1986 Mercedes Benz 420
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1999 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 6 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Got in the vehicle, started the ignition, and vehicle accelerated during 80 MPH on wet pavement. Vehicle kept spinning around and around and slammed against the curb and bounced back and forth against the curb.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-17
The car accelerated when trying to stop at a light. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-18
Exterior lighting
2 of 6 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.
Tires
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Suspension
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Show complaint excerpts
Right rear lower control arm rusted through. No other subframe corrosion visible.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Structure
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.
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 →
-
I
1988-07-15Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-31 Sudden acceleration
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Mercedes Benz 420 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Mercedes Benz 420 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 420?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Mercedes Benz 420 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.