1986 Mercedes Benz 300E
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1993 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG, CAUSING INJURIES AFTER RECALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960923
2 of 11 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
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, 20060112
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, 20050812
1 of 11 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
BLOWOUT, WITH 4/32 TREAD LEFT, OF SCHWAB Z800 ULTRA RADIAL WITH 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, AT APPROX 50,200 MILES, OCCURRED AS DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED ON FREEWAY WITH NO IMPACT OR PRIOR DAMAGE TO TIRE. 11/27/2004. TIRES PURCHASED 6/29/99 AS PAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041128
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Mercedes Benz 300E — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
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:frontal, accounting for 27% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.