MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz M Class

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz M Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:42.058Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz M Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 18 complaints 1999 2000: 25 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 5 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaints 2008
1998: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19985
199918
200025
20015
20025
200310
20040
20081

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STRUCTURE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

ON DECEMBER 29TH WHILE TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY ON I-77 NORTH IN VIRGINIA THE METAL SUNROOF WIND DEFLECTOR ON MY 1998 MERCEDES ML320 COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT WARNING BROKE OFF AND FLEW INTO THE PATH OF SEVERAL AUTOMOBILES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030102

STRUCTURE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

REAR DOOR LOCK FAILED. YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20000322

STEERING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.

POWER TRAIN

1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING CENTER AND GOING ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR, SUDDENLY THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I CRASHED INTO 2 CARS. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT HURT AND THE DAMAGE TO THE 3 CARS WAS SLIGHT BUMPER DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20091018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

THE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY OF MY MERCEDES ML 320 GAVE OUT ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE BELT STARTED TO BURN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040315

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980615 — equipment

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE OWNER'S HOME AND REMOVE THE NON-COMPLIANCE LABEL AND REPLACE THIS WITH A LABEL WHICH IS IN COMPLIANCE.

Campaign 98V090000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20001229 — seat belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LATCHING MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY. IF THE PLASTIC COVER IS LOOSE DURING THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE BUCKLE TONGUE TO

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IF EITHER THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Campaign 99V328000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20030616 — steering

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE FOR THIS CONNECTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOSE CLAMP ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. DURING CLAMP REPLACEMENT, THE POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 03V121000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20031217 — PE (closed 20040422)

ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE

I 20080311 — RQ (closed 20080917)

POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK

R 20081115 — steering

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 125,228 MY 1998-2004 M-CLASS VEHICLES. THE HOSE CLAMP USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLING HOSE TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER MAY NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CLA

Remedy: AN EARLIER RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT A FUTURE LEAKAGE OR FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE CONNECTION (PLEASE SEE 03V121). SINCE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE T

Campaign 08V465000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz M Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V090000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V328000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 03V121000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08V465000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class 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 M Class?

The most-reported component is structure:body:roof and pillars, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz M Class have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.