1988 Mercedes Benz 300

○ Not enough data
1988 Mercedes Benz 300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:31:00.016Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz 300 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 6 complaints 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1987: 29 complaints 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 5 complaints 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 19 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1995: 16 complaints 1996: 8 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2002: 3 complaints 2002
1988: 7 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19821
19836
19844
19855
198613
198729
19887
19895
19905
199119
199222
199339
19944
199516
19968
19975
19982
19996
20023

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

AIR BAGS

2 of 7 total reports mention: air bags.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5-10 MPH THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION. THE AIR BAG HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980721

VISIBILITY

1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

SPRING ON DAY/NIGHT MECHANISM ON REAR-VIEW MIRROR CRACKED AND PLASTIC BOTTOM FLEW INTO DRIVER'S LAP, CAUSING INJURY. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950525

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE OVERHAUL IN THE FIRST YEAR. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950328

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19930506 — DP (closed 19930611)

ACCEL LINKAGE DISCONNECTION

R 19930716 — vehicle speed control

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.

Campaign 93V095000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Mercedes Benz 300 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 93V095000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Mercedes Benz 300?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Mercedes Benz 300 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.