VehicleVerdict

1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other 190 years?

190 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 190 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control523%
Transmission418%
Engine418%
Visibility & Wipers314%
Fuel System29%
Steering15%
Airbags15%
Suspension15%
Tires & Wheels15%

Does the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“VEHICLE WOULD JERK/ HAD LEAKING SEALS, AND DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAS TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERY OTHER DAY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 31, 1999

“THE HEATER CORE IN THE VEHICLE RUPTURED, CAUSING BOILING HOT COOLANT TO POUR ONTO THE DRIVER'S FEET. THE BOILING COOLANT CAUSED SEVERE BURNS TO DRIVER'S FOOT, ANKLE AND LEG. THE ESCAPING COOLANT ALSO CAUSED THE CAR TO FILL UP WITH STEAM AND ELLIMINATED VISIBILITY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 9, 1998

1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 — common questions

Is the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 190 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.