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1988 Mercedes-Benz 560Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints1312 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage101kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 19, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 has problems

13 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
Vehicle speed control98
Air bags41
Back over prevention10
Service brakes, hydraulic11

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

2 recalls

1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 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

Other: labels

Recall 90V-132 · Jul 27, 1990 · 80 vehicles

Risk. VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD AND CONSUMERRELYING ON THE WRONG INFORMATION MIGHT EXPERIENCE TRAUMATIC TIRE DAMAGE WITHLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

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 560 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 560 median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'94
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560, and the recalls they led to.

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

What 560 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY INTO THE STREET WHERE IT COLLIDED WITH A HOUSE ON THE OTHER SIDE AT 25 MPH. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAM RESPONDED. A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN. THE CONTACT AVOIDED SERIOUS…
Complaint 10168658 · Sep 19, 2006 · 170,000 miles
TURNED ON IGNITION, SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE, ENGINE ACCELERATED, VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS AT HIGH SPEED; BROADSIDED PARKED VEHICLE. *AK
Complaint 984650 · May 20, 1996
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PUT IN REVERSE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE HITTING A CURB, GOING AIRBORNE INTO A STORE WINDOW. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. *AK
Complaint 852403 · Nov 18, 1999

Own a 1988 560?

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