1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 Problems
- Complaints
- 8filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- 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 · 18 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190. The part named most often is air bags, with 3 complaints (38% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and engine cooling (1). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the mechanical and 3 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.
- Air bags3 38%
- Brakes2 25%
- Engine cooling1 13%
- Body and structure1 13%
- Suspension1 13%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Was in a shopping center and went over a speed bump and the air bag deployed for no reason at all. Someone had just gone over the bump before me.hand was hurt in the process and had to get surgery on the hand. Car has not been repaired yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10374700, filed 2011-01Brakes: “Left ball joint split as consumer's daughter was leaving driveway. Also, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and a wheel alignment needed to be performed.”
NHTSA complaint #567069, filed 2002-08Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 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 | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 190 RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 190 RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 190 RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| 190 RWD | 2.5L 5-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 26 | 31 | 28 | $3,400 |
| 190 RWD | 2.5L 5-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 25 | 34 | 28 | $3,400 |
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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA90040Parking brake leversClosed · Aug 29, 1990
- DP90009PARKING BRAKEClosed · May 9, 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 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 have?
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 3 complaints (38% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 (190, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.