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1999 Mercedes-Benz E ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 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 complaints130 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage99kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 11, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class has problems

13 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
Suspension90
Structure40
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10
Equipment10
Visibility10
Fuel system, other10

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

1 recall

1999 Mercedes-Benz E 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

Air bags: frontal

Recall 98V-256 · Oct 14, 1998 · 4,163 vehicles

Risk. THE WINDOW AIR BAG MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY IN A SIDE-IMPACT COLLISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

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

1999 vs. every other E 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 E Class median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
  2. FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTIONPE07021 · closed Aug 9, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What E Class owners report

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

WHILE DRIVING CAR ON A LOCAL EXCURSION OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER LINED UP STRAIT. TOWARD THE END OF THE TRIP, I NOTED WHAT SEEMED LIKE STEERING IRREGULARITIES, THEN A RUBBING/ WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AFTER DARK, I…
Complaint 10555666 · Dec 11, 2013 · 150,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E55. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…
Complaint 10417172 · Aug 5, 2011 · 125,000 miles
I OWN A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E55 AMG (W210). AFTER PARKING THE CAR WHILE GROCERY SHOPPING, I RETURNED AND FOUND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE MUCH LOWER THAN NORMAL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING AND TWO OTHER PARTS WERE FOUND LYING UNDER THE VEHICLE. I MOVED THE VEHICLE…
Complaint 10281915 · Aug 27, 2009 · 90,000 miles

Own a 1999 E Class?

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