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1986 Mercedes-Benz 190Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints85 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Air bags

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 4, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 has problems

8 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
Air bags32
Engine and engine cooling10
Parking brake10
Power train11
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Structure10
Suspension10
Visibility11

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

2 recalls

1986 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

1986 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
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONDP87019 · closed Oct 29, 1987
    No recall
  2. PARKING BRAKEDP90009 · closed Aug 30, 1990
    No recall
  3. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONEA88034 · closed Jul 31, 1990
    No recall
  4. PARKING BRAKE LEVERSEA90040 · closed Aug 30, 1991
    Led to recall 91V-137
  5. ABS FAILURESPE88032 · closed May 2, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What 190 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WAS IN A SHOPPING CENTER AND WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. SOMEONE HAD JUST GONE OVER THE BUMP BEFORE ME.HAND WAS HURT IN THE PROCESS AND HAD TO GET SURGERY ON THE HAND. CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *TR
Complaint 10374700 · Jan 4, 2011

Own a 1986 190?

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