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
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 8 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show 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, 2006-03-08
Yesterday I got rear ended by another vehicle. This accident happened because my engine stalled while I was approaching an intersection and I was slowing down to make a turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-28
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, 2001-11-15
Also filed under Electrical system and seat belts
Electrical system
3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
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, 2016-12-10
Also filed under Engine
Engine
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 2015-04-11
Suspension
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs.
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, 2024-01-03
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · 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
-
I
2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-09 Front suspension coil spring ejection
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mercedes Benz E430 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 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, accounting for 38% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.