Model year record
1996 Mercedes-Benz 320 recalls & problems
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz 320 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 14 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (3 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 3 | — |
| Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Wiring | 3 | 108,921 mi |
| StructureBody › Door | 1 | — |
| Power trainAutomatic transmission | 1 | — |
| Parking brakeConventional | 1 | — |
| Seat beltsFront › Anchorage | 1 | — |
| WheelsRim | 1 | — |
| VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer | 1 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Electrical system
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 SHAPE DUE TO THE TYPE OF INSULATION MERCEDES USED FROM 1991 TO 1997. HE STATED I SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO SHORT OUT COMPONENTS AND WOULD BE NOT ONLY A DRIVING HAZARD BUT ALSO A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
- Electrical system › Wiring
CRACKED WIRING HARNESS. DISCOVERED WHEN REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. *TR
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dashFire1 injury
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 PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES VEHICLES [EARLY 1990 MODELS]. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT AT MERCEDES HEADQUARTERS TWO OF THEM DENIED A PROBLEM WITH WIRING CATCHING ON FIRE AND TWO DEALERSHIPS SAID THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF ANY CASES INVOLVING FAULTY WIRING. THE MECHANIC THAT SPOKE HONESTLY SAID THAT THERE ARE AS MANY AS 30,000 VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT MERCEDES IS IN DENIAL AND…
- Air bags
SRS DID NOT DEPLOY UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITION.*AK
- Engine and engine cooling
ELECTRONIC SENSOR FAILED.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED.
- Wheels › Rim
TWO RIMS FAILED.
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
REAR SEAT BELT FAILED.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.