MYRModel Year Report

1986 Mercedes Benz 300E

○ Not enough data
1986 Mercedes Benz 300E
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:41:42.067Z

Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 11 complaints 1986 11 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1993: 8 complaints 1993
1986: 11 complaints 1986 11 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1993: 8 complaints 1993
1986: 11 complaints 1986 11 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 7 complaints 1991 1993: 8 complaints 1993

1986: 11 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198611
198911
19903
19917
19938

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

5 of 11 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

False deployment of airbag, causing injuries after recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-23

Also filed under Seat belts

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 11 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

I just experienced my 4TH fuel tank fracture over 5 years. The fractures occur in the surface of the tank not caused by wear of any sort. They just spontaneously occur.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-12

I have experienced hairline crack failures in three (3) separate fuel tanks placed into my 1986 mercedes 300E 4 door sedan over 6 years.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-12

Suspension

2 of 11 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and front.

Seats

2 of 11 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

Power train

2 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-10-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-01-14 Sudden acceleration

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Mercedes Benz 300E — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 Mercedes Benz 300E 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 1986 Mercedes Benz 300E?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mercedes Benz 300E have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.