of the vehicle and almost being hit by passing motorist. Consumer was able to control the vehicle by slowing it down and pulling off the highway onto the shoulder. The dealership replaced the perch.”
NHTSA complaint #10073727, filed 2004-07, 110,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 mercedes benz E320. The vehicle was at the dealer to have the bumper repainted due to a crash. The dealer noticed rust on the trunk of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 111,896 and current mileage was 116,772. Updated 07/29/08 the consumer stated there was rust on the vehicle in 3 placed. Updated 07/29/08”
NHTSA complaint #10223005, filed 2008-04, 111,896 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10151924Jul 2, 2018Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10033067Jun 4, 2009Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10025649Feb 22, 2008Water entry at a-pillar on model 211.026, 065, 070, 076, 082, 083, 265, 282, 283 (e320 cdi; e320; e500;e55amg; e320 4matic; e500 4matic; e320 wagon; 320 4matic). Unknown years.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 14% |
| 1997 | 4 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320
19 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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 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