VehicleVerdict

1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1986 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other 190 years?

190 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 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, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 190 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension325%
Airbags325%
Brakes217%
Visibility & Wipers18%
Body & Structure18%
Engine18%
Transmission18%

Does the 1986 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.

“LEFT BALL JOINT SPLIT AS CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS LEAVING DRIVEWAY. ALSO, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. *TT ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 30, 2002

“WAS IN A SHOPPING CENTER AND WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. SOMEONE HAD JUST GONE OVER THE BUMP BEFORE ME.HAND WAS HURT IN THE PROCESS AND HAD TO GET SURGERY ON THE HAND. CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 24, 2010

“VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, RESULTING IN VEHICLE ROLLING INTO A WALL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 19, 1999 · crash

1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 — common questions

Is the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 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 1986 190 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.