1998 Mercedes Benz S Class
Only 2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 27 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2003 | 28 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE HAD THREE TIRE BOLOW OUTS ON MY MERCEDES-BENZ, IN IDENTICAL SITUATIONS, APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS APART. ALL THREE INCIDENTS HAPPENED ON THREE DIFFERENT HIGHWAYS, AT SPEEDS APPROXIMATING 60 MPH, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS OF DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040911
1 of 2 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ODOMETER SENSOR FAILED. YH
NHTSA ODI report, 19990730
SAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz S 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 S Class?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.