1988 Mercedes Benz 300
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE OVERHAUL IN THE FIRST YEAR. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950328
2 of 7 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
INJURYShow 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
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing interior.
INJURYShow 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
1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing module.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ACCEL LINKAGE DISCONNECTION
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 engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- 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).
- 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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.