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1998 Mercedes-Benz C ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C Class, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage173kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 2, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C Class has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension20
Air bags10
Child seat10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Structure10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 01V-366 · Dec 4, 2001 · 65,731 vehicles

Risk. THE LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVELS RESULT IN ACCELERATED BATTERY GRID GROWTH, INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR INTER-CELL RUPTURE AND SPARKING, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A BATTERY…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other C Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BATTERY EXPLOSIONPE01029 · closed Dec 13, 2001
    Led to recall 01V-366
  2. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What C Class owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WAS DRIVING CAR AND HEARD LOUD NOISE GOT OUT AND SAW FRONT RIGHT SIDE WAS SITTING LOWER ON ONE SIDE. CAR PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. HAD MY MECHANIC INSPECT. CONCLUDED THAT THE CUP HOLDER THAT HOLDS THE VEHICLES SPRINGS WAS RUSTED OUT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND…
Complaint 10566705 · Mar 2, 2014 · 173,000 miles

Own a 1998 C Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.