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1996 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical C Class model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls 1

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported April 4, 1996 · 149 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
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 accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

Recall number 96V058000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1996 Mercedes Benz C Class fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylRWD162018

What 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Electrical · 146,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Engine · 119,293 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v058000, engine and engine cooling:engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 119,293.

Filed Jul 20, 2008 · Electrical · 40 miles · PR

The car not run the wiring of computer to fuel injection is fails.

Filed Nov 3, 2006 · Electrical · 82,000 miles · PR

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.

Filed Mar 2, 2006 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

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 with the same problem and that mercedes benz has been notified and they will not do anything. An expensive car as it is should be built better than this. (the wiring harness itself is worth $1600.00 or more. *nm updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Dec 13, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While driving at any speed on highway, engine will stall without prior warning, on different occassions had happened in middle of highway, and consumer had to pull vehicle off the road to avoid accidents. Dealer could not determine what had caused stalling.*ak consumer stated the check engine lights comes on frequently.*slc also the spark plugs were replaced.

Compare the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class

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Questions about the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class

Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class, fewer than a typical C Class model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

What year does the Mercedes Benz C Class have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz C Class model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (45 complaints) and 1994 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 20 highway.

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