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1998 Mercedes-Benz M ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints51 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage37kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 18, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class has problems

5 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 cooling20
Structure20
Power train11
Steering10

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

4 recalls

1998 Mercedes-Benz M 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

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 08V-465 · Sep 17, 2008 · 125,228 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 03V-121 · Mar 27, 2003 · 211,000 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY RESULT IN DIMINISHED POWER STEERING OVER TIME AND ULTIMATELY CAN DAMAGE THE POWER STEERING PUMP.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 99V-328 · Nov 22, 1999 · 85,970 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

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 M 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 M Class median. How we score

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

NHTSA defect investigations

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

  1. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
  2. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKRQ08002 · closed Sep 17, 2008
    Led to recall 08V-465
In owners' words

What M Class owners report

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

NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WHICH IS HARD TO STEER THAT MIGHT CAUSE INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. *AK
Complaint 10089062 · Sep 3, 2004 · 37,400 miles
THE CRANKSHAFT HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY OF MY MERCEDES ML 320 GAVE OUT ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE BELT STARTED TO BURN. I CALLED THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER IN HONOLULU, HI AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, DAN TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE PULLEY TO DATE AND THAT I SHOULD BRING MY ML 320 IN TO…
Complaint 10062287 · Mar 15, 2004

Own a 1998 M Class?

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