My 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 is leaking Oil and Radiator Cap(Expansion Trank Cap Replacement Cooling system Flush Thermostat Replacement because my Antifreeze Coolant is running out on me faster than ever,Module is year Affected and it needs a Value job and it needs a Head Gasket.
The worst 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 7
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- NTG5.5
- If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single...
- Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
- The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark
1996 Mercedes Benz C280 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
What 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My neighbor woke me up telling me my car was on fire smoke was coming out of the trunk and so I got the waterhose and started spraying water in the trunk but it wouldn't stop or put out the fire so I called 911 and the fire department came and had to spray some chemicals all over in the car to put the fire out and cut the wire to the battery cause the whole car was on fire they said it was an electrical fire that's why I couldn't put it out with water. My car was in the parking lot of the mobile home estate parking lot over night and in the morning I woke up to my car burned all inside by the time it was all done my car is totaly ruined and so is everything inside of it. The window shattered from getting so hot and the tire went flat . Why wasn't this car recalled and fixed if there is an issue with them catching on fire? This is unacceptable the car should of been recalled there must be some defect with the wiring or wire harness. How does a parked car catch on fire like this when its not even running. That's definetly dangerous and I feel I should be compensated by mercedes for a car the same or better for their failure to notify me of any safety recall on the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercedes-benz c280. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 259,000.
Well, I have a 1996 mecedes benz c280 havimg a very difficult time get it starting so I'll put it in the shop for repair,and the mechanic said you're have a very bad ignition wiring harness,he said check and see if they have recall on that year of mecedes benz of the years,and they dose,1994-1996 c280-e320 and others.the mechanic said if you drive this this vechicle it may caught of fire, it must be replace.
Compare the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280
Other model years
Questions about the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280, fewer than a typical C280 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C280 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Mercedes Benz C280?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history