Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 5 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
5 reports
170,000 miles · May 15, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 300SE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING 45 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE RETURNED TO IDLE SPEED AND REMAINED IDLE WITH THE RPM'S INCREASING. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V095000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER WAS NO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 300SE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING 45 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE RETURNED TO IDLE SPEED AND REMAINED IDLE WITH THE RPM'S INCREASING. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V095000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE HIS VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #10458536
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2001
Vehicle Speed Control
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #749289
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 1996
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS THE ABS IS NOT WORKING LOCKS UP LIKE NORMAL BRAKES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI #978344
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 1995
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts
DRIVER'S AIRBAG LIGHT LUMINATED. *SD
NHTSA ODI #487278
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 1995
Fuel System, GasolineFire
ALUMINUM FUEL TANK COMPONENT FAILED UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS, EXPENDING GASOLINE TO ADDITIONALLY FUEL THE FIRE. *AW
DUE TO HEAT EFFECTS, THE THROTTLE BUSHING LOCATED ON THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK, CAUSING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE TO SEPARATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE SEPARATES, THE ENGINE WILL RETURNTO IDLE SPEED, AND REMAIN AT IDLE, WITH NO ACCELERATION ABILITY. LOSS OF ENGINESPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE THROTTLE BUSHING WITH A NEW BUSHING MADE FROM MORE HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1989 Mercedes Benz 300 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration