Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT LINKAGE ADJACENT TO THE ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL CONTAINS A PLASTIC BUSHING THAT COULD DEFORM DUE TO HIGH ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURES CREATED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Remedy
PLASTIC BUSHINGS WILL BE REPLACED WITH STEEL BUSHINGS.
Defect
THE FUEL TANK COULD DEFORM DUE TO THE FUEL TANK VALVE CAUSING BLOCKAGE OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION SYSTEM.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 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.