1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 sits mid-pack among 320 years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (9), visibility & wipers (7), and steering (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
54
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other 320 years?
What are the most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 9 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 9% | new |
| Steering | 5 | 9% | new |
| Engine | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TRNSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO, REPEATED FAILURE OF WINDOWS AND ELECTRIC SEATS REAR ENTRY AND BRAKE LIGHTS, INDICATE SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. WARRANTY COVERS THE REPAIRS, BUT THE PROBLEMS PERSIST. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CAR HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 1998 320 CLK? WHAT…”
“TRNSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO, REPEATED FAILURE OF WINDOWS AND ELECTRIC SEATS REAR ENTRY AND BRAKE LIGHTS, INDICATE SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. WARRANTY COVERS THE REPAIRS, BUT THE PROBLEMS PERSIST. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CAR HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 1998 320 CLK? WHAT…”
“WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, STOPPING ALL OF A SUDDEN, AND FAILING IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. OWNER SAID SHE ALMOST WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT FUEL PUMP WAS THE CAUSE. THIS WAS HER THIRD REPLACEMENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“WHILE APPLYING BRAKES TO PARK PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES MOMENTARILY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE IS AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO BE DIAGNOSED AGAIN. *AK”
“AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, POWER STEERING WAS LOST AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. IT TOOK 5 FIRE TRUCKS TO PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT. *AK”
1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 — common questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 reliable?
It is close to typical for the 320: 54 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (9 complaints), visibility & wipers (7 complaints), steering (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz 320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Which Mercedes-Benz 320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 320 years to avoid are 1994. The cleanest record among 320 years belongs to 1996.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.