1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 200 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.5 times the median Ml320 year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 13 Ml320 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 28 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (33), electrical system (24), and fuel system (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
200
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
28
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Ml320 years?
What are the most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 33 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 24 | 12% | new |
| Fuel System | 21 | 11% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 20 | 10% | new |
| Brakes | 19 | 10% | new |
| Body & Structure | 12 | 6% | new |
| Transmission | 11 | 6% | new |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 8 | 4% | new |
| Airbags | 7 | 4% | new |
| Speed Control | 7 | 4% | new |
| Other | 7 | 4% | new |
| Steering | 6 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 2% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE APART AT 140K , NO INDICATION OF FAILURE, JUST LOTS OF SMOKE AND NO STEERING CAPABILITIES, WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. POLICE PUSHED ME TO SAFETY. PLASTIC SHATTERED EVERYWHERE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT.. THE DEFECT WAS THE PLASTIC PULLY, INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWED OTHER…”
“VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO GARAGE. DEALER SAID FIRE WAS DUE TO DEFECT IN BATTERY. *AK THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR/ALTERNATOR, THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGED THE DRIVEWAY AND GARAGE. *SLC”
“ML320 FUEL PUMP FAILED, CAUSING CRASH INTO OTHER VEHICLE. MBZ ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TWICE AND CLAIMED NO RECORD OF 1ST CALL 4 HOURS EARLIER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE TO DEALER WHO CLAIMED STARMARK WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED, CONTRARY TO SAME DEALER REPRESENTATION AT SALE. *AK”
“THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/MOTOR/ POWER WINDOWS/ DOOR HANDLES AND PANELS, AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM. CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS EVER SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
“THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND WORKED AGAIN AFTER SOME PUMPING AND COASTING TO AVOID COLLISION. THE CAR THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR”
1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 — common questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 200 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 13 Ml320 years. It is one of the Ml320 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Ml320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), fuel system (21 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320.
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Ml320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz Ml320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ml320 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Ml320 years belongs to 2011.
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.