The 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 149 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. 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.
“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…”
“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…”
“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”
“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”
“Wiring harness is defective. *nm”
“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…”
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 S-Class as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.