1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls

Most common 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class problems

Problem areas named in the 6 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	6
Engine And Engine Cooling	2
Equipment	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

What owners report

2011-06-03, Electrical System
1996 MERCEDES C220; ELECTRICAL HARNESS PROBLEMS; ENGINE WILL TURN OVER BUT WILL NOT START; SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL START AND RUN, THEN WILL CUT OFF WHEN SLOWING UP AT A STOP OR WHEN PUTTING INTO REVERSE. SEVERAL MECHANICS SAY THAT THE MERCEDES COMPANY ALLOWED INFERIOR WIRING TO BE USED BUT WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED OR DEALERS SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WIRING. *TR

2011-01-11, Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS BEGAN ILLUMINATING MOMENTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V058000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,293.

2008-07-20, Electrical System
THE CAR NOT RUN THE WIRING OF COMPUTER TO FUEL INJECTION IS FAILS. *TR

2006-11-03, Electrical System
HESITATION/ NO RESPONSE FROM ENGINE. SIGNAL LIGHTS/ EMERGENCY FLASHERS NOT WORKING AT TIMES. THIS PROBLEM PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK SINCE IT WAS IN A INTERSECTION. *JB

2006-03-02, Equipment
I OWN A C 280 (96) [XXX] CAR STARTED CONSUMING MORE GAS THAN NORMAL, WAS HARDER TO START, STARTED MISSING AND DROVE SLUGGISH. I REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES. BUT IT GOT WORSE, AND THEN QUIT, AS IF IT WAS OUT OF TIME. I SEND IT TO AN IMPORTED CAR SERVICE SHOP IN DALTON, GA. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MERCEDES BENZ BENZ. THE WIRING HARNESS UNDERHOOD (INSULATION ON THE WIRING) CRUMBLED TO PIECES, LIKE DUST AND SHORTED RELAYS AND ALL THE CAR. I PAID OVER $2600.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I STILL HAVE THE OLD HARNESS AS EVIDENCE THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE Y COULD LEAD TO A WORSE PROBLEM, LIKE FIRE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAS REPAIRED SEVERAL C-280 W

1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class questions

Does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (6), Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Equipment (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 1996 Mercedes-Benz C Class has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.