1991 Mercedes Benz 300
Only 19 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 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 35 MPH. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971127
,VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, SPPED 25MPH, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970528
4 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
4 of 19 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and constant velocity joint.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVE TRAIN ON THE CONSUMERS 1991 MERCEDES BENZ 300 LOCKED UP. *JB THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN TOTALLY ISOLATED TO THE CONTROL UNIT. THE TOTAL LOCK UP OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY OR THE PROBLEM MAY BE ELSEWHERE CAUSED BY A CERTAIN SET OF CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050629
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL WIRING OVERHEATED, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970325
MY 1991 300SL BENZ HAS HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED PER MB DEALER BECAUSE IT'S GOING BAD AND DECOMPOSING CAUSING A POTENTIAL FIRE PROBLEM. THIS AFTER A NO START PROBLEM AND A MONTH IN THE SHOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091004
2 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 96V175000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Mercedes Benz 300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V095000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V175000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Mercedes Benz 300?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.