1981 Mercedes-Benz 380Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 19, 2023. Updated daily.
Where the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
1981 vs. every other 380 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 380 median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
What 380 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED, AND THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME, IN 1987, I BELIEVED MERCEDES THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A ONE TIME ISSUE, AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A POOR DRIVER WHO HAD OWNED THE CAR PREVIOUSLY. LAST WEEK, A FRIED OF MINE, HAD A 1986, 380 SL FAIL WITH THE SAME…
Own a 1981 380?
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