1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 17 complaints for the 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220, 39% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 17 39% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 78,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 11 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 78,000 miles, and 18% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 fire.
What owners wrote
I have a 1996 mercedes benz. The car literally shuts off on the road. I have replaced maf and o2 sensors repeatedly to no avail. I'm told by my mechanic that the problem is a corroded engine wiring harness.
Engine wiring harness wire insulation is beginning to biodegrade and crumble apart. Car will not be able to pass emissions without a replacement part, which costs no less than $1350 (for a wire bundle and hookups that are doomed to fail again in the same way), plus 4-7 hours of labor costs. Car has less than 60k miles on it and is in otherwise great condition.