1988 Mercedes Benz 190
Only 5 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 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON AT ANY GIVEN SPEEDS. WHILE THE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR STARTS TO CHOKE OR BUCK, LIKE NO GAS IS GETTING THRU.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990411
2 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS. FIRST, THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN, THEN THE RADIO BEGAN SHORTING OUT WHEN I DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR OPENED THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071011
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
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
1988 Mercedes Benz 190 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V137000 (parking brake) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Mercedes Benz 190?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Mercedes Benz 190 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.