1999 Mercedes-Benz 420 Problems & Complaints

Better than average44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 420 at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 44% fewer than a typical 420 model year at the same age, making the 1999 one of the better 420 years. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (1 complaint).

5complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420 problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain
    120%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    120%
  • Other / not specified
    120%
  • Electrical system
    120%
  • Steering
    120%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    120%
  • Brakes
    120%
  • Wheels & tires
    120%
  • Body & structure
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz 420 complaints by model year

19951997199915225
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz 420. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 420 years: 1999. Years to avoid: 1997. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420 a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 420 rates better than average: 44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 420 at the same age. It is one of the best 420 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420?

The transmission & drivetrain — 1 complaint, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz 420. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz 420?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997. See the full Mercedes-Benz 420 years comparison.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.