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
- 8
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 8 complaints
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.
Air bags
3 of 8 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-01-04
Customer had optional air bag installed by mfg, and in a head on collision air bag did not deploy. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-01
Suspension
3 of 8 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-12
Visibility
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show 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, 2000-10-23
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Service brakes
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-05-22Defect petitionClosed 1987-10-29 Sudden acceleration
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R
1987-07-10Electrical system87V104000 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.
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I
1988-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-02 ABS failures
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I
1988-07-15Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-31 Sudden acceleration
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I
1990-05-09Defect petitionClosed 1990-08-30 Parking brake
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I
1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Parking brake levers
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R
1991-10-10Parking brake91V137000 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…
Remedy: Replace the parking brake grip with a new grip type.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Mercedes Benz 190 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V104000 · Electrical system
- Recall 91V137000 · Parking brake
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, 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.