1987 Mercedes Benz 420
Only 3 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 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING TRYING TO TURN A CURB THE ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAIL LOST CONTROL WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTALED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950410
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
DUE TO DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF THE RADIATOR, IT CRACKED AND CAUSED WATER TO LEAK. THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP. COMMON PROBLEM. MERCEDES BENZ CAME WITH A NEW DESIGN OF RADIATOR, AND CLAIMS THAT THERE WAS NOT A DEFECT IN THE OLD ONE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990720
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVING THROUGH DOWNTWN AT 5 MPH, CAR WAS FILLED WITH STEAM BECAUSETHE HOSE BROKE.CONSUMER NOTIFIED DEALER AND MANUFACTUR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990805
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Mercedes Benz 420 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic 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).
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Mercedes Benz 420?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Mercedes Benz 420 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.