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 PER YEAR
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.
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, 20231119
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, 20130528
2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
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, 19980115
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, 19980115
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20040305
1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.
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, 20231119
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, 20020211
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Mercedes Benz E300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (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 suspension, accounting for 22% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.