Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 1 | 100% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE PLASTIC BELL CRANK BUSHING FOR THE PRESSURE CONTROL ROD OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COULD DEFORM DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT PRODUCED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE CONTROL ROD TO DISLODGE. A DISLODGED ROD MAY PREVENT THE NEARBY ENGINE THROTTLE LINKAGE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PLASTIC BUSHING WITH A METAL ONE AT NO CHARGE.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.