NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Mercedes Benz C Class Recalls & Complaints
The 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on file as of November 3, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mercedes Benz dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine
Reported April 4, 1996 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, INC.
Potentially affected: 149 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 96-0413 · Owners notified April 22, 1996
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.
Notes
SYSTEM: ENGINE; PULLEY; CRANKSHAFT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Mercedes Benz C Class model years
Check your 1996 Mercedes Benz C Class VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mercedes Benz C Class at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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