Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercedes s420. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the vehicle to steer to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that a connector from the transmission to the electronic control module had failed causing transmission fluid to flood the control module. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The failure mileage was 143,000.
The worst 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning
- Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped...
- Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door
- Ordering process for extended length seat belts
- Updated information to reflect additon of approved tires
1996 Mercedes Benz S Class 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 18 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 4.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 6.0L 12‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 17-19 | 14 |
What 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1.I own a 1996 mercedes benz for 15 years. With only 11,850 miles, the temperature / climate control mechanism failed due to being defective part. This was brought to a mercedes benz service center, however it was not fixed which I left unsettled and unsatisfied. 3. In order to quickly have this fixed, I went to another private mechanic, which they duly identified the problem as a defective part, however the part was promptly fixed. The amount was $1,097.36. I have sent 2 letters to mercedes benz USA headquarters and germany headquarters reporting the problem as a defective issue and requesting for compensation, however they have not responded regarding this matter.
I heard a click and then AC stopped blowing air. It had been blowing fine before this audible click. Research I did says it is a faulty blower regulator which seems to be a common occurrence for this model.
Just came back from vacation. Check engine light was on before. Stopping at the gas station we noticed the smoke coming out the hood. Temperature was rising to a 100 c. Since then even in local driving temperature goes over normal. I am very concerned. Did not check with service yet.
Wiring harness is defective.
My passenger rear window has completely fallen into the door upon touching the window switch. This has happened while driving and it is a recurring problem. Since I have had the car, I have repaired this issue three times. I suspect that mercedez is using weak parts and is not looking into this issue seriously. This has happened to others with newer cars but not as frequent.
Compare the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class
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Questions about the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class
Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class, fewer than a typical S Class model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V058000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class range from 14 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
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