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1996 Mercedes-Benz 320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 320, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints142 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage109kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 10, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 320 has problems

14 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 system31
Engine and engine cooling10
Parking brake10
Power train10
Seat belts10
Structure10
Visibility10
Air bags10
Wheels10
1 other systems10

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

0 recalls

1996 Mercedes-Benz 320 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other 320 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 320 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 320 owners report

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

CAR WENT COMPLETED "DEAD" AT STOP SIGN. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE. CALLED MECHANIC AND WIRES WITHIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WIRE INSULATION CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF AND SHORTING WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. MECHANIC STRIPPED OUT WIRE AND SPLICED IT. STATED THE WIRES ARE IN BAD…
Complaint 10470163 · Aug 10, 2012 · 108,921 miles
MY 1996 MERCEDES BENZ S320 CAUGHT ON FIRE 3/16/08 DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HARNESS WIRING THAT CAUSE BURNED WIRES IN THE CONSOLE, UNDER THE SEAT, THE DOOR PANELS, DAMAGED THE VACUUM LINES, SIDE VIEW MIRROR AND POTENTIALLY THE CONTROL UNITS. YOUR NHTSA HAS RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS…
Complaint 10221826 · Mar 20, 2008 · 139,044 miles

Own a 1996 320?

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