1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 sits mid-pack among E320 years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
Suspension leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (32% of the total).
62
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other E320 years?
What are the most common 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20 | 32% | new |
| Electrical System | 13 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 7 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES E320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FRONT END SUSPENSION SPRINGS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE RAIL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT HE HAD…”
“MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF STORE ALLOWING A 93 YEAR OLD LADY TO GO SHOPPING,AS I WAS PARKED THERE I WAS SIDESWIPED, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE AUTO SHOP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, AFTER DOING THIS I DISCOVERED THAT THE KEY CAN'T START THE CAR BECAUSE THE IGNITION IS JAMMED OR KEY WILL NOT TURN,…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES E 320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, BLACK SMOKE CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED KNEE, BACK, NECK, AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BUMPER REPAINTED DUE TO A CRASH. THE DEALER NOTICED RUST ON THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,896 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,772. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS RUST ON…”
1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions
Is the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?
It is close to typical for the E320: 62 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 1996 E320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (20 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Is the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.