1981 Mercedes Benz 380 recalls & complaints

3 owner complaints on file. Recall list must be checked by VIN (see below).

0recalls

0high risk

0stop-driving

3complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

Recalls: check by VIN

NHTSA files recalls for the Mercedes Benz 380 under individual trim or body names rather than "380", so we can't match them automatically. Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive list. The owner complaints below are matched correctly.

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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

3complaints

0crashes

1fires

0injuries

0deaths

Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.

Read recent complaints (3)

01/31/2001 · Engine
THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED, AND THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME, IN 1987, I BELIEVED MERCEDES THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A ONE TIME ISSUE, AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A POOR DRIVER WHO HAD OWNED THE CAR PREVIOUSLY. LAST WEEK, A FRIED OF MINE, HAD A 1986, 380 SL FAIL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER MORE INVESTIGATION, I FOUND OUT THAT MERCEDES C…

04/22/1999 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FIRE, CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD JUST GOT THE MUFFLER REPLACED THAT DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS

03/15/1994 · Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *AW

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1981 Mercedes Benz