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1987 Mercedes-Benz 300Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints2911 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem7Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 1, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has problems

29 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
Engine and engine cooling71
Air bags64
Power train43
Tires30
Vehicle speed control32
Fuel system, gasoline11
Seat belts11
Seats10
Service brakes11
7 other systems72

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

1 recall

1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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

Vehicle speed control

Recall 93V-095 · May 27, 1993 · 128,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY.

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

1987 vs. every other 300 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 300 median. How we score

'71'72'78'80'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONEA88003 · closed Jul 31, 1990
    No recall
  2. ABS FAILURESPE88032 · closed May 2, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What 300 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED "BURNING" OIL, THEN LOST POWER AND THEN STARTED SMOKING; MECHANIC CLAIMS VALVE GASKET, VALVE SLEEVES, WATER PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN MUST BE REPLACED AT COST OF $3,000, DESPITE COMPANY'S CLAIM THAT THE MOTORS LAST 250,000 TO 300,000 MILES; CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL FIX THE…
Complaint 707386 · Jun 9, 1999
CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE OXIDIZER, HOWEVER HE WAS INSTRUCTED BY TWO DEALERSHIPS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE OXIDIZER FAILS.
Complaint 521390 · Feb 18, 1997
TRAP OXIDIZER FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, AFTER REPLACEMENT THE HEAD GASKET BLEW, RECALL WORK PERFORMED WITH (2ND) NEW TRAP OXIDIZER AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED REPLACEMENT AGAIN, POSSIBLE REMEDY PROBLEM WITH UNIT WHICH MAY BE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEAD GASKETS AFTER RECALL REPAIR.
Complaint 513477 · May 27, 1997

Own a 1987 300?

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