1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 18%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the fuel system of the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E, 18% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just experienced my 4th fuel tank fracture over 5 years. The fractures occur in the surface of the tank not caused by wear of any sort. They just spontaneously occur. The tank is completely factory installed in the trunk of the car this allows fumes to enter the entire car. This is a very dangerous condition. I have never experienced a fractured tank in any brand in 40 years of driving. This is a serious matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10147609, filed 2006-01, 180,000 miles“I have experienced hairline crack failures in three (3) separate fuel tanks placed into my 1986 mercedes 300E 4 door sedan over 6 years. These cracks never allowed liquid to escape, but fumes did repeatedly emit into the car trunk and passenger cabin. After being in place for 9 months the 3rd tank is now leaking fumes and I have discovered staining where the cracks exist. This is, by itself, a very dangerous condition. To happen three times with three different replacement tanks is exceptional! …”
NHTSA complaint #10132581, filed 2005-08, 100,000 milesFuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E
4 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology