Menu

1996 Mercedes-Benz C220Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints317 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage78kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 has problems

31 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 system171
Engine and engine cooling41
Fuel/propulsion system41
Air bags22
Engine20
Structure21
Suspension21
Vehicle speed control20
Parking brake10
6 other systems61

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

0 recalls

1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 recalls and how many were fixed

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

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other C220 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 C220 median. How we score

'94'95'96'98'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 safety ratings

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (220) 4-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What C220 owners report

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

WIRING THROUGHOUT VEHICLE IS INSULATED WITH A BIO-DEGRADABLE PLASTIC. SHORTING OUT OF IGNITION AND EMISSION LOOMS KILL MANY WHO STALL ON FREEWAYS AND 'INCONVENIENT SPOTS'. THE INSULATION FLAKES OFF LIKE CORN FLAKES AND ELECTRICAL LOSS IN MANY LOOMS DISABLE AND IMPERAL OCCUPANTS.
Complaint 11130704 · Sep 21, 2018 · 217 miles
WAS DRIVING ALL GAGES WENT CRAZY STARTED TO BACK FIRE AND DIED ON THE HIGHWAY SO I HAD A FRIEND PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY BACK TO THE SHOP THE SHOP SAID THE WIRING HARESS WAS DEGRADED AND IT COST 2,700 DOLLAR TO FIX THE SAD THING IS THIS CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILE'S
Complaint 10780157 · Oct 6, 2015 · 30,000 miles
MY 1996 MERCEDES C220 HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE TYPE OF INSULATION THAT MERCEDES USED FOR THE WIRING AND THE ENGINE HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. MERCEDES USED A BIO-DEGRADABLE WIRE…
Complaint 10682786 · Feb 11, 2015

Own a 1996 C220?

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