The 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 149 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the suspension. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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.
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.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Performing maintenance on the car, I noticed that the main engine electrical harness was almost completely deteriorated. The insulation on individual wires had rotted off, leaving exposed wiring. I noticed arching when power was applied. This is very dangerous and could result in a fire. *tr”
“After several electrical abnormalities, I examined the engine compartment, which for all practical purposes, looks as new. I was shocked to see that the wiring at the glow plug relay was deteriorated and bare. I also noted that all the wiring in the engine compartment was brittle to the point that…”
“After several electrical abnormalities, I examined the engine compartment, which for all practical purposes, looks as new. I was shocked to see that the wiring at the glow plug relay was deteriorated and bare. I also noted that all the wiring in the engine compartment was brittle to the point that…”
“After several electrical abnormalities, I examined the engine compartment, which for all practical purposes, looks as new. I was shocked to see that the wiring at the glow plug relay was deteriorated and bare. I also noted that all the wiring in the engine compartment was brittle to the point that…”
“I was driving on the freeway & lost power, the engine would not accelerate. I almost got killed, I finally pulled on the shoulder& eased to service road & I noticed the engine was running at idle speed, the a/c was running all the electrical system was functioning. Check engine light was on. I…”
“I own a 1996 mercedes 300d the front spring retainer rusted out and the front right car collapsed. This is a common problem with all 1996 1997 1998 mercedes the part is part of the unibody. The rust cannot be seen by the human eye because it rust behind the retainer. If I had riding 60 miles a…”
“Upon mechanical inspection I was told that the front spring perch was corroded from the inner fender, if this is not corrected the front suspension will collapse. I have found that several e300d owners (96 and newer) have suffered the same issue regardless of mileage. There is already a recall for…”
“I stopped the car a few minuts ago when the right front spring perch broke. Fortunately, I was not driving otherwise I could possibly injured or dead. *ak”
ODI HAS FOCUSED THIS INVESTIGATION ON ASSESSING THE RISKS POSED BY A SEPARATED SPRING AS (1) A ROAD HAZARD AND (2) THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED AFTER THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BEEN EJECTED FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IN THE VEHICLE.BOTH RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION, FLEXING, AND FRACTURE…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.