1986 Mercedes Benz 190
Only 8 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 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS IN A SHOPPING CENTER AND WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. SOMEONE HAD JUST GONE OVER THE BUMP BEFORE ME.HAND WAS HURT IN THE PROCESS AND HAD TO GET SURGERY ON THE HAND. CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110104
CUSTOMER HAD OPTIONAL AIR BAG INSTALLED BY MFG, AND IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950301
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE HEATER CORE IN THE VEHICLE RUPTURED, CAUSING BOILING HOT COOLANT TO POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FEET. THE BOILING COOLANT CAUSED SEVERE BURNS TO THE DRIVER'S FOOT, ANKLE AND LEG.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001023
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
LEFT BALL JOINT SPLIT AS CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS LEAVING DRIVEWAY. ALSO, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
LEFT BALL JOINT SPLIT AS CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS LEAVING DRIVEWAY. ALSO, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20020912
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
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
1986 Mercedes Benz 190 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 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 1986 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 1986 Mercedes Benz 190?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mercedes Benz 190 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.