Mercedes-Benz 220 years to avoid

Across 1968–2001, no single 220 year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1995 drew the most complaints; 1988 the fewest.

Total complaints

Recall campaigns

1968–2001

Years covered

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Mercedes-Benz 220 NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Investigations
2001	1	0	0
2000	3	0	1
1996	6	0	0
1995	19	0	0
1994	6	0	0
1988	0	0	1
1987	0	0	1
1986	0	0	1
1985	0	0	1
1984	0	0	1
1973	0	1	0
1972	0	1	0
1971	0	1	0
1968	0	1	0

By complaint volume, 1988 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 220 years with enough data to compare.

Across all model years, the 220 has 3 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.