The insulation of the engine wiring harness gets brittle and crumbles causing the engine to either not run properly or just quit running. This is a safety issue especially when you are on the road. Mercedes benz is aware of this problem with the w202 body (and I believe other body styles) between 1994 thru 1996 +- model years. At one point they were doing a good-faith replacement of these harnesses but stopped. My understanding is there are about 1.5 m cars in the us affected by this problem.
The worst 1996 Mercedes Benz 202 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
Recalls 1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- In a minor frontal impact, it is possible for the hood latch hook to be damaged and not function properly as a secondary safety catch. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 113, "hood latch systems."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if the hood is damaged and the hood is not fully latched, the hood could fly up suddenly while the vehicle is driven. This condition can reduce the driver's view of the road increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hood latch secondary hook.
Recall number 96V010000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1996 Mercedes Benz 202 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 1996 mercedes c280. Had the car since 50,000. Now at 99,000 check engine light comes on. Hooked the sds diagnostic machine found that codes are not irrelavent. Discovered that the wiring around the sensors were falling apart!! Wtf!! Ordered a new wiring harness and waiting and hopefully will fix the problemsssssss. And I will complain and see if mercedes will help pay for the engine wiring harness. Sell the car and buy a good ol toyota!!!!!
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Questions about the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202 reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202, 2.0 times a typical 202 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz 202 have?
1 recall, covering latches/locks/linkages.
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