AI Damage1989 Mercedes-Benz 560: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about vehicle speed control and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Vehicle speed control 43% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 29% of all complaints
- 3 Air bags 14% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- Vehicle speed control: 3 complaints (43% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (14% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.6 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, brake did not respond, resulting in accident. Tt
I recently bought a second car and noticed that the engine had a lump or a surge at idle and at operating speed. I thought since the car sat for a while before I bought it the problem was fuel related. I took the car to repair shop for a new fuel filter.
While backing out of garge in reverse vehicle suddenly and without warning accelerated out into street. Driver had both feet on brake pedal to get vehicle to stop. This problem had occurred on two other occasions. Vehicle was in dealer shop on one occasion, and they were unable to duplicate the problem.
Throttle is defective, causing vehicle to suddenly accelerate, consumer stated that that three collisions have occurred because of this problem. Dealer has been contacted, but was unable to locate source of problem. Please provide further details.
Valve cover gasket leaks, causing oil fumes to enter into passenger compartment.
Head gasket leaking oil, due to high oil pressure, could result in a fire. Tt
Warning light on dash (srs) would light up and stayed lid a few minutes. Currently on permanently. Dealer sold an extended warranty, but insists consumer use old parts.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 12,539 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 560 has 5 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 7, above average.
What to check before buying
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: vehicle speed control, engine and cooling, air bags. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (29%), oil leak or consumption (14%), unintended acceleration (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.