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1996 Mercedes-Benz 202Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 202, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage99kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 3, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 202 has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 Mercedes-Benz 202 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Hood: latch

Recall 96V-010 · Jan 15, 1996 · 44,114 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE HOOD IS DAMAGED AND THE HOOD IS NOT FULLY LATCHED, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP SUDDENLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other 202 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 202 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 202 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE INSULATION OF THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS GETS BRITTLE AND CRUMBLES CAUSING THE ENGINE TO EITHER NOT RUN PROPERLY OR JUST QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE ON THE ROAD. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE W202 BODY (AND I BELIEVE OTHER BODY STYLES) BETWEEN…
Complaint 10423135 · Sep 3, 2011
I OWN A 1996 MERCEDES C280. HAD THE CAR SINCE 50,000. NOW AT 99,000 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HOOKED THE SDS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE FOUND THAT CODES ARE NOT IRRELAVENT. DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING AROUND THE SENSORS WERE FALLING APART!! WTF!! ORDERED A NEW WIRING HARNESS AND WAITING AND HOPEFULLY…
Complaint 10247609 · Nov 3, 2008 · 99,300 miles

Own a 1996 202?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.