1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by air bags (2) and electrical system (1). Of all complaints, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 cooling3 43%
- Air bags2 29%
- Electrical system1 14%
Example complaints
Air bags: “While driving about 5-10 MPH the air bag on the driver's side deployed for no apparent reason. The dealer is aware of the situation. The air bag has not been replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #825700, filed 1998-07Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300CE RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 300E RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 300E RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 300SE RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 16 | $5,150 |
| 300SEL RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 16 | $5,150 |
| 300TE RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
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
- 93V095000May 27, 1993Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercedes-Benz 300 1987–1991
Due to heat effects, the throttle bushing located on the accelerator control cable, can fatigue and break, causing the throttle linkage to separate.
Recall details for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP93002Accel linkage disconnectionClosed · May 6, 1993
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 300
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | 74,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 8 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 16 | 163,756 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 39 | 103,756 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 22 | 118,152 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 19 | 119,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 5 | — | 4 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 5 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 29 | 167,110 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 13 | — | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 5 | 140,000 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 300 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by air bags with 2.
Has the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 (300CE, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 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 Nov 1, 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.