1987 Mercedes Benz 300
Only 29 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 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 29 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
9 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Air bags
6 of 29 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving on interstate...airbag deployed, seat belts locked, caused injuries to left arm, pain up through arm and neck, bruises, and burns. Drove to mb on 5/30/06. They checked car out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-05
I was driving my 1987 mercedes 300E on the interstate, when suddenly the air bag deployed for no reason, injuring my left arm, burns and bruises from the airbag. Would like to know what I can do to settle this matter.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-29
Vehicle was at a complete stop, and the air bag deployed. Driver sustained injuries to there neck and wrist. Ph
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-05
Power train
4 of 29 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Show complaint excerpts
When ignition is off, the transmission shifter can be moved into different gears. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-01
Vehicle speed control
3 of 29 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
After being hit from the front passenger side, the throttle stuck in a full throttle mode.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-13
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes
Tires
3 of 29 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-10-29Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-31 Sudden acceleration
-
I
1988-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-02 ABS failures
-
R
1993-07-16Vehicle speed control93V095000 Due to heat effects, the throttle bushing located on the accelerator control cable, can fatigue and break, causing the throttle linkage to separate.
Remedy: Replace the throttle bushing with a new bushing made from more heat-resistant materials.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Mercedes Benz 300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 93V095000 · Vehicle speed control
FAQ
- Is the 1987 Mercedes Benz 300 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 1987 Mercedes Benz 300?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.