MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz M Class

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz M Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:05:26.906Z

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
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 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 complaint 2008
1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 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 complaint 2008
1998: 5 complaints 1998 5 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 complaint 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

2 of 5 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars and door.

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, 2003-01-02

Rear door lock failed. Yh

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-22

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys.

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, 2004-03-15

Steering

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

Power train

1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing driveline.

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, 2009-10-18

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-06-15Equipment98V090000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2000-12-29Seat belts99V328000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2003-06-16Steering03V121000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2003-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-22 Engine crankshaft pulley failure
  5. I
    2008-03-11Recall queryClosed 2008-09-17 Power steering hose leak
  6. R
    2008-11-15Steering08V465000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Mercedes Benz M Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V090000 · Equipment
  • Recall 99V328000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 03V121000 · Steering
  • Recall 08V465000 · Steering
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, accounting for 40% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.