VehicleVerdict

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other M-Class years?

M-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted32 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 28 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 9 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 12 complaints2004: 0 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
M-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Body & Structure233%
Steering117%
Transmission117%

Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V465000SteeringSeptember 17, 2008 · 125,228 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 125,228 MY 1998-2004 M-CLASS VEHICLES. THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

AN EARLIER RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT A FUTURE LEAKAGE OR FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTION (PLEASE SEE 03V121). SINCE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THROUGH INSPECTION TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC VEHICLES THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY REPAIRED, ALL VEHICLES REPAIRED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 15, 2003, WILL BE REPAIRED AGAIN. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

03V121000SteeringMarch 27, 2003 · 211,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

99V328000Seat BeltsNovember 22, 1999 · 85,970 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS LOOSE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE BUCKLE TONGUE TO THE LATCH MECHANISM, THE BUCKLE COULD UNLATCH.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

98V090000OtherMay 4, 1998 · 42 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."

Consequence

THE REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING WAS LISTED AS 3257 LB. INSTEAD OF 3527 LB. AND THE TIRE SIZE WAS LISTED AS 276 RATHER THAN 275. A CONSUMER COULD INCORRECTLY INFLATE THE TIRES OR IMPROPERLY LOAD THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE OWNER'S HOME AND REMOVE THE NON-COMPLIANCE LABEL AND REPLACE THIS WITH A LABEL WHICH IS IN COMPLIANCE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 29, 2004

“ON DECEMBER 29TH WHILE TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY ON I-77 NORTH IN VIRGINIA THE METAL SUNROOF WIND DEFLECTOR ON MY 1998 MERCEDES ML320 COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT WARNING BROKE OFF AND FLEW INTO THE PATH OF SEVERAL AUTOMOBILES. A MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. MY ML320 IS WELL MAINTAINED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 29, 2002

“NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 29, 2004

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING CENTER AND GOING ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR, SUDDENLY THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I CRASHED INTO 2 CARS. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT HURT AND THE DAMAGE TO THE 3 CARS WAS SLIGHT BUMPER DAMAGE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND MADE A REPORT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 15, 1998 · crash

1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class — common questions

Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz M-Class years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M-Class years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among M-Class years belongs to 2004.

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.