Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median 300 year — the 1987 model ranks #2 of 23 300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (26% of the total).
38
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 16% | — flat |
| Transmission | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Child Seat | 1 | 3% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Consequence
IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TRAP OXIDIZER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, AFTER REPLACEMENT THE HEAD GASKET BLEW, RECALL WORK PERFORMED WITH (2ND) NEW TRAP OXIDIZER AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN, POSSIBLE REMEDY PROBLEM WITH UNIT WHICH MAY BE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEAD GASKETS AFTER RECALL REPAIR.”
“AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AFTER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FLEX DISC CAUSED DRIVESHAFT TO COME LOOSE,ACTIVATING THE AIR BAG SENSOR. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK THE DRIVETRAIN HAD SNAPPED AND THE SENSOR TO THE AIR BAG IS…”
“AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AFTER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FLEX DISC CAUSED DRIVESHAFT TO COME LOOSE,ACTIVATING THE AIR BAG SENSOR. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK THE DRIVETRAIN HAD SNAPPED AND THE SENSOR TO THE AIR BAG IS…”
“TIRE FAILED ON EXPRESSWAY. AIR PRESSURE WAS CHECHED THE DAY BEFORE AND WAS 30PSI. WHEN TIRE FAILED A IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE GOING OVER THE DIRVER ALERT STRIPS OR GROOVES CUT INTO THE PAVEMENT ON THE SHOULDER OF SOME ROADS. NOTE THE EXPRESSWAY DID NOT HAVE THE GROOVES ON IT. AFTER NOISE IMMEDIATLY…”
“WHILE BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE, TURN ON IGNITION, APPLIED BRAKES, SHIFTED TO REVERSE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, MADE LOUD SOUND, CAUSED ACCIDENT. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 1987 model at #2 of 23 300 years. It is one of the 300 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 300 years to avoid are 1993, 1987, 1991. The cleanest record among 300 years belongs to 1972.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.