Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 — 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.
6
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 33% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 17% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
BOLTS USED FOR THE BRAKE STRUT SUPPORT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
Consequence
THE FAILURE OF THE BOLTS MAY RESULT IN A DETERIORATION OF VEHICLE STEERING AND BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE HEX NUT BOLTS WITH BOLTS THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CAR WAS IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, I NOTICED WHITE SMOKE AND THOUGHT IT WAS EXHAUST FROM THE CARS IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND ME. I SUDDENLY BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE AND SAW IT SPEWING FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR. AS I REACHED TO TURN OFF MY ENGINE, FLAMES SOARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR, HIGHER THAN I…”
“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH BOTH OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER WAS INJURED BY THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED ON THE LEFT ARM/STOMACH AND THE PENIS.*AK”
“2001 MERCEDES BENZ S600 - OIL LEAK AND CAR FIRE - THAT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. DOES THERE HAVE TO BE A DEATH OR INJURY BEFORE MERCEDES IS HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT AS MANY OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD, IS THAT THE REASON THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL? I WAS…”
“THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL TIRES (PIRELLI P6-205/65/R15) WERE ALL REPLACED AFTER A TIRE BLOWOUT, CONSUMER REPLACED TIRE TO AVOID FURTHER PROBLEMS, TIRES HAVE PERFORMED POORLY AND EXPERIENCED PREMATURE WEAR. *MJS”
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM BENEATH THE HOOD AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM DEVELOPED SEVERE SHORTS, STALLED THE ENGINE, DISABLED THE ABS AND THE OTHER ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, OPENED THE HOOD, AND…”
The record is thin — 6 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560. 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.