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1988 Mercedes-Benz 190Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 11, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 has problems

5 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
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Fuel system, other10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Visibility10

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

1 recall

1988 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 →

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

1988 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONEA88034 · closed Jul 31, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What 190 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS. FIRST, THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL UP OR DOWN, THEN THE RADIO BEGAN SHORTING OUT WHEN I DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR OPENED THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. NEXT THE A/C, HEATER & ECONOMY EVENT ALL CEASED WORKING AND THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON ONLY 1-2 PER WEEK…
Complaint 10205423 · Oct 11, 2007

Own a 1988 190?

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