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1998 Mercedes-Benz E320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 37 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year44% below the E320 median · #10 of 15 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints377 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage67kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 26, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 has problems

37 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
Engine and engine cooling80
Suspension70
Structure52
Visibility40
Equipment40
Air bags31
Exterior lighting30
Power train20
Tires20
8 other systems91

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

0 recalls

1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other E320 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 E320 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320, 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 E320 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE'S CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE. AS A RESULT THE POWER STEERING FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NO REPORT OF IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Complaint 10052172 · Dec 31, 2003 · 89,000 miles
THE HARMONIC BALANCE, LOCATED IN THE CRANKSHAFT, FAILED AND CAUSED INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. ALSO, SUN ROOF FRAME WAS FRACTURED. *AK
Complaint 10044616 · Oct 23, 2003 · 67,000 miles
1998 MERCEDES E320 AT DIFFERENT TIMES, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS LOCKED BY THEMSELVES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. IN JUNE OF 2003 THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE CRANKSHAFT DAMPNER WHICH WAS…
Complaint 10042440 · Nov 5, 2003 · 5,000 miles

Own a 1998 E320?

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