1998 Mercedes Benz E430
Only 8 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 8 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 |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 21 |
| 2000 | 19 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE 1998 MERCEDES E430 AT 65 MPH ON A TWO LANE FRONTAGE ROAD ALONG I-4 IN LAKELAND FLORIDA ON AUGUST 7, 2005. THE ROAD HAD CURVES AND STOP SIGNS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060308
WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMERS VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN CONSUMER PROPERLY AS HE WAS TOSSED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20011115
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
STALLING, ABRUPT ENGINE FAILURE, FAIL TO OR DELAYED START: FREQUENCY - 6 TIMES PER YEAR, NO WARNING. 1/YR - FAIL TO START AND DELAYED STARTING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES; 5/YR ENGINE STOPPED/ STALLED WHILE OPERATING AT SPEEDS FROM 35 TO 65 MPH. 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161210
4.11.15//1233HRS (MT) -- 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E430 STALLING, ENGINE FAILURE PROBLEM: MULTIPLE INCIDENTS (MORE THAN 15 IN 7 YEARS) OF ENGINE FAILURE SINCE 2008. WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY SIGN OF A PROBLEM, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150411
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
STALLING, ABRUPT ENGINE FAILURE, FAIL TO OR DELAYED START: FREQUENCY - 6 TIMES PER YEAR, NO WARNING. 1/YR - FAIL TO START AND DELAYED STARTING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES; 5/YR ENGINE STOPPED/ STALLED WHILE OPERATING AT SPEEDS FROM 35 TO 65 MPH. 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161210
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 1998 Mercedes-Benz E430. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the passengerâs side front coil spring collapsed. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE07021. No warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240103
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Mercedes Benz E430 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz E430 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 E430?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz E430 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.