1996 Mercedes Benz S Class
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S Class › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Mercedes Benz S Class. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
6 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
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…
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. *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
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. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring
Wiring harness IS defective. *nm
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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. *nm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- 10030939Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning. The function works again after a short time or distance. When the foot operated parking brake IS applied, the parktronic system IS deactivated. If the foot operated parking brake IS on at the first notch, the contact switch may react with a consideration delay when the parking brake IS released. No model years listed.
- 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
- 10014583Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door.
- 10007193Ordering process for extended length seat belts.
- 601449Updated information to reflect additon of approved tires.
Every Mercedes Benz S Class model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.