1988 Mercedes Benz 560
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1994 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
9 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated when shifted into drive, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably into the street where it collided with a house on the other side at 25 MPH. The police department and an emergency medical team responded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-19
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration which resulted in a front end collision, there was no deployment of air bag.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-12-30
Upon shifting from park to drive, foot applied to brake pedal, engine roared, then lurched forward, overpowering brakes, hit rock wall, then rolled over, vehicle was totalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-15
Air bags
4 of 13 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Airbag sensor light is faulty. Could result in non-deployment of airbag during vehicle accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-16
Service brakes
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Back over prevention
1 of 13 total reports mentions: back over prevention, most commonly citing external/pedestrian alert.
Safety timeline
2 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
-
R
Date not on fileEquipment90V131000 Vehicle description: stretch limousines altered by kelly/coachworks. Limousines may not contain alterers certification label in violation of 49 cfr part 567.
Remedy: Install alterers labels as required.
-
R
Date not on fileEquipment90V132000 Vehicle description: stretch limousines altered by kelly/coachworks, inc. Limousine may not have alterers tire placard with correct tire size and load information, as required by FMVSS 110.
Remedy: Install correct tire placard.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mercedes Benz 560 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V131000 · Equipment
- Recall 90V132000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Mercedes Benz 560 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 1988 Mercedes Benz 560?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Mercedes Benz 560 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.