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1996 Mercedes-Benz E ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints160 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage117kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 17, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class has problems

16 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
Suspension70
Electrical system60
Engine and engine cooling30
Equipment10
Power train10

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

1 recall

1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class 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

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 96V-058 · Apr 4, 1996 · 149 vehicles

Risk. 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…

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 E Class 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 E Class median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTIONPE07021 · closed Aug 9, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What E Class owners report

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

THIS IS NOT A FAILURE YET, BUT A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE A 96 MERCEDES E300D, AND THIS PARTICULAR MODEL THE SO CALLED W210 MODEL HAS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SPRING PERCHES. THEY ARE WELDED ON AND TEND TO RUST OUT AND FAIL, MEANING THAT THE CAR WILL DROP TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD CAUSE…
Complaint 10277678 · Jul 21, 2009
I OWN A 1996 MERCEDES 300D THE FRONT SPRING RETAINER RUSTED OUT AND THE FRONT RIGHT CAR COLLAPSED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL 1996 1997 1998 MERCEDES THE PART IS PART OF THE UNIBODY. THE RUST CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE HUMAN EYE BECAUSE IT RUST BEHIND THE RETAINER. IF I HAD RIDING 60 MILES A HOUR…
Complaint 10246366 · Oct 22, 2008 · 103,460 miles
UPON MECHANICAL INSPECTION I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT SPRING PERCH WAS CORRODED FROM THE INNER FENDER, IF THIS IS NOT CORRECTED THE FRONT SUSPENSION WILL COLLAPSE. I HAVE FOUND THAT SEVERAL E300D OWNERS (96 AND NEWER) HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME ISSUE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR…
Complaint 10216321 · Jan 28, 2008 · 109,000 miles

Own a 1996 E Class?

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