Mercedes-Benz 280 recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 280, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Mercedes-Benz 280. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Mercedes-Benz 280, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1971–2000 with 7 recall campaigns and 124 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1971 (3), 1973 (2), and 1976 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1995 (65), 1994 (23), and 1996 (15).
- Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Brakes, and Other.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Electrical system, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system:wiring.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 1971–1972These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 1971These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 71V073000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Other
1 campaign · Years: 1976These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
- 76V027000 · Vehicle speed control
Seats and restraints
1 campaign · Years: 1973These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
- 75V054000 · Seat belts: Anchorage
Visibility and lighting
1 campaign · Years: 1973These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
- 73V120000 · Visibility: Heater core
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Mercedes-Benz 280 in NHTSA complaint data are Electrical system, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system:wiring.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 7 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:side/window, Fuel system, other, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1999 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc., Air bags, Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel. |
| 1998 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:windshield, Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system, Tires. |
| 1997 | 0 | 6 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl), Vehicle speed control, Child seat. |
| 1996 | 0 | 15 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system. |
| 1995 | 0 | 65 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Electrical system, Electrical system:wiring. |
| 1994 | 0 | 23 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood. |
| 1976 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1973 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1972 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1971 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Fuel system , Vehicle speed control and Visibility
Other Mercedes-Benz Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Mercedes-Benz models.
- 190 1983–1993
- 240 1981–1983
- 300 1981–1993
- 350 1983–1991
- 380 1981–1985
- 400 1992–1993
- 420 1983–1991
- 500 1983–1993
- 560 1986–1991
- 600 1992–1993
- AMG GT 2016–2027
- C-Class 1994–2027
- CL-Class 1998–2014
- CLK-Class 1998–2009
- CLS-Class 2005–2023
- E-Class 1994–2027
- eSprinter 2024–2027
- L1013 1980–2027
- L1113 1980–2027
- L1116 1980–2027
- L1117 1980–2027
- L1316 1980–2027
- L1317 1980–2027
- L1319 1980–2027
- L1418 1980–2027
- M-Class 1995–2019
- Metris 2016–2027
- R-Class 2006–2013
- S-Class 1994–2027
- SL-Class 1994–2027
- SLR McLaren 2004–2009
- Sprinter 2010–2027
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.