Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 — 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.
16
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 10 | 63% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 6% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES ALTERED BY KELLY/COACHWORKS. LIMOUSINES MAY NOT CONTAIN ALTERERS CERTIFICATION LABEL IN VIOLATION OF 49 CFR PART 567.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERALREGULATIONS.
Remedy
INSTALL ALTERERS LABELS AS REQUIRED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES ALTERED BY KELLY/COACHWORKS, INC. LIMOUSINE MAY NOT HAVE ALTERERS TIRE PLACARD WITH CORRECT TIRE SIZE AND LOAD INFORMATION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 110.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD AND CONSUMERRELYING ON THE WRONG INFORMATION MIGHT EXPERIENCE TRAUMATIC TIRE DAMAGE WITHLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECT TIRE PLACARD.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE HITTING A CURB, GOING AIRBORNE INTO A STORE WINDOW. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. *AK”
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE HITTING A CURB, GOING AIRBORNE INTO A STORE WINDOW. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. *AK”
The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (10 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.