VehicleVerdict

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other 190 years?

190 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted22 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 11 complaints1986: 12 complaints1987: 22 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 14 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 12 complaints1995: 4 complaints1997: 1 complaints1999: 6 complaints
190 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 190 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control327%
Engine218%
Visibility & Wipers218%
Transmission19%
Body & Structure19%
Airbags19%
Suspension19%

Does the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

91V137000BrakesAugust 20, 1991 · 96,541 units

Defect

THE DESIGN OF THE PARKING BRAKE GRIP MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO DISTORT THE GRIP AND PINCH THE BRAKE RELEASE KNOB. IF THE RELEASE KNOB STICKS IN A PARTIAL ENGAGE/RELEASE POSITION BECAUSE OF THE PINCHED GRIP, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LEVER TO RELEASE UNINTENTIONALLY WITH A CORRESPONDING REDUCTION IN PARKING BRAKE FORCE.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT PROPERLY PARKED WITH THETRANSMISSION IN THE CORRECT POSITION, AND IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A GRADE,REDUCTION IN PARKING BRAKE FORCE COULD LEAD TO UNINTENTIONAL ROLLAWAY AND ANACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE GRIP WITH A NEW GRIP TYPE.

87V104000Electrical SystemJuly 13, 1987 · 65,196 units

Defect

IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH BLOWS FUSE NO. 9, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT OPERATE.

Consequence

TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROLWOULD NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED.

Remedy

USE TWO FUSES IN COMBINATION SO THAT IN CASE OF A FUSE FAILURE, THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WILL NOT OPERATE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE VEHICLE SURGED INTO A BRICK WALL. WHILE IN PARK, CONSUMER WENT TO PUT THE VEHILCE INTO TEH DRIVE GEAR FROM PARK. WIHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THIS TYPE OF SURGING ACTION WOULD HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION ALSO. CONSUMER FEELS SOME RETRIBUTION IS OWED. *JG”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 30, 2000

“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN HOT ANTI-FREEZE & WATER LEAKED ONTO GAS PEDAL AND DRIVER'S FOOT, BURNING IT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HEATER CORE CRACKED & WAS LEAKING. WAS INFORMED TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. WENT TO EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT OF FOOT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“ON 05-03-2011 WHILE DRIVEING MY MERCEDES BENZ190 SERIES /1985- THE HEATING COIL BURST POURING &SPRAYING HOT RADIATOR COOLANT FROM UNDER THE DASH/OVER THE FIRE WALL ONTO MY LEGS AND FEET. BURNING AND BLISTERING 2ND DEGREE BURNS OVER MY LEGS AND FEET. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY PROBLEM ,THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 3, 2011

“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND WITHOUT A COLLISION OCCURRING, AIR BAG SENSOR WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE EXPLODED, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 — common questions

Is the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 190 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.