The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-058 (96V058000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 96-0413 |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Engine |
| Report date | April 4, 1996 |
| Owners notified | April 22, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 149 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-058 repair free?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 149 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.