Most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C280 complaints by model year
Best C280 years: 1995, 1997, 2006. Years to avoid: 2007, 1999. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280:
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures…
What 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 owners say
Electrical system
While husband was moving objects in trunk. Touched battery and explode at his face, injuring parts on face and body. The consumer suffered eye damage, nasal fracture and facial lacerations as the result of battey explosion. The vehicle had been repaired at the consumer's expense.
While driving about 15 MPH, consumer heard an explosion, pulled over and battery had shattered. Dealer said it was an electrical short. Consumer stated had problems starting vehicle at times.
Suspension
Without any warning attempting to make a turn around the corner car just made a very loud sound coming from under driver's side in the front. Car came down on driver side very close to tire. When I existed the vehicle is when I realized the front driver side coil suspension was on the ground completely off. Had it towed and looked at by a meinike they stated the the frame where this came off had some rust. I have my vehicle serviced regularly oil change with tire rotation no mechanic ever noticed it while servicing. I have a toddler driving in the car with me and just came off the highway this could have been far worse out come. In the meantime Mercedes dealers have just been giving me the run around this is obvious a manufacture's defect. And very expensive out of pocket to repair. …
While traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH, the spring perch supporting the left, front coil spring broke. Instantly, the left front suspension totally collapsed leaving the left front wheel without any suspension or wheel clearance inside the fender. This in turn caused the left front bumper to nearly drag on the pavement. I understand this is a design defect in Mercedes automobiles that use this same or similar spring perch. This type of part is one that should never fail unless due to an accident. Fortunately, the driver in this case kept her calm and safely guided the vehicle off the interstate. As a result of this incident, I had my 1997 Mercedes e420 inspected and it was discovered that one of the spring perches on that car was about to collapse as well. All Mercedes using a similar spring perch should be inspected immediately before someone is killed. …
1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 C280 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the C280 at the same age. 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the suspension (4) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C280?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1997 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 1999. See the full Mercedes-Benz C280 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 222,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.