Most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz E300 complaints by model year
Best E300 years: 1995. Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2019. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300:
Front suspension coil spring ejection
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture of the upper front suspension mounting bracket.time-in-service failure rates are notably higher in…
What 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 owners say
Engine & cooling
Unintended sudden acceleration resulting in crash, resulting from oil into intake from seal on turbo charger. Car had been routinely serviced 5 days prior, with error message on air mass sensor. Part was replaced. This error message also occurred 15 months before, and was also replaced then. Car had been running normal prior to both servicing. No engine indicator warnings ever came on prior to crash. Seat belt apparatus also broke upon impact on drivers side when my head struck it.
I was driving in the middle lane of a 3 lane eastbound interstate 10 in gulfport, ms in a light rain ( it had been heavy 2 hours before ) with cruise control on at 65 MPH. I had just come over the lorraine cowen (spelling?) exit and a little after the car was on the flat road, the car without warning spun 180 degrees and we were backward on the interstate. Seeing the tracks on the shoulder the next day, the car came off the interstate backwards at about a 15 to 20 degree angle, spun another 270 degrees at the lower extent of the cleared embankment, and went into the woods. It miraculously missed all large trees and the 3 passengers sustained no injuries at all. No air bags deployed as there was no severe impact, the most severe area of impact damage being somewhile in the ride hitting the left rear door area more severely, as the largest dent was there. …
1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 E300 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the E300 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 E300?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the lights (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz E300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2018 and 2019. See the full Mercedes-Benz E300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 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.