Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450slc — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 2 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE PARKING HER VEHICLE INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT A TREE AND BANK BUILDING. *JB *YH”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450slc. 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.