1990 Mercedes Benz 300
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
A/C HEATER CORE LEAKED ALLOWING THE TOXIC ANTI-FREEZE TO SPRAY INTO THE VEHICLE ONTO CONSUMER.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980610
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
300 SE, VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTANTLY. DEALER UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021211
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE DUE TO THE REAR MOTOR MOUNTS DROPPING. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991230
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS MELTED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950523
SAFETY TIMELINE
BOLTS USED FOR THE BRAKE STRUT SUPPORT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
Remedy: REPLACE HEX NUT BOLTS WITH BOLTS THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
Campaign 90V033000 — check if this car was fixed
LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY A WORN CHAIN DRIVE OF THE CONVEYOR SYSTEM.
Remedy: REPLACE DAMAGED TIRES WITH TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND NAME.
Campaign 90V062000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE PRERESISTOR FOR THE AUXILIARY FAN MAY MELT, POSSIBLY IGNITING THE PRERESISTOR.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRERESISTOR WITH VERSION HAVING A METAL COVER.
Campaign 90V068000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1990 Mercedes Benz 300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V033000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V062000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V068000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V095000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Mercedes Benz 300?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.