1990 Mercedes-Benz 500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)

Safety recalls2Free fix at dealers Owner complaints11 with a crash, fire or injury Top problem1Steering

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

1Steering1 crash/fire/injury

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.

Complaints by system
System	Complaints	Crash, fire or injury
Steering	1	1

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

2 recalls

1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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

Visibility

Recall 96V-175 · Sep 19, 1996 · 28,874 vehicles

Risk. PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

no report yet

Tires: sidewall

Recall 90V-062 · May 1, 1990 · 278 vehicles

Risk. DAMAGED OR CUT TIRES COULD FAIL DURING USE AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES.

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

1990 vs. every other 500 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 500 median. How we score

1 1 1 0 15 23 6 8 6 8 2 7 9 11

'84'85'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'03

Avoid
Caution
Solid
Best
Not rated

In owners' words

What 500 owners report

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

WHILE DRIVING, THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN SEPARATED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATED RESERVOIR FOR POWER STEERING DISCONNECTED, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.*JB
Complaint 816828 · Oct 2, 1997

Own a 1990 500?

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