1996 Mercedes-Benz 280 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz 280. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“During a recent service of my vehicle at an authorized mercedes benz service center, I was informed that the insulation covering my wires were decomposing and the wires were exposed to the engine, hence creating a safety hazard for me and my family. Due to the severity of the problem, and the…”
“Ever since I bought this mercedes c280 1996 three years ago (2004) it had a problem with the wiring harness and it is just too expensive to replace it. *jb”
“On slight incline, after gear shift was put into park, key removed and shut door while walking toward house, the vehicle rolled backwards down the hill, hitting two trees. Please describe details. *ak *nlm”
“Driving vehicle; air bag light keeps coming on. Had the seat belts and air bags replaced; took to dealer who had repaired problem temporarily, but problem still exists. *ak”
“Driving vehicle; air bag light keeps coming on. Had the seat belts and air bags replaced; took to dealer who had repaired problem temporarily, but problem still exists. *ak”
“Michelin tire failed. (size p195/65r15)”
“No deployment of driver's side air bag in accident.”
“Fan belt failed.”
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 280 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.