1998 Mercedes Benz C280
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 34 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2006 | 29 |
| 2007 | 56 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
While husband was moving objects in trunk. Touched battery and explode at his face, injuring parts on face and body.*ak the consumer suffered eye damage, nasal fracture and facial lacerations as the result of battey explosion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-04
Suspension
4 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs and air suspension system.
Show complaint excerpts
Without any warning attempting to make a turn around the corner car just made a very loud sound coming from under driver's side in the front. Car came down on driver side very close to tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-03
While traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH, the spring perch supporting the left, front coil spring broke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-07
The following is a letter sent to mercedes whidh describes the issue. Dear mercedes: I recently had an almost tragic incident in my mercedes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-08-06
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Wheels
1 of 15 total reports mentions: wheels.
Visibility
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2003-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-22 Engine crankshaft pulley failure
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mercedes Benz C280 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz C280 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz C280?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz C280 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.