1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 sits mid-pack among E320 years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), suspension (7), and body & structure (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
51
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other E320 years?
What are the most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 7 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Other | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE SHUTING OFF. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF LEAVING THE CONSUMER WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKE POWER. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK”
“HAD AN INSPECTION ON FRIDAY. FOUND PASSENGER SHOCK TOWER BROKEN FROM THE BODY FRAME, THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. LOOKED IN MERCEDES BENZ WORLD WEBSITE, AND SAW MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TYPICAL ISSUE, PEOPLE MUST NOT BE REPORTING THIS TYPICAL RUST OF THE SPRING TOWER TO BODY…”
“THE REAR LEFT DOOR OPENED ON IMPACT. THE CAR WAS HIT MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TOWARDS THE CENTER COLUMN AND THE REAR DOOR OPENED. MY 5-YEAR-OLD SON WAS SITTING NEXT TO THAT DOOR AND COULD HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE CAR.”
“MORE CARS WITH SAME PROBLEM: I FOUND A FORUM ON LINE WHERE ADDITIONAL MERCEDES OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME SCARY INCIDENT. HERE IS THE FORUM LOCATION: MBWORLD. ORGFORUMS I RAN A SEARCH ON HARMONIC BALANCERS AND FOUND SOME INTERESTING COMMENTS. IN ADDTION, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE MANUFACTURE OF…”
“A/C, HEATER BLOWER, WINDOWS REGULATOR FAILED AS EXPECTED. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN IGNORED BY MANUFACTURER EVEN WHEN LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINT ABOUT IT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION THROUGH A RECALL OR AT LEAST ADMIT THERE'S A PROBLEM. THEN YOU ARE FORCED…”
1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?
It is close to typical for the E320: 51 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 E320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), suspension (7 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.
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.