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1985 Mercedes-Benz 190Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 10 owner complaints about the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints103 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Vehicle speed control

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 17, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 has problems

10 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control30
Engine and engine cooling21
Visibility22
Suspension10
Structure10
Power train10
Air bags10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Conventional: mechanical

Recall 91V-137 · Aug 20, 1991 · 96,541 vehicles

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT PROPERLY PARKED WITH THETRANSMISSION IN THE CORRECT POSITION, AND IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A GRADE,REDUCTION IN PARKING BRAKE FORCE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 87V-104 · Jul 13, 1987 · 65,196 vehicles

Risk. TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROLWOULD NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other 190 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 190 median. How we score

'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'95'97'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONDP87019 · closed Oct 29, 1987
    No recall
  2. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONEA88034 · closed Jul 31, 1990
    No recall
  3. PARKING BRAKE LEVERSEA90040 · closed Aug 30, 1991
    Led to recall 91V-137
  4. ABS FAILURESPE88032 · closed May 2, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What 190 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE VEHICLE SURGED INTO A BRICK WALL. WHILE IN PARK, CONSUMER WENT TO PUT THE VEHILCE INTO TEH DRIVE GEAR FROM PARK. WIHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THIS TYPE OF SURGING ACTION WOULD HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION ALSO. CONSUMER FEELS SOME RETRIBUTION IS OWED. *JG
Complaint 8012140 · Jun 19, 2002
PLASTIC CLIP ON ACCELERATOR CABLE WEARS OUT PREMATURELY, FALLS OUT ONTO GROUND; HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IDLING SPEED. TT DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE ACCELERATOR CABLE THE FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE SEOND TIME, JUST THE CLIP WAS REPLACED. *SLC
Complaint 972797 · Oct 2, 1995

Own a 1985 190?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.