1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 142,748miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190. The part named most often is vehicle speed control, with 3 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and visibility (2). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 142,748 miles. Of all complaints, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Vehicle speed control complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 20%
- Air bags1 10%
- Body and structure1 10%
- Suspension1 10%
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “The vehicle surged into a brick wall. While in park, consumer went to put the vehilce into teh drive gear from park. Wiht foot on the brake, the vehicle lunged forward. This type of surging action would happen while in motion also. Consumer feels some retribution is owed.”
NHTSA complaint #8012140, filed 2002-06Engine cooling: “On 05-03-2011 while driveing my mercedes benz190 series /1985- the heating coil burst pouring &spraying hot radiator coolant from under the dash/over the fire wall onto my legs and feet. Burning and blistering 2nd degree burns over my legs and feet. There was no prior warning of any problem ,this just happened out of the blue. The car has never given me any problem with over heating or gauges. First time. I heard a hissiing like sound 3 or 4 secounds before my leggs started burning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10401372, filed 2011-05, 105,496 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “While driving heater core blew, causing hot coolant to leak into the vehicle on driver's legs, causing third degree burns. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10082141, filed 2004-07, 180,000 milesAir bags: “While driving 25 MPH and without a collision occurring, air bag sensor which is located under the vehicle exploded, causing the driver's side air bag to deploy, cause unknown. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #836812, filed 1999-04Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 105,496 and 180,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 190 RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 190 RWD | 2.2L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 30 | $3,200 |
| 190 RWD | 2.2L 4-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 26 | 30 | 27 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 91V137000Aug 20, 1991Parking brake › Conventional › MechanicalCovers: Mercedes-Benz 190 1984–1988
The design of the parking brake grip makes it possible to distort the grip and pinch the brake release knob. If the release knob sticks in a partial engage/release position because of the pinched grip, it is possible for the lever to release unintentionally…
- 87V104000Jul 13, 1987Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakersCovers: Mercedes-Benz 190 1984–1986
In case of electrical failure which blows fuse no. 9, the rear brake lights will not operate.
Recall details for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA90040Parking brake leversClosed · Aug 29, 1990
- EA88034Sudden accelerationClosed · Jul 15, 1988
- PE88032ABS FAILURESClosed · Mar 10, 1988
- DP87019Sudden accelerationClosed · May 22, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 190
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 7 | 150,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 11 | 205,000 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 5 | 193,000 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 14 | 49,115 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | — | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | 142,748 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 190 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 3 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 (190, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 142,748 miles and the middle half falls between 105,496 and 180,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.