1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median E-Class year — the 1998 model ranks #6 of 23 E-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (7), engine (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
31
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other E-Class years?
What are the most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7 | 23% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE MAIN SUSPENSION SPRING FROM MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL OUT ON THE GARAGE FLOOR AND THE CAR CAME DOWN ON THE TIRE. TWO MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 60 MPH AND HAD IT OCCURRED TWO MINUTES EARLIER SOMEONE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE POOR DESIGN BY MB CAUSED EXCESS RUST AND…”
“THE GEAR MOVED ON ITS OWN WITH NO KEY. VEHICLE WAS IN PARK A CHILD ENTERED THE VEHICLE, MOVED THE GEAR FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL, AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACK, GOING THROUGH A FENCE AND STRIKING A TREE. THE CHILD SUSTAINED NO INJURIES.*AK”
“DRIVING CAR AT 55 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED, LOST POWER STEERING, WAS ABLE TO DIRECT CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. HAD CAR TOWED TO SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED PROBLEM, SUGGESTING IT GO TO A MB DEALER. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE ”
“WHEN THE ENGINE GETS HOT, IT STALLS . AFTER IT COOLS FOR SOME TIME, IT RE-STARTS. IT HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY (BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC). FOUND OUT FROM THE MERCEDEZ FORUM THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM DUE TO CRANSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. IT HAS HAPPENED TO NUMBER OF PEOPLE.”
1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — common questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1998 model at #6 of 23 E-Class years. It is one of the E-Class years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 E-Class problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-Class years to avoid are 2003, 2000, 1994, 1997, 2001, 1998. The cleanest record among E-Class years belongs to 1992.
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.