1985 Mercedes Benz 190
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1999 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN CAR IS ON CRUISE CONTROL THE CAR ACCELERATES SOMETIMES . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951102
PLASTIC CLIP ON ACCELERATOR CABLE WEARS OUT PREMATURELY, FALLS OUT ONTO GROUND; HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IDLING SPEED. TT DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE ACCELERATOR CABLE THE FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE SEOND TIME, JUST THE CLIP WAS REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19951002
2 of 10 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING HEATER CORE BLEW, CAUSING HOT COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S LEGS, CAUSING THIRD DEGREE BURNS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040716
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN HOT ANTI-FREEZE & WATER LEAKED ONTO GAS PEDAL AND DRIVER'S FOOT, BURNING IT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HEATER CORE CRACKED & WAS LEAKING. WAS INFORMED TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001004
2 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 05-03-2011 WHILE DRIVEING MY MERCEDES BENZ190 SERIES /1985- THE HEATING COIL BURST POURING &SPRAYING HOT RADIATOR COOLANT FROM UNDER THE DASH/OVER THE FIRE WALL ONTO MY LEGS AND FEET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110517
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH BLOWS FUSE NO. 9, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Remedy: USE TWO FUSES IN COMBINATION SO THAT IN CASE OF A FUSE FAILURE, THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE.
Campaign 87V104000 — check if this car was fixed
ABS FAILURES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
PARKING BRAKE LEVERS
THE DESIGN OF THE PARKING BRAKE GRIP MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO DISTORT THE GRIP AND PINCH THE BRAKE RELEASE KNOB. IF THE RELEASE KNOB STICKS IN A PARTIAL ENGAGE/RELEASE POSITION BECAUSE OF THE PINCHED GRIP
Remedy: REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE GRIP WITH A NEW GRIP TYPE.
Campaign 91V137000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Mercedes Benz 190 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V104000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V137000 (parking brake) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Mercedes Benz 190 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Mercedes Benz 190?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Mercedes Benz 190 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.