1998 Mercedes Benz E300
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing diesel and turbo/supercharger.
Show complaint excerpts
Unintended sudden acceleration resulting in crash, resulting from oil into intake from seal on turbo charger. Car had been routinely serviced 5 days prior, with error message on air mass sensor. Part was replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-05
Also filed under Fuel system, diesel and seat belts
Suspension
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
The front driver side coil spring ejected out while driving, causing the front of the car to dive down on the driver side. I do have the parts that came out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-19
Also filed under Wheels and steering
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz 300E. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, he heard a loud noise. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the top front spring mount fractured and detached from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-28
Exterior lighting
2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Certain new mercedes have headlights with a blue tint which causes a safety hazard to other drivers because of the brightness and glare.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-15
Certain new mercedes have headlights with a blue tint which causes a safety hazard to other drivers because of the brightness and glare.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-15
Wheels
1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.
Tires
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire on left rear of vehicle blew out. Tire was less then one year old and had only 25,000 miles on it. Michelin insisted it was a road hazard even though tire was left rear. *ak (Tiresize: 215/55R-16)
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-11
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
2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-09 Front suspension coil spring ejection
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mercedes Benz E300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz E300 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 E300?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz E300 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.