1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 Problems
- Complaints
- 13filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles, 4 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
- 13 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 15 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560. The part named most often is vehicle speed control, with 9 complaints (69% of the total), followed by air bags (4) and back-over prevention (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 32,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns 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.
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “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 injury due to the deployment of the frontal air bag, although treatment was received for minor abrasions and bruising. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined the failure was due to rust and poor maintenance, although the contact claimed the vehicle was maintained in show room condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10168658, filed 2006-09, 170,000 milesBrakes: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #852403, filed 1999-11Mileage when problems were reported
75% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 32,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 560SEC RWD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $6,300 |
| 560SEL RWD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $6,300 |
| 560SL RWD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $5,850 |
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
- 90V131000Jul 27, 1990Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mercedes-Benz 560 1987–1988
Vehicle description: stretch limousines altered by kelly/coachworks. Limousines may not contain alterers certification label in violation of 49 cfr part 567.
- 90V132000Jul 27, 1990Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mercedes-Benz 560 1987–1988
Vehicle description: stretch limousines altered by kelly/coachworks, inc. Limousine may not have alterers tire placard with correct tire size and load information, as required by fmvss 110.
Recall details for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 560
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 5 | 103,500 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 7 | 178,013 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 13 | 32,000 | 2 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 62,400 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 560 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 have?
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 9 complaints (69% of the total), followed by air bags with 4.
Has the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 (560SEC, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 12 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $6,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 32,000 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 32,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.